MS HB959

Clarifies that county courts serving as youth courts may appoint either a suitable attorney or layman as a guardian ad litem for children in proceedings.

Creates Section 99-43-101 establishing child witness protection standards including the right to child-friendly questioning, freedom from harassment, a visible support person, and courtroom comfort adjustments.

Allows children to have facility animals or comfort items present in court and permits use of screens to obscure the child's view of the defendant or public.

Authorizes videotaped depositions of child testimony when the court finds the child is likely unable to testify in open court due to fear, emotional trauma, medical conditions, or defendant conduct.

Permits courts to exclude defendants from deposition rooms and use closed-circuit television if the child cannot testify in the defendant's physical presence, with videotapes destroyed five years after trial judgment.