MS HB1450

Amends Mississippi Code Sections 99-3-17 and 99-3-18 to eliminate the requirement for a probable cause hearing before an arrest is made in justice court.

Allows arrestees charged with misdemeanors to be released on a written notice to appear in court without a prior probable cause hearing if the arresting officer or booking officer determines release is appropriate.

Requires the notice to appear to include the arrested person's name, address, offense charged, and court appearance date and location, with a minimum of five days between arrest and appearance unless waived.

Maintains existing procedures for booking investigations into an arrested person's background, residency, employment, and prior arrest record to determine eligibility for release.

Takes effect July 1, 2019.