MS HB37

Authorizes judges to determine whether a home study is necessary in adoption proceedings, rather than making it a mandatory requirement for all non-relative and non-stepparent adoptions.

Eliminates Mississippi residency as a requirement for individuals seeking to adopt, allowing out-of-state residents to petition for adoption in the state.

Establishes criminal penalties for disclosing confidential adoption proceeding information: misdemeanor punishable by up to $1,000 fine and/or up to 1 year in county jail.

Allows courts to hold persons in civil contempt for unauthorized disclosure of adoption records, with penalties up to $500 fine and/or 90 days imprisonment.

Takes effect July 1, 2013.