MS HB230

Amends Section 43-21-151 to allow chancery courts to hear and determine abuse allegations against minors that arise during pending custody disputes between parents without invoking youth court authority, provided no prior notice of abuse was given before the chancery proceedings.

Requires that proceedings in chancery court on abuse charges maintain the same confidentiality standards as youth court proceedings.

Amends Section 43-21-261 to clarify that chancery courts with jurisdiction under the new abuse authority and chancery court-appointed guardians ad litem may access confidential youth court records involving children.

Removes outdated language from Section 43-21-261 regarding chancery courts that ordered forensic interviews and renumbers subsequent subsections accordingly.

Takes effect July 1, 2024.