Bill > HB152

This bill establishes comprehensive guidelines for conducting video conference proceedings in Mississippi courts, allowing civil proceedings, preliminary criminal hearings, arraignments, bail hearings, and trial settings to be conducted remotely under specific conditions. The bill requires courts to provide written notice to all parties at least 90 days before a video conference, ensure that all participants can simultaneously see, hear, and speak to each other, and maintain the public nature of the proceedings with the ability for the public to observe. Key provisions mandate high-quality video and audio transmission, confidential attorney-client communication capabilities, and special considerations for interpreted proceedings. While many proceedings can be conducted by video at the court's discretion, certain criminal proceedings require unanimous agreement from all parties and judicial approval. The bill also recognizes electronic and facsimile signatures as equivalent to original signatures for documents related to video conference proceedings. These provisions aim to increase court efficiency and accessibility while maintaining procedural integrity, with the law set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Justice

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2025/pdf/history/HB/HB0152.xml