MS HB269

Creates the Advocate Confidentiality Law to protect communications between victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking and their advocates from disclosure in civil, criminal, legislative, and administrative proceedings without prior written consent from the victim.

Defines "advocate" as employees, contractors, agents, or volunteers of victim service providers who have completed at least 20 hours of training in victimization dynamics, relevant laws, crisis intervention, and victim resources.

Permits limited disclosure without victim consent only when: disclosure is mandated by specific state statutes, imminent risk of serious bodily harm or death exists, or a valid court order is issued after in camera review determining the information is relevant, material, and cannot be obtained from other sources.

Establishes civil liability of $10,000 plus compensatory damages for advocates or victim service providers who unlawfully disclose confidential victim communications or personally identifying information.

Amends Section 93-21-109 to consolidate existing domestic violence shelter confidentiality protections and applies the new advocate confidentiality law to shelters and victim service providers; effective July 1, 2019.