MS SB2135

Raises the minimum age for circuit court jurisdiction from unspecified to 15 years old for offenses that would carry life imprisonment or death if committed by an adult, and requires the offense to cause death or serious bodily injury to another.

Raises the minimum age to 15 years old for circuit court jurisdiction of felony offenses committed with a deadly weapon (as defined in Section 97-37-1), shotgun, or rifle, and requires the offense to cause death or serious bodily injury to another.

Modifies transfer procedures in youth court by limiting transfer motions to the prosecutor only (removing youth court's own motion authority) and requiring that transferred offenses resulted in bodily injury to qualify for transfer.

Requires youth court to find by clear and convincing evidence that there are no reasonable prospects of rehabilitation within the juvenile justice system before transferring jurisdiction to circuit court.

Takes effect July 1, 2021.