Senate Bill 2544 Summary

• Clarifies that all fines collected for contempt of youth court orders must be paid into the county general fund per Mississippi Constitution Section 261.

• Prohibits youth courts from charging court costs, fines, or fees to children or their parents/guardians for participation in disposition programs and services, except as authorized in specific sections.

• Requires youth court-ordered medical and behavioral treatment costs to be billed to the child's public or private insurance first, with county funding covering costs only after a hearing determines inability to pay.

• Eliminates authority for youth courts to order parents to pay for court-ordered examinations, treatment, attorney's fees, and court costs.

• Removes the $5.00 fee that teen court participants could be required to pay for participation in the teen court program.