MS SB2323

Creates the Juvenile Detention and Alternatives Task Force to support expansion of detention alternatives and promulgate licensing standards for juvenile detention centers by September 30, 2013.

Requires yearly licensing of all juvenile detention centers effective December 31, 2016, with licensing standards based on national best practices and minimum requirements for facilities, health screening, education, and safety.

Restricts confinement of juveniles to locked cells to specific circumstances including sleeping, punishment, emergencies, protective custody, and voluntary requests; prohibits placement in adult jails except under limited conditions.

Amends youth court jurisdiction to allow courts to remove cases involving implied consent law violations, hunting/fishing violations, and traffic violations from criminal courts and proceed under juvenile court provisions.

Requires youth court judges or designees to issue custody orders before children can be taken into custody, with orders specifying grounds for detention and conditions for release.