Governor Tate Reeves Signs Youth Court Reform Package to Enhance Mississippi's Juvenile Justice System
Governor Tate Reeves of Mississippi has enacted a comprehensive youth court reform package aimed at overhauling the state's juvenile justice system. The legislation, passed during a special two-day session, includes three bills designed to appoint full-time judges for youth court cases, expand the capacity of youth correctional facilities, construct additional detention centers, and establish a statewide intervention system. The reform seeks to better serve families and children, particularly those who are victims of abuse or have committed nonviolent offenses, while holding minors accountable for violent crimes. Currently, only 24 of Mississippi's 82 counties have full-time judges for youth court cases, with others relying on referees. The new law will transition these courts to divisions of a county's chancery court, with the option for counties to maintain their current systems if desired. 
