MS HB271

Amends Mississippi Code sections 99-15-35 and 99-15-43 to allow prosecutors to request a change of venue in capital cases if the court determines the prosecution cannot receive a fair and impartial trial in the county where the offense was charged.

Expands existing venue change provisions that previously applied only to defendants by allowing the same fairness standard to apply to prosecutions in capital cases.

Requires venue change applications in capital cases to be made before the drawing of any special venire for trial, except when grounds for the change occur after the venire is drawn.

Takes effect July 1, 2010.