MS HB1276

Amends Section 43-15-51 of Mississippi Code to require district attorneys or Department of Child Protection Services to establish multidisciplinary child protection teams for investigating cases involving child abuse, sexual exploitation, human trafficking, and severe child maltreatment.

Requires court authorization via youth court order to establish teams, which must include district attorneys, law enforcement, county attorneys, youth court prosecutors, and the Human Trafficking Coordinator.

Defines child advocacy centers as agencies providing forensic interviews, medical examinations, mental health services, court advocacy, and training related to child abuse investigations.

Grants limited civil immunity to child advocacy centers and multidisciplinary team members acting in good faith within their official duties when referring abuse reports, conducting investigations, making judgments, or releasing information to protect children.

Takes effect July 1, 2020.