SB 2342 Summary

• Corrects all references throughout Mississippi's termination of parental rights law from "Department of Human Services" to "Department of Child Protection Services"

• Clarifies that voluntary termination of parental rights by written voluntary release does not require appointment of a guardian ad litem and creates a separate procedure under Section 93-15-111

• Adds "conception by unlawful sexual act" as a ground for termination of parental rights when a parent commits rape or sexual battery against the other parent under Sections 97-3-65 or 97-3-95

• Adds conviction of human trafficking of a child under Section 97-3-54.1 to the list of criminal convictions that constitute grounds for termination of parental rights

• Requires courts to inquire about an absent parent's military status before conducting an evidentiary hearing on termination of parental rights