MS HB599

Establishes Mississippi Witness Protection Program with a five-member Witness Protection Board appointed by Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Mississippi Prosecutors Association, and Mississippi Sheriff's Association to oversee witness protection for essential witnesses in crimes of violence.

Authorizes district attorneys to petition the board for witness protection services including armed protection, relocation assistance, housing expenses up to a reasonable amount, daily living expenses of $30 per day maximum, and public school placement without waiting lists or qualification requirements.

Limits witness protection services to one year initially, with possible extension to two years maximum, and requires courts to prioritize cases with protected witnesses for trial within one year of arraignment.

Makes witness protection board records, minutes, and agreements confidential and exempt from public records laws; restricts discovery of witness location and protection details except for plea agreements and criminal history upon court order.

Establishes Mental Health Court programs in circuit courts for eligible defendants with mental health treatment needs, requires state prosecutor consent for participation, excludes those with prior violent felony convictions, and grants immunity to Mental Health Court staff for good faith actions.