MS HB1299

Creates a Witness Protection Board within the executive branch consisting of five members appointed by the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Mississippi Prosecutors Association, and Mississippi Sheriff's Association, with initial terms of 4, 4, 1, 2, and 3 years respectively.

Establishes a state Witness Protection Program for witnesses in danger due to providing statements or testimony in crimes of violence cases, with district attorneys filing petitions to the board for witness protection services.

Authorizes protective services including armed protection, relocation assistance, housing expenses up to a reasonable amount, daily living allowances of $30 per day, and public school or public housing placement without regard to waiting lists or qualification requirements.

Requires written witness protection agreements detailing witness responsibilities, including cooperation with law enforcement, truthful testimony, lawful conduct, and prohibition on disclosing program participation, with violation rendering the agreement null and void.

Limits witness protection services to a maximum of two years, grants priority trial status to cases with protected witnesses within one year of arraignment, and exempts all Witness Protection Board records and documents from public disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act.