MS HB1111

Amends Section 93-15-105 of the Mississippi Code to grant county courts sitting as youth courts original exclusive jurisdiction over both voluntary and involuntary termination of parental rights actions when the court has already acquired jurisdiction in an abuse or neglect proceeding involving the child.

Maintains chancery court's original exclusive jurisdiction over termination of parental rights proceedings in cases not already within a youth court's jurisdiction over abuse or neglect matters.

Establishes venue for youth court termination of parental rights proceedings in the county where the court has jurisdiction over the related abuse or neglect case.

Preserves existing venue rules for chancery court termination of parental rights proceedings, allowing venue in the county where the defendant resides, the child resides, or where the agency or institution with custody is located.

Takes effect July 1, 2023.