MS HB379

Reenacts sections 13-7-1 through 13-7-49 of the Mississippi Code establishing the State Grand Jury Act, which creates a statewide grand jury system consisting of 20 members with jurisdiction over drug-related offenses occurring in multiple circuit court districts.

Removes the July 1, 2014 repeal date on the State Grand Jury Act, making it permanently effective rather than temporary.

Amends Section 99-11-3 to remove the repeal provision on venue for indictments returned by the state grand jury, allowing such indictments to be tried in any county where alleged conduct occurred as determined by the impaneling judge.

Authorizes the Attorney General to petition a senior circuit court judge to impanel a state grand jury for 12 months (extendable up to 2 years) when investigating multi-district drug crimes and requires consultation with the Commissioner of Public Safety and Director of the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics.

Establishes procedures for jury selection, witness examination, indictment return, and confidentiality of state grand jury proceedings, with violations of secrecy provisions punishable as a misdemeanor.