MS SB2969

Amends Section 43-21-151 of Mississippi Code to add a new provision allowing circuit courts to assume jurisdiction over youth offenders when a youth court determines that a transfer is appropriate under Section 43-21-157.

Youth court retains exclusive original jurisdiction over delinquent, neglected, abused, and dependent children except in cases involving life imprisonment or death penalties, deadly weapons, or abuse charges arising during pending custody disputes in chancery court.

Clarifies that children under 13 years old cannot be held criminally responsible or prosecuted unless jurisdiction is transferred to another court.

Youth court jurisdiction over a child attaches at the time of offense and continues until the child's 20th birthday unless terminated by court order.

Takes effect July 1, 2011.