MS HB1420

Amends Section 43-21-151 of Mississippi Code to clarify that youth court retains exclusive original jurisdiction over delinquent children, except in cases where the offense would be punishable by death or includes a murder charge, which go to circuit court.

Allows circuit court to assume jurisdiction over a youth charged with delinquency if the youth court determines that a transfer to circuit court is appropriate.

Maintains existing provisions that youth court lacks jurisdiction over offenses committed by children on or after their eighteenth birthday, or on or after their seventeenth birthday if the offense would be a felony.

Requires youth court notification when a child is expelled from public schools and specifies the acts constituting the basis for expulsion.

Takes effect July 1, 2010.