MS HB1342

Youth court loses jurisdiction over felony offenses committed by children on or after their seventeenth birthday, with such cases transferred to circuit court.

Children may be committed to the state training school (Oakley Youth Development Center) if they commit three misdemeanors within a six-month period, in addition to the existing felony standard.

Once committed to the training school, children remain there for the period ordered by the youth court judge, but the superintendent may recommend early release with a hearing held within ten business days to determine if the court agrees with the recommendation.

Maximum detention time in juvenile detention centers increases from 90 days to 180 days, with administrative reviews required after 90 days instead of the previous 45 days.

Effective date is July 1, 2020.