MS SB2704

Creates Section 99-43-101 to establish child witness protection standards for children under 18 years old testifying in criminal proceedings and youth court cases.

Grants children rights including child-friendly questioning, freedom from harassment, presence of a support person, facility animals or comfort items, and use of screens to obscure defendant visibility.

Allows courts to appoint standby counsel to question children on behalf of pro se defendants if direct questioning would cause substantial emotional harm to the child.

Permits videotaped depositions of child testimony when court finds child likely unable to testify in open court due to fear, emotional trauma, medical conditions, or defendant conduct, with videotape preserved as evidence.

Restricts disclosure of child discovery and personal information to third parties without written court order and requires destruction of videotapes five years after trial judgment.