MS HB719

Amends Section 5-3-59 to establish a criminal penalty of up to $1,000 fine or up to 6 months in county jail for willfully refusing to appear before the peer review committee or answer questions posed by committee members.

Requires the committee chairman to certify contempt allegations to the Attorney General or county prosecuting attorney to institute criminal proceedings, with venue allowed in the county where the subpoena was issued, where the person was served, or where testimony was ordered.

Creates Section 5-3-70 to provide an alternative civil enforcement mechanism allowing the committee to file a complaint in chancery court for witness noncompliance, with court contempt penalties applied under existing law.

Amends Section 25-61-9 to exempt the Joint Legislative Committee on Performance Evaluation and Expenditure Review from protective orders, allowing it access to confidential information and discretion over its use and reporting.

Effective July 1, 2010.