MS HB533

Authorizes judges to waive home study requirements in adoption cases when they determine such studies are not necessary, including for Interstate Compact for Placement of Children (ICPC) cases involving abandoned or endangered minors

Clarifies that home studies may be waived in adoptions where the petitioner is not a relative or stepparent, at the court's discretion

Makes all adoption proceedings, pleadings, testimony, exhibits, and records confidential and prohibits disclosure without court authorization

Creates a misdemeanor offense for unauthorized disclosure of adoption hearing information or records, punishable by up to $1,000 fine, up to one year in jail, or both

Allows courts to hold persons in civil contempt for unauthorized disclosure of adoption records, with penalties up to $500 fine, 90 days imprisonment, or both