Administrative Office of Courts

Miss. Code Ann. tit. 9, ch. 21
in effect

Miss. Code Ann. § 9-21-1 Administrative Office of Courts established; purpose; “court” defined.

The Administrative Office of Courts is hereby created. The purpose of the Administrative Office of Courts shall be to assist in the efficient administration of the nonjudicial business of the courts of the state and in improving the administration of justice in Mississippi by performing the duties and exercising the powers as provided in this chapter. As used in this chapter, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the term “court” means any tribunal recognized as a part of the judicial branch of government, but not including county boards of supervisors.

Miss. Code Ann. § 9-21-3 Duties of Administrative Office of Courts.

The Administrative Office of Courts shall be specifically charged with the duty of assisting the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Mississippi with his duties as the chief administrative officer of all courts of this state, including without limitation the task of insuring that the business of the courts of the state is attended with proper dispatch, that the dockets of such courts are not permitted to become congested and that trials and appeals of cases, civil and criminal, are not delayed unreasonably. The office shall also perform the following duties: To work with the clerks of all youth courts and civil and criminal trial courts in the state to collect, obtain, compile, digest and publish information and statistics concerning the administration of justice in the state. To serve as an agency to apply for and receive any grants or other assistance and to coordinate and conduct studies and projects to improve the administration of justice by the courts of the state, and it may conduct such studies with or without the assistance of consultants. To supply such support to the Judicial Advisory Study Committee necessary to accomplish the purposes of this chapter, including without limitation, research and clerical assistance. To promulgate standards, rules and regulations for computer and/or electronic filing and storage of all court records and court-related records maintained throughout the state in courts and in offices of circuit and chancery clerks. It shall perform such other duties relating to the improvement of the administration of justice as may be assigned by the Supreme Court of Mississippi.

Miss. Code Ann. § 9-21-5 Administrative Director.

The Administrative Director shall be appointed by and shall serve at the pleasure of the Supreme Court of Mississippi as the Director of the Administrative Office of Courts. The Administrative Director shall devote full time to the duties of the office to the exclusion of engagement in any other business or profession for profit.

Miss. Code Ann. § 9-21-7 Director authorized to hire assistants and employees.

The Administrative Director, with the approval of the Supreme Court, is authorized to employ and set the compensation of such assistants and other employees as are necessary to enable him to perform his duties, subject to approval of the State Personnel Board.

Miss. Code Ann. § 9-21-9 Duties and authority of Director.

The Administrative Director of Courts shall have the following duties and authority with respect to all courts in addition to any other duties and responsibilities as may be properly assigned by the Supreme Court: To require the filing of reports, the collection and compilation of statistical data and other information on the judicial and financial operation of the courts and on the operation of other offices directly related to and serving the courts; To determine the state of the dockets and evaluate the practices and procedures of the courts and make recommendations concerning the number of judges and other personnel required for the efficient administration of justice; To prescribe uniform administrative and business methods, systems, forms and records to be used in the offices of the clerks of courts; To devise, promulgate and require the use of a uniform youth court case tracking system, including a youth court case filing form for filing with each individual youth court matter, to be utilized by the Administrative Office of Courts and the youth courts in order that the number of youthful offenders, abused, neglected, truant and dependent children, as well as children in need of special care and children in need of supervision, may be tracked with specificity through the youth court and adult justice systems; in support of the uniform case docketing system, the director shall require that all youth courts utilize the Mississippi Youth Court Information Delivery System (MYCIDS); To develop, promulgate and require the use of a statewide docket numbering system to be utilized by the youth courts, which youth court docket numbers shall standardize and unify the numbering system by which youth court docket numbers are assigned, such that each docket number would, among other things, identify the county and year in which a particular youth court action was commenced; To develop, promulgate and require the use of uniform youth court orders and forms in all youth courts and youth court proceedings; To prepare and submit budget recommendations for state appropriations necessary for the maintenance and operation of the judicial system and to authorize expenditures from funds appropriated for these purposes as permitted or authorized by law; To develop and implement personnel policies for nonjudicial personnel employed by the courts; To investigate, make recommendations concerning and assist in the securing of adequate physical accommodations for the judicial system; To procure, distribute, exchange, transfer and assign such equipment, books, forms and supplies as are acquired with state funds or grant funds or otherwise for the judicial system; To make recommendations for the improvement of the operations of the judicial system; To prepare and submit an annual report on the work of the judicial system to the Supreme Court; To take necessary steps in the collection of unpaid court costs, fines and forfeitures; To perform such additional administrative duties relating to the improvement of the administration of justice as may be assigned by the Supreme Court; and To promulgate standards, rules and regulations for computer and/or electronic filing and storage of all court records and court-related records maintained throughout the state in courts and in offices of circuit and chancery clerks.

Miss. Code Ann. § 9-21-11 Director authorized to apply for, receive, and distribute, funds and grants.

The Administrative Director of Courts is authorized and empowered to: study and apply for any and all applications for funds and grants directed to the office from any federal governmental agency or entity; disburse such aid, assistance, funds, monies, grants or subgrants; and coordinate the same with the overall administration of justice in Mississippi to assist or aid in the administration of justice, criminal or civil, or the improvement of courts and the judicial system. The courts of the state, regardless of the name they bear, shall be proper local units or entities of government to apply for and receive such assistance, aid, funds, monies, grants and subgrants. Grants to youth courts shall be made in accordance with Section 43-21-801.

Miss. Code Ann. § 9-21-13 Director to coordinate functions and duties of administrative personnel; expenditure of state monies.

The Administrative Director of Courts shall coordinate the functions and duties of administrative personnel, including court administrators and court administrative aides to judges, to facilitate cooperation and so that the overall administration of justice may be accomplished with efficiency in all courts of the state. The Administrative Director of Courts is authorized to direct the expenditure of state monies appropriated to the Administrative Office of Courts or any courts of the state for any and all functions or projects directly or indirectly affecting the operation of any court and may transfer monies appropriated for the office or any account to any one or more other accounts or office.

Miss. Code Ann. § 9-21-14 Comprehensive Electronic Court Systems Fund created; purpose; distribution of monies from fund; continuing fund; pilot program.

There is created in the State Treasury a special fund to be known as the Comprehensive Electronic Court Systems Fund. The purpose of the fund shall be to provide funding for the development, implementation and maintenance of a comprehensive case management and electronic filing system, one of the purposes of which will be to provide duplicate dockets and case files at remote sites. The system will be designed to: Provide a framework for the seamless, transparent exchange of data among courts and with appropriate law enforcement, children’s services and public welfare agencies. Allow judges and prosecutors to determine whether there are holds or warrants from other jurisdictions for defendants prior to release on bail or otherwise. Assist related agencies in tracking the court activity of individuals in all participating jurisdictions. Assist child protection and human services agencies to determine the status of children and caregivers in the participating jurisdictions. Duplicate and preserve court documents at remote sites so that they may be protected against catastrophic loss. Improve the ability of the Administrative Office of Courts and the state courts to handle efficiently monies flowing through the courts and to collect delinquent fees, fines and costs. Enable the state courts and clerks to generate management reports and analysis tools, allowing them to constantly track individual cases and the overall caseload. Provide a uniform system for docketing and tracking cases and to automatically generate status reports. Enable the Administrative Office of Courts to acquire statistical data promptly and efficiently. Make trial court and individual case dockets available to the public online through use of the Internet. Monies from the fund shall be distributed by the State Treasurer upon warrants issued by the Administrative Office of Courts. The fund shall be a continuing fund, not subject to fiscal-year limitations, and shall consist of: Monies appropriated by the Legislature for the purposes of funding the comprehensive case management and electronic filing system; The interest accruing to the fund; Monies received from the federal government; Donations; and Monies received from such other sources as may be provided by law. The Supreme Court may utilize and fund as a pilot program any case management and electronic filing system of the Three Rivers Planning and Development District or that of any county or vendor that complies with the data and case management and electronic filing policy standards adopted by the Supreme Court. No statewide comprehensive case management and electronic system shall be implemented by the Mississippi Supreme Court unless such system is approved by the Legislature.

Miss. Code Ann. § 9-21-15 Director authorized to employ consultants and consultant firms.

The Administrative Director of Courts is authorized and empowered to employ consultants and consultant firms and to contract with the same for their services for reasonable compensation and as necessary to improve the administration of justice and the courts of the state. The contracts with such consultants or consultant firms shall be considered as contracts for professional services.

Miss. Code Ann. § 9-21-17 Director, and Supreme Court, authorized to use services of any member of court and court-supportive personnel.

The Administrative Director of Courts and the Supreme Court are authorized to use the services of any member of the judiciary of any court and any court-supportive personnel, including, without limitation, court reporters, clerks, bailiffs, law clerks, court administrators, secretaries and employees in clerks’ offices to carry out studies, projects and functions designed to improve or effect the efficient administration of justice and the operation of courts.

Miss. Code Ann. § 9-21-19 Judges, clerks and other employees of court to comply with Director’s requests for information.

All judges, clerks of court, and other officers or employees of the courts and of offices related to and serving the courts shall comply with all requests made by the Administrative Director for information and statistical data relative to the work of the courts and of such offices and relative to the expenditure of public monies for their maintenance and operation.

Miss. Code Ann. § 9-21-21 Repealed.

Repealed by Laws, 2018, ch. 396, §§ 1 through 11, eff from and after passage (approved March 19, 2018). § 9-21-21 . [Laws, 1993, ch. 610, § 11; reenacted and amended, Laws, 1996, ch. 315, § 1; reenacted and amended, Laws, 1998, ch. 503, § 1; reenacted without change, Laws, 2001, ch. 427, § 1, eff from and after passage (approved Mar. 13, 2001).] Editor's Notes — Laws of 2018, ch. 396, § 12, effective March 19, 2018, provides: “SECTION 12. The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court is authorized to order the continuance of the work of the Criminal Code Consulting Group of the Mississippi Judicial Advisory Study Committee and any other group or subcommittee of the Judicial Advisory Committee as he sees fit.” Former § 9-21-21 created the Mississippi Judicial Advisory Study Committee. Former § 9-21-23 related to the purpose of the Mississippi Judicial Advisory Study Committee. Former § 9-21-25 provided for the election of a chairperson to preside over, and the conduct of, the meetings of the Mississippi Judicial Advisory Study Committee. Former § 9-21-27 related to the frequency and quorum of the Mississippi Judicial Advisory Study Committee meetings. Former § 9-21-29 required the Administrative Office of the Courts to provide necessary support to the Mississippi Judicial Advisory Study Committee. Former § 9-21-31 provided additional duties and powers of the Mississippi Judicial Advisory Study Committee and required annual reports. Former § 9-21-33 required state and local government agencies to assist the Mississippi Judicial Advisory Study Committee upon request of the study committee. Former § 9-21-35 authorized the Mississippi Judicial Advisory Study Committee to enlist the services of public or private agencies, associations and organizations as needed to carry out the purposes and objections of this chapter. Former § 9-21-37 authorized the Mississippi Judicial Advisory Study Committee to employ support personnel. Former § 9-21-39 related authorized members of the Mississippi Judicial Advisory Study Committee to receive a per diem payment and travel expenses. Former § 9-21-41 authorized the Mississippi Judicial Advisory Study Committee to receive and expend funds appropriated to it by the Legislature.

Miss. Code Ann. § 9-21-23 Repealed.

Repealed by Laws, 2018, ch. 396, § 2, eff from and after passage (approved March 19, 2018). § 9-21-23 . [Laws, 1993, ch. 610, § 12; reenacted, Laws, 1996, ch. 315, § 2; reenacted without change, Laws, 1998, ch. 503, § 2; reenacted without change, Laws, 2001, ch. 427, § 2, eff from and after passage (approved Mar. 13, 2001).]

Miss. Code Ann. § 9-21-25 Repealed.

Repealed by Laws, 2018, ch. 396, § 3, eff from and after passage (approved March 19, 2018). § 9-21-25 . [Laws, 1993, ch. 610, § 13; reenacted, Laws, 1996, ch. 315, § 3; reenacted without change, Laws, 1998, ch. 503, § 3; reenacted without change, Laws, 2001, ch. 427, § 3, eff from and after passage (approved Mar. 13, 2001).]

Miss. Code Ann. § 9-21-27 Repealed.

Repealed by Laws, 2018, ch. 396, § 4, eff from and after passage (approved March 19, 2018). § 9-21-27 . [Laws, 1993, ch. 610, § 14; reenacted, Laws, 1996, ch. 315, § 4; reenacted without change, Laws, 1998, ch. 503, § 4; reenacted without change, Laws, 2001, ch. 427, § 4, eff from and after passage (approved Mar. 13, 2001).]

Miss. Code Ann. § 9-21-29 Repealed.

Repealed by Laws, 2018, ch. 396, § 5, eff from and after passage (approved March 19, 2018). § 9-21-29 . [Laws, 1993, ch. 610, § 15; reenacted, Laws, 1996, ch. 315, § 5; reenacted without change, Laws, 1998, ch. 503, § 5; reenacted without change, Laws, 2001, ch. 427, § 5, eff from and after passage (approved Mar. 13, 2001).]

Miss. Code Ann. § 9-21-31 Repealed.

Repealed by Laws, 2018, ch. 396, § 6, eff from and after passage (approved March 19, 2018). § 9-21-31 . [Laws, 1993, ch. 610, § 16; reenacted, Laws, 1996, ch. 315, § 6; reenacted without change, Laws, 1998, ch. 503, § 6; reenacted without change, Laws, 2001, ch. 427, § 6, eff from and after passage (approved Mar. 13, 2001).]

Miss. Code Ann. § 9-21-33 Repealed.

Repealed by Laws, 2018, ch. 396, § 7, eff from and after passage (approved March 19, 2018). § 9-21-33 . [Laws, 1993, ch. 610, § 17; reenacted, Laws, 1996, ch. 315, § 7; reenacted without change, Laws, 1998, ch. 503, § 7; reenacted without change, Laws, 2001, ch. 427, § 7, eff from and after passage (approved Mar. 13, 2001).]

Miss. Code Ann. § 9-21-35 Repealed.

Repealed by Laws, 2018, ch. 396, § 8, eff from and after passage (approved March 19, 2018). § 9-21-35 . [Laws, 1993, ch. 610, § 18; reenacted, Laws, 1996, ch. 315, § 8; reenacted without change, Laws, 1998, ch. 503, § 8; reenacted without change, Laws, 2001, ch. 427, § 8, eff from and after passage (approved Mar. 13, 2001).]

Miss. Code Ann. § 9-21-37 Repealed.

Repealed by Laws, 2018, ch. 396, § 9, eff from and after passage (approved March 19, 2018). § 9-21-37 . [Laws, 1993, ch. 610, § 19; reenacted, Laws, 1996, ch. 315, § 9; reenacted without change, Laws, 1998, ch. 503, § 9; reenacted without change, Laws, 2001, ch. 427, § 9, eff from and after passage (approved Mar. 13, 2001).]

Miss. Code Ann. § 9-21-39 Repealed.

Repealed by Laws, 2018, ch. 396, § 10, eff from and after passage (approved March 19, 2018). § 9-21-39 . [Laws, 1993, ch. 610, § 20; reenacted, Laws, 1996, ch. 315, § 10; reenacted without change, Laws, 1998, ch. 503, § 10; reenacted without change, Laws, 2001, ch. 427, § 10, eff from and after passage (approved Mar. 13, 2001).]

Miss. Code Ann. § 9-21-41 Repealed.

Repealed by Laws, 2018, ch. 396, § 11, eff from and after passage (approved March 19, 2018). § 9-21-41 . [Laws, 1993, ch. 610, § 21; reenacted, Laws, 1996, ch. 315, § 11; reenacted without change, Laws, 1998, ch. 503, § 11; reenacted without change, Laws, 2001, ch. 427, § 11, eff from and after passage (approved Mar. 13, 2001).]

Miss. Code Ann. § 9-21-43 Mississippi Civil Legal Assistance Fund created; organizations eligible to receive funds.

There is hereby created in the State Treasury a special fund designated as the Civil Legal Assistance Fund. The funds shall be administered by the Supreme Court through the Administrative Office of Courts. The Administrative Office of Courts may also accept monies from any public or private source for deposit into the fund. Money remaining in the fund at the end of a fiscal year shall not lapse into the State General Fund, and any interest earned from the investment of monies in the fund shall be deposited to the credit of the funds. All monies shall be allocated to only those organizations providing legal services to low income Mississippians. Furthermore, no monies from this fund shall be expended to provide legal services in matters currently prohibited by the Legal Services Corporation, Washington, D.C., and no funds shall be expended on persons who are not financially eligible to receive legal services as directed by the Legal Services Corporation, Washington, D.C. The monies appropriated shall be distributed to eligible legal services programs based on the percentage of poverty population within the program service area, consistent with the formula used by the Legal Services Corporation. Monies appropriated to the fund may be used to promote increased participation by the private bar in the delivery of legal services to the indigent through the Mississippi Volunteer Lawyers Project. Recipients of funds shall have the following duties: To develop, operate and administer programs within their respective service areas that provide free legal services to indigent clients involved in civil matters; To report annually to the Supreme Court, through the Administrative Office of Courts, on its activities, including providing a copy of its annual audit that accounts for the use of the funds; and To refund annually all unused or uncommitted funds.

Miss. Code Ann. § 9-21-45 Judicial System Operation Fund created; source of money; use of funds.

There is created in the State Treasury a special fund designated as the Judicial System Operation Fund. The funds shall be administered by the Supreme Court through the Administrative Office of Courts. The fund shall consist of monies deposited therein as provided in Section 99-19-72 and monies from any other source designated for deposit into the fund. The Administrative Office of Courts may also accept monies from any public or private source for deposit into the fund. Money remaining in the fund at the end of a fiscal year shall not lapse into the State General Fund, and any interest earned from the investment of monies in the fund shall be deposited to the credit of the fund. Monies in the fund shall be subject to appropriation by the Legislature and may only be used for the purpose of the operation of the judicial system in the state as determined necessary by the Supreme Court and to provide additional funds for the judicial salaries set forth in Section 25-3-35 and Section 9-9-11(8). Monies in the fund used for the purposes described in this section shall be in addition to other funds available from any other source for such purposes.

Miss. Code Ann. § 9-21-51 Study of storage of court and court-related records; promulgation of rules and regulations for electronic filing and storage of court records.

The Supreme Court through the Administrative Office of Courts shall conduct a study to determine the progress of the implementation of Chapter 458, Laws of 1994 and Chapter 521, Laws of 1994. In conducting such study, the Administrative Office of Courts shall examine the various court systems and county offices in the state as defined in Section 9-1-51 to determine the types of computer software and hardware being used by courts and county offices which have elected to store records electronically. The Administrative Office of Courts, after consultation with designees of the Mississippi Association of Supervisors, the Mississippi Circuit Clerks’ Association, the Mississippi Association of Chancery Clerks, the Mississippi Municipal Association, The Mississippi Bar, the Department of Archives and History and such other interested entities as the Administrative Office of Courts may identify, shall promulgate standards, rules and regulations for computer and/or electronic filing and storage of all court records and court-related records maintained throughout the state in courts and in county offices. The standards, rules and regulations required by this subsection shall be completed by the Administrative Office of Courts and adopted by the Supreme Court on or before July 1, 1998. Concurrently with the study mandated in subsection (1) of this section, the Administrative Office of Courts shall consult with designees of the Mississippi Association of Supervisors, the Mississippi Circuit Clerks’ Association, the Mississippi Association of Chancery Clerks, the Assessors/Collectors Association, the Mississippi Municipal Association, the Mississippi State Tax Commission, The Mississippi Bar, the Department of Archives and History and such other interested entities as the Administrative Office of Courts may identify for the purpose of jointly considering and jointly proposing to the Legislature recommendations relating to the electronic filing and storage of all noncourt records maintained throughout the state in county offices as defined in Section 9-1-51. The Administrative Office of Courts shall report to the Legislature not later than January 1, 1998, a summary report of the types of computer software and hardware being used by courts and county offices which have elected to store records electronically, the rules promulgated pursuant to subsection (1) of this section, as well as the recommendations of the group as to the standards, rules and regulations for computer and/or electronic filing and storage of all noncourt records maintained throughout the state in county offices. All courts and county offices electing to store court records and court-related records electronically shall comply with the standards, rules and regulations promulgated by the Administrative Office of Courts and adopted by the Mississippi Supreme Court. Any courts or county offices which currently store court records and court-related records electronically or which elect to store such records electronically before January 1, 1998, must bring such systems into compliance with the standards, rules and regulations no later than January 1, 1999. The Administrative Office of Courts shall assist any court or county office currently storing court records or court-related records electronically or electing to store such records before July 1, 1999, in order to assure compliance with the standards, rules and regulations to be promulgated.

Miss. Code Ann. § 9-21-71 Definitions.

The following words and phrases shall have the meanings ascribed to them unless the context clearly requires otherwise: “Non-English speaker” means any party or witness who cannot readily understand or communicate in spoken English and who consequently cannot equally participate in or benefit from the proceedings unless an interpreter is available to assist the individual. The fact that a person for whom English is a second language knows some English does not prohibit that individual from being allowed to have an interpreter. “Interpreter” means any person authorized by a court and competent to translate or interpret oral or written communication in a foreign language during court proceedings. “Court proceedings” means a proceeding before any court of this state or a grand jury hearing.

Miss. Code Ann. § 9-21-73 Program established.

The Director of the Administrative Office of Courts shall establish a program to facilitate the use of interpreters in all courts of the State of Mississippi. The Administrative Office of Courts shall prescribe the qualifications of and certify persons who may serve as certified interpreters in all courts of the State of Mississippi in bilingual proceedings. The Director of the Administrative Office of Courts may set and charge a reasonable fee for certification. The director shall maintain a current master list of all certified interpreters and shall report annually to the Supreme Court on the frequency of requests for and the use and effectiveness of the interpreters. In all state court bilingual proceedings, the presiding judicial officer, with the assistance of the director, shall utilize the services of a certified interpreter to communicate verbatim all spoken or written words when the necessity therefor has been determined pursuant to Section 9-21-79. All state courts shall maintain on file in the office of the clerk of the court a list of all persons who have been certified as interpreters in accordance with the certification program established pursuant to this section.

Miss. Code Ann. § 9-21-77 Oath, confidentiality and public comment.

Prior to providing any service to a non-English speaking person, the interpreter shall subscribe to an oath that he or she shall interpret all communications in an accurate manner to the best of his or her skill and knowledge. The oath shall conform substantially to the following form: INTERPRETER’S OATH “Doyou solemnly swear or affirm that you will faithfully interpret from(state the language) into English and from English into (state thelanguage) the proceedings before this court in an accurate mannerto the best of your skill and knowledge?” Interpreters shall not voluntarily disclose any admission or communication that is declared to be confidential or privileged under state law. Out-of-court disclosures made by a non-English speaker communicating through an interpreter shall be treated by the interpreter as confidential or privileged or both unless the court orders the interpreter to disclose such communications or the non-English speaker waives such confidentiality or privilege. Interpreters shall not publicly discuss, report or offer an opinion concerning a matter in which they are engaged, even when that information is not privileged or required by law to be confidential. The presence of an interpreter shall not affect the privileged nature of any discussion.

Miss. Code Ann. § 9-21-79 Determination of need for an interpreter.

An interpreter is needed and a court interpreter shall be appointed when the judge determines, after an examination of a party or witness, that: (a) the party cannot understand and speak English well enough to participate fully in the proceedings and to assist counsel; or (b) the witness cannot speak English so as to be understood directly by counsel, court and jury. The court should examine a party or witness on the record to determine whether an interpreter is needed if: A party or counsel requests such an examination; It appears to the court that the party or witness may not understand and speak English well enough to participate fully in the proceedings; or If the party or witness requests an interpreter. The fact that a person for whom English is a second language knows some English should not prohibit that individual from being allowed to have an interpreter. After the examination, the court should state its conclusion on the record, and the file in the case shall be clearly marked and data entered electronically when appropriate by court personnel to ensure that an interpreter will be present when needed in any subsequent proceeding. Upon a request by the non-English speaking person, by counsel, or by any other officer of the court, the court shall determine whether the interpreter provided is able to communicate accurately with and translate information to and from the non-English speaking person. If it is determined that the interpreter cannot perform these functions, the court shall provide the non-English speaking person with another interpreter.

Miss. Code Ann. § 9-21-81 Interpreter’s fees and expenses.

Any volunteer interpreter providing services under Sections 9-21-71 through 9-21-81 shall be paid reasonable expenses by the court. The expenses of providing an interpreter in any court proceeding may be assessed by the court as costs in the proceeding, or in the case of an indigent criminal defendant to be paid by the county.

Miss. Code Ann. § 9-21-101 Guardian Ad Litem Transparency and Oversight Panel created; composition; duties [Repealed effective December 31, 2020].

The Guardian Ad Litem Transparency and Oversight Panel is created to address and investigate the appointment of guardians ad litem as required by statute or ordered by a court, determine the frequency of such appointments, and compile an analysis of the costs to the various counties and to parties. The Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Subdivision A, shall chair the panel. The other members shall be the following fourteen (14) persons: The Chair of the Conference of Chancery Court Judges, or a designee; The Chair of the Conference of County Court Judges, or a designee; The Chair of the Council of Youth Court Judges, or a designee; A youth court referee appointed by the Chair of the Council of Youth Court Judges; The Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Division B, or a designee; The Senate Chair of the Investigate State Offices Joint Committee; The Chair of the House of Representatives Judiciary “A” Committee, or a designee; The Chair of the House of Representatives Judiciary “B” Committee, or a designee; The Chair of the House of Representatives Youth and Family Affairs Committee, or a designee; The Director of the Administrative Office of Courts, or a designee; The Director of the Mississippi Judicial College, or a designee; Two (2) attorneys who are regularly appointed as guardians ad litem, appointed by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court; and A youth court prosecutor appointed by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. All appointed members of the panel shall be appointed within thirty (30) days of April 1, 2017. Members of the panel shall serve without compensation. A vacancy in the panel shall not affect its powers, but shall be filled as prescribed in subsection (1) of this section. The task force shall hold its first meeting within sixty (60) days of April 1, 2017, on the call of the chairperson of the task force. A majority of the membership of the panel shall constitute a quorum, and the panel shall meet at the call of the chairperson, or upon an affirmative vote of a majority of the panel. All members must be notified in writing of all meetings at least five (5) days before the date on which a meeting of the panel is scheduled. The duties of the panel shall be to: Compile and analyze the information required to be submitted in Section 9-5-91, and ultimately to recommend legislation to improve the guardian ad litem system. Assess the feasibility and potential benefit or detriment of counties employing a full-time guardian ad litem and make a finding and recommendation. Report its findings and recommendations to the Legislature by December 1 of each year of its existence. The Performance Evaluation and Expenditure Review Joint Committee of the Legislature shall assist the panel in carrying out its duties required by this section. The Director of the Joint Committee on Performance Evaluation and Expenditure Review shall designate an appropriate employee to act as a point of contact for staff support to the panel. In addition, the panel may consult with employees of any state agency or department necessary to accomplish the panel’s responsibilities under this section. This section shall stand repealed on December 31, 2020.

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