MS HB842

Creates the Domestic Violence Fatality Review Team within the Office of the State Medical Examiner as a multidisciplinary team to review deaths resulting from suspected domestic violence and/or suicide.

Governor appoints team members from specified categories including the chief medical examiner (chair), representatives from domestic violence organizations, law enforcement, physicians, social workers, prosecutors, and state agency directors; selections made from nominees provided by relevant professional organizations.

Team members serve three-year terms without compensation or expense reimbursement and cannot be questioned in civil or criminal proceedings about information presented or opinions formed during team meetings.

Team prohibited from calling witnesses, contacting family members of deceased, or enforcing laws; team proceedings, records, and opinions are confidential and not subject to discovery or subpoena.

Team required to submit annual report to Governor and Legislature by March 1 each year detailing domestic violence fatalities, trends, causes, and policy recommendations; all research findings must be made public.