MS SB2779

Authorizes regional mental health commissions to establish regional holding facilities for persons 18 years and older being held for civil commitment purposes.

Requires participating counties to contribute $1.00 per capita (based on decennial census) to a holding facility fund, with the state matching at $2.00 for every $1.00 received from counties; state match included as line item in Department of Mental Health appropriation.

Prohibits counties that do not contribute to a regional holding facility fund from using such facilities, and prevents courts from ordering commitment to a holding facility unless the county has entered into a cooperative agreement and made required contribution.

Allows persons in holding facilities and treatment professionals to participate in civil commitment proceedings via videoconference rather than appearing in court, except in extraordinary circumstances; requires holding facilities to have videoconferencing capability and attorneys to be present at the person's location during remote hearings.

Prohibits publication of jail photographs ("mug shots") of persons held for civil commitment purposes, except as allowed under Section 41-21-97; requires immediate removal and destruction of any such published photographs.