MS SB2162

Amends Section 43-21-151 to clarify that circuit courts have original jurisdiction over acts committed by children aged 16 or older that would be punishable by death or life imprisonment if committed by a person over 21 years old.

Gives circuit courts original jurisdiction over acts committed by children aged 16 or older involving deadly weapons, concealed weapons prohibited by Section 97-37-1, shotguns, or rifles that would constitute felonies if committed by a person over 21 years old.

Maintains youth court exclusive jurisdiction in all other delinquency proceedings involving children, except in custody cases where abuse charges arise in chancery court proceedings already pending between parents.

Preserves existing provisions that youth court jurisdiction attaches at time of offense and continues until the child's twentieth birthday, and that children under 13 cannot be held criminally responsible.

Takes effect July 1, 2014.