MS HB1129

Amends Section 93-15-105 of Mississippi Code to clarify that county courts sitting as youth courts have original exclusive jurisdiction over termination of parental rights proceedings when the court has already acquired jurisdiction in an abuse or neglect proceeding involving the child.

Establishes that chancery courts retain original exclusive jurisdiction over all other termination of parental rights proceedings not involving youth courts with prior abuse or neglect jurisdiction.

Sets venue rules requiring termination of parental rights cases in youth courts to be filed in the county where the court has jurisdiction of the child in the abuse or neglect proceeding.

Allows venue in chancery court cases to be proper in the county where the defendant resides, the child resides, or where an agency or institution having custody of the child is located.

Takes effect July 1, 2020.