MS HB1176

Prohibits statements, admissions, confessions, or incriminating information obtained from a child during screening or assessment from being admitted as evidence in delinquency proceedings or criminal cases to determine if the child committed a delinquent act.

Adds definitions of "assessment" and "screening" to Mississippi's youth court law, with assessment defined as individualized examination of a child's psychosocial needs and screening defined as a process to identify children at risk of mental health or substance abuse disorders.

Applies the prohibition to all screenings and assessments conducted in connection with youth court proceedings, including court-ordered evaluations.

Clarifies that this prohibition supplements rather than overrides existing statutory and constitutional protections regarding admission of information from screening, assessment, or treatment.

Effective date: July 1, 2014.