MS HB115

Amends Section 43-21-203, Mississippi Code of 1972, to allow immediate and extended family members of children under youth court jurisdiction to attend hearings concerning that child.

Exception applies when a family member is the alleged abuser of the child, in which case the family member attendance restriction remains in effect.

Maintains existing youth court procedures including civil (non-criminal) nature of proceedings, exclusion of general public, stenographic record requirements, and rules of evidence.

Effective July 1, 2019.