Bill > HB1671

This bill updates existing Mississippi laws concerning youth courts and their referees, which are individuals appointed to assist judges in handling cases involving children. It clarifies that while referees appointed after July 1, 1991, must be attorneys, this requirement does not apply to those appointed before that date. The bill also mandates that referees receive specific judicial training and ongoing education in juvenile justice, with attendance records maintained by the Administrative Office of Courts, and outlines consequences for missing training sessions. Furthermore, it details the process for hearings conducted by referees, including the issuance of orders, the allowance for rehearings by the judge, and the referee's powers, which are equivalent to those of the youth court judge for authorized hearings. The bill also addresses the establishment and operation of "Teen Court Pilot Programs," which serve as a diversionary measure for certain young offenders, allowing them to participate in a program run by youth who act as court personnel, and potentially receive community service, apologies, or other dispositions instead of traditional court proceedings. Finally, it allows schools to credit the time teachers and students spend participating in these teen court programs as instructional time and sets an effective date of July 1, 2026.

Justice

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2026/pdf/history/HB/HB1671.xml