MS SB2480

Clarifies that all adoption proceedings, pleadings, reports, files, testimony, exhibits, and records are confidential and shall not be disclosed by any person except by court order on good cause shown.

Establishes that adoption records remain confidential but may be released through subpoena duces tecum to a court or administrative proceeding, or pursuant to Sections 93-17-201 through 93-17-223.

Creates a misdemeanor offense for any person who discloses information from a closed hearing or adoption records involving children without proper authorization, punishable by a fine up to $1,000, imprisonment up to one year, or both.

Allows the court to find a person in civil contempt for disclosing adoption records or information without authorization, with punishment of a fine up to $500, imprisonment up to 90 days in jail, or both.

Takes effect July 1, 2014.