MS HB1439

Requires justice court judges and conservators of the peace to check the Mississippi Protective Order Registry before granting bail in cases involving offenses against current or former spouses, children, dating partners, or persons with whom the accused shares a biological or legally adopted child.

Existing domestic abuse protection orders must be considered when determining appropriate bail amounts in these cases.

Maintains requirement that no bail shall be granted for misdemeanor domestic violence or knowing violations of domestic abuse protective orders until the arrested person appears before a judge within 24 hours.

Judges must consider specific factors when setting bail in domestic violence cases, including potential for further violence, past history of violence, level of violence in the current offense, threats, and existence of protective orders.

Takes effect July 1, 2012.