MS HB986

Amends Section 93-9-9 of Mississippi Code to revise standards for changing a child's surname during legitimization proceedings.

Adds requirement that surname change to father's name upon legitimization must be determined to be "in the best interest of the child" when both parents apply to State Board of Health with sworn acknowledgement of paternity.

Maintains existing provisions for paternity establishment through court proceedings, voluntary acknowledgment, and genetic testing, with one-year rescission period for voluntary acknowledgments.

Effective July 1, 2013.