AN ACT TO LOWER THE AGE OF MAJORITY FROM 21 TO 18; TO AMEND SECTION 1-3-21, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM THE DEFINITION OF INFANT; TO AMEND SECTION 1-3-27, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM THE DEFINITION OF MINOR; TO AMEND SECTION 11-46-11, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REVISE THE SAVINGS CLAUSE OF THE TORT CLAIMS ACT TO CONFORM; TO AMEND SECTIONS 13-5-1 AND 13-5-12, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REVISE THE AGE OF JURY SERVICE; TO AMEND SECTION 15-1-27, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM THE LIMITATIONS APPLICABLE TO AN ACTION BY A WARD AGAINST A GUARDIAN OR SURETY; TO AMEND SECTION 15-1-59, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM THE SAVING IN FAVOR OF PERSONS UNDER DISABILITY OF UNSOUNDNESS OF MIND WITHIN THE CHAPTER ADDRESSING THE LIMITATIONS OF CIVIL ACTIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 21-15-13, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REVISE THE MILITIA POWER OF THE MAYOR TO CONFORM; TO AMEND SECTION 25-4-3, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REVISE THE DEFINITION OF "HOUSEHOLD MEMBER" WITHIN THE ARTICLE ESTABLISHING THE MISSISSIPPI ETHICS COMMISSION TO CONFORM; TO AMEND SECTION 41-29-145, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REVISE THE PUNISHMENT OF THE DISTRIBUTION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES TO MINORS TO CONFORM; TO AMEND SECTION 43-19-33, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM THE AGE OF MANDATORY SUPPORT IN AN ORDER OF FILIATION; TO AMEND SECTION 91-5-3, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM AS TO AGE OF ISSUE CAPABLE OF INHERITING; TO AMEND SECTION 91-7-293, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM AS TO FINAL ACCOUNTING BY THE HEIRS OF AN ESTATE; TO AMEND SECTION 93-1-5, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM THE AGE FOR ISSUANCE OF A MARRIAGE LICENSE; TO AMEND SECTION 93-9-9, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM PROVISIONS AS TO AGE FOR THE TERMS OF A DECREE FOR REMOVAL OF THE DISABILITY OF A MINOR; TO AMEND SECTION 93-11-65, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REVISE THE AGE OF EMANCIPATION; TO AMEND SECTION 93-14-102, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM THE DEFINITION OF THE TERM "ADULT" FOR THE PURPOSES OF THE UNIFORM ADULT GUARDIANSHIP AND PROTECTIVE PROCEEDINGS JURISDICTION ACT; TO AMEND SECTION 93-15-103, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM THE DEFINITION OF THE TERM "MINOR PARENT" IN THE TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS LAW; TO AMEND SECTION 93-17-5, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM AS TO THE AGE OF PARENTS IN AN ADOPTION; TO AMEND SECTION 93-17-205, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REVISE PROVISIONS CONCERNING ADOPTION RECORDS TO CONFORM; TO AMEND SECTION 93-17-215, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM AS TO A PERSON'S AUTHORITY TO REQUEST CERTAIN INFORMATION CONCERNING ADOPTION; TO AMEND SECTION 93-20-102, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REVISE THE AGE OF MAJORITY UNDER GUARDIANSHIP AND CONSERVATORSHIP LAW TO CONFORM; TO AMEND SECTION 97-33-23, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM THE PENALTY FOR GAMBLING WITH A KNOWN MINOR; TO AMEND SECTION 99-3-45, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM AS TO WHICH PERSONS MUST BE GIVEN CERTAIN NOTICE UPON RELEASE FROM ARREST; TO REPEAL SECTION 35-7-43, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, WHICH PROVIDES FOR THE REMOVAL OF THE DISABILITIES OF MINORITY OF CERTAIN VETERANS; TO REPEAL SECTION 91-7-37, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, WHICH PROVIDES FOR THE REMOVAL OF THE DISABILITIES OF MINORITY FOR CERTAIN EXECUTORS, EXECUTRIXES, ADMINISTRATORS OR ADMINISTRATRIXES; TO REPEAL SECTION 93-19-13, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, WHICH PROVIDES THAT ALL PERSONS 18 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER, IF NOT OTHERWISE DISQUALIFIED, SHALL HAVE THE CAPACITY TO ENTER INTO BINDING CONTRACTUAL RELATIONSHIPS AFFECTING PERSONAL PROPERTY AND THAT AN 18-YEAR-OLD MAY SUE AND BE SUED IN HIS OR HER OWN NAME AS AN ADULT AND BE SERVED WITH PROCESS AS AN ADULT; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
The implications of SB2031 are substantial, as it will modify the legal framework surrounding the capacity for individuals aged 18 and older to enter into various contracts, including those related to property, marriage licenses, and personal liability. Additionally, it will impact jury service requirements, allowing individuals who are 18 to be called for jury duty, reflecting a legal acknowledgment of 18-year-olds as adults. The measure also seeks to repeal certain existing sections that grant specific protections and restrictions based on the current age of majority, thereby streamlining legal definitions of 'minor' and 'adult' across Mississippi law.
Senate Bill 2031 seeks to lower the age of majority in Mississippi from 21 to 18, thereby amending various sections of the Mississippi Code to reflect this change. The proposed legislation revises definitions and terms related to minors and adults in numerous statutes, including those that govern contractual relationships, jury service, and the rights of individuals under guardianship. By aligning the legal age of majority with the age of adulthood recognized in many other contexts, the bill aims to provide younger individuals with greater autonomy in decision-making processes affecting their lives.
The sentiment surrounding SB2031 is mixed, with proponents arguing that it empowers young adults by recognizing their maturity and independence at an earlier age. Supporters contend that this change aligns with societal expectations, where 18-year-olds are already eligible to vote and serve in the military. Conversely, opponents express concerns that lowering the age of majority could lead to unintended consequences, particularly regarding the legal responsibilities and risks faced by younger adults in contracts and legal obligations that, until now, have been reserved for those over 21.
Key points of contention include the impact on existing statutory provisions where age plays a critical role, such as criminal penalties for behaviors involving minors and the consequences of legal contracts that minors may enter into. Critics argue that the change might not adequately consider the maturity levels and life experience of 18-year-olds compared to older age groups, potentially leading to exploitation or difficulties in understanding complex legal agreements. The debate reflects broader conversations around youth autonomy, responsibility, and the legal definitions that govern adulthood in the state.