Bill > HB492

This bill amends Mississippi's domestic violence protection order laws to expand the authority of chancery courts in issuing temporary domestic abuse protection orders. The legislation allows chancery courts, in addition to municipal, county, and justice courts, to issue temporary protection orders after a hearing where abuse is proven by a preponderance of the evidence. The bill modifies existing provisions to clarify the duration of temporary orders, which can now last up to 30 days or up to one year if the parties do not have children in common. The legislation also updates the appeals process for protection orders, establishing procedures for appealing orders from different courts, including new provisions for appeals from chancery courts. The bill maintains the core protections of existing law, such as allowing courts to prohibit contact, limit physical proximity, grant possession of shared residences, and provide other protective measures for victims of domestic abuse. Additionally, the bill ensures that protection orders are entered into the Mississippi Protection Order Registry and remain effective across all states and territories. The changes aim to provide more comprehensive and accessible legal protection for individuals experiencing domestic abuse by streamlining court procedures and expanding judicial options for issuing protective orders. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Justice

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2025/pdf/history/HB/HB0492.xml