MS SB2096

Establishes Mississippi Child Witness Bill of Rights for children under 18 years old testifying in court, granting courts discretion to provide appropriate accommodations.

Allows courts to limit testimony duration, schedule testimony around school/activities, permit comfort items, designate support persons, and use child-appropriate language during questioning and oath administration.

Authorizes courts to adjust courtroom layout, conduct proceedings outside normal courtroom, close courtroom to public/media, relax formalities, permit facility animals, or use screens to obscure child's view of parties.

Requires courts to protect child witnesses' physical safety and sensitive information (including addresses), provide separate waiting areas from defendants and defense witnesses, and give notice of discovery motions in abuse cases to guardians ad litem or child's counsel.

Takes effect July 1, 2014.