MS SB2728

Establishes the Mississippi Chancery Youth Court Act of 2026, creating a uniform youth court system within the chancery court division for counties without county courts, effective January 1, 2028.

Eliminates municipal youth court divisions and regular/special youth court referees, transferring all causes and dockets to chancery court youth court divisions by January 1, 2028.

Creates new chancellor positions in each chancery court district as needed to handle youth court matters, with candidates running in the November 2027 general election for terms beginning January 1, 2028.

Establishes the Family Services Forum for Mississippi Children, Youth, and Families to replace the Mississippi Council of Youth Court Judges, and requires the Administrative Office of Courts to provide intake officers and one court administrator to each youth court.

Opens youth court hearings to the general public (with certain exceptions requiring a court order to close), removes confidentiality restrictions on youth court records disclosure, and authorizes a youth diversion program through the Division of Youth Services.