Bill > HB1142

This bill revises how court clerks in Mississippi notify sureties, which are entities that guarantee a defendant's appearance in court, about bench warrants and forfeited bail bonds. Previously, this notification could be done through personal service or certified mail, but this bill expands the acceptable methods to include electronic transmission, such as email, and also allows for notification through the Mississippi Electronic Court System. The clerk must now provide a sworn certificate of service detailing the method and date of notification, and retain proof of electronic transmission. If the clerk fails to provide notice within ten working days, the forfeiture order will be set aside. The bill also clarifies that if a defendant appears in court or is arrested within 90 days of a judgment nisi (a preliminary forfeiture order), or if reasonable mitigating circumstances are presented, the forfeiture may be set aside. Finally, it outlines procedures for revoking a surety's authority to write bail bonds if a final judgment against them remains unpaid for an extended period and details conditions under which bail amounts may be refunded to the surety if the defendant is apprehended or accounted for within 18 months of a final forfeiture.

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https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2026/pdf/history/HB/HB1142.xml