Senate Bill 2774 Summary

• Brings forward and establishes the Youth Court Law (Chapter 43-21, Mississippi Code), governing the organization, administration, operation, and jurisdiction of youth courts statewide.

• Creates the Mississippi Commission on a Uniform Youth Court System with 21 members to study the youth court system and submit recommendations to the Legislature by October 1, 2024, including proposals for uniform statewide court structure and modernization.

• Brings forward chancery court and county court statutes (Chapter 9-5 and 9-9) establishing judicial districts, number of judges, and court organization across all 20 Mississippi chancery court districts and additional county courts in specific counties.

• Establishes the Youth Court Support Fund with up to $2,500,000 in annual appropriations to provide support for youth court referees, administrators, and intake officers responsible for accurate case tracking and reporting.

• Effective date: July 1, 2024.