MS SB2841

Accused persons or their attorneys may request that crime lab personnel testify in person at misdemeanor trials by notifying the prosecuting attorney in writing at least 10 days before trial.

Requestable witnesses include persons who performed laboratory analyses for the Mississippi Crime Laboratory and persons who prepared blood sample reports under Mississippi's Implied Consent Law.

If an accused person is convicted or pleads guilty to the charged misdemeanor after requesting a lab witness's appearance, the accused person must pay the full cost of that witness's attendance, including transportation expenses.

Prosecutors are not required to produce lab personnel for trial if the accused person or their attorney fails to provide the required 10-day written notice.

The act takes effect July 1, 2012.