MS HB1551

Establishes the Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board within the State Department of Health to review deaths from domestic violence incidents and develop prevention strategies.

Board composed of 15 members appointed by the State Health Officer, including domestic violence survivors, law enforcement officers, medical professionals, prosecutors, judges, and representatives from domestic violence organizations and victim assistance offices.

Board members serve four-year terms with a chairman elected every two years; the Department of Health shall employ or contract with a coordinator to provide administrative support and gather records for investigations.

Board shall submit biennial reports by December 1st to House and Senate public health committees detailing domestic violence fatalities, causes, demographics, trends, and policy recommendations to reduce preventable deaths.

All board proceedings, records, and information are confidential and exempt from the Mississippi Public Records Act; physicians, hospitals, and pharmacies providing medical records in good faith receive civil and criminal immunity.

Board is exempt from the Open Meetings Act.