MS SB2637

Amends Section 43-21-203 of the Mississippi Code to revise public access to youth court proceedings involving children.

Establishes that all proceedings are presumptively closed to the public, except licensed attorneys in Mississippi may attend unless a child, parent, or guardian objects and the court finds the attorney's presence would harm the objecting party or fairness of the process.

Allows judges discretion to open proceedings to individuals desired by a child, parent, or guardian, and permits media and researcher attendance only with parental/guardian consent and counsel's statement that no harm would result.

Prohibits attendees from disclosing children's and families' names, addresses, contact information, photographs, or other identifying information except as directed by the court.

Effective date: July 1, 2020.