New State law protects Mississippi businesses from fraudulent filings
By District 56 Representative Clay Mansell
One of the most rewarding parts of serving in the Mississippi House of Representatives is having the opportunity to solve real problems for the people and businesses we represent.
On July 1, House Bill 1532, legislation I authored, officially became law. I worked closely with the Mississippi Secretary of State’s Office to develop this bill after learning about an issue affecting Mississippi businesses.
Before this law, if someone fraudulently filed documents against a business, there was no clear process to have those fraudulent filings removed. Even after they were determined to be fraudulent, they could remain on the public record, creating confusion and potential harm for legitimate business owners.
House Bill 1532 changes that.
The new Mississippi Business Filing Fraud Prevention Act creates a process for business owners to file a Business Fraud Declaration Form with the Secretary of State’s Office to request the removal of fraudulent business filings. The Secretary of State’s Business Services Division will review those requests and take appropriate action under the law.
Protecting businesses from fraud is an important part of maintaining a strong business climate in Mississippi. Whether it’s a small, family-owned business or a large employer, every business deserves confidence that its public records accurately reflect its operations.
I appreciate the partnership of the Mississippi Secretary of State’s Office throughout the legislative process and thank my colleagues in the Legislature for supporting this common-sense legislation.
As lawmakers, we often work on large issues that receive statewide attention, but sometimes the most meaningful legislation is the kind that quietly solves a problem and makes life a little easier for the people we serve. I believe House Bill 1532 is one of those bills, and I’m proud to have helped bring it across the finish line.
For more information or to access the new Business Fraud Declaration Form, visit the Mississippi Secretary of State’s website at www.sos.ms.gov.
