MS SB2690

Reenacts sections 13-7-1 through 13-7-49 of the Mississippi Code establishing the State Grand Jury Act to make the statute permanent by deleting its repeal date.

State grand juries consist of 20 persons with statewide jurisdiction limited to drug-related offenses and crimes arising from controlled substances under the Mississippi Uniform Controlled Substances Law.

Attorney General petitions a senior circuit court judge to impanel a state grand jury for terms up to 12 months, extendable for up to 6 months, with the impaneling judge presiding and overseeing all proceedings.

State grand jury indictments may be returned in any county where the alleged conduct occurred, with the impaneling judge designating the trial venue based on considerations of fairness and impartiality.

Amends Section 99-11-3 to remove the repeal date for venue provisions governing state grand jury indictments, making the State Grand Jury Act permanent law effective July 1, 2011.