Legislation designed to provide fairness to businesses when a crime is committed by a third party on the business’s property has passed the Mississippi State Senate. The Landowner Protection Act, SB 2901 would provide a jury the ability to apportion, or split, fault between the person committing the crime and the property owner if there is evidence the property owner bears responsibility. Currently, the business must bear all responsibility for the criminal conduct. The bill also clarifies the circumstances under which a business can be held liable for the criminal conduct of a third party
MEC is among a large coalition of business organizations and others supporting passage of the legislation. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.