Failure to pass extension stalls $2.5 million for Mississippi youth courts

The Administrative Office of Courts will not release $2.5 million in state support funds earmarked for Mississippi youth courts after an extension of the youth court program failed to pass, the office said in a memo cited by Magnolia Tribune.

The Legislature approved the appropriation during the recent session, but Senate Bill 2728 — which Sen. Brice Wiggins, R-Pascagoula, said was necessary to extend the program under code Section 43-21-80 — died when the House adjourned while Wiggins was still on the Senate floor introducing the measure. “We had the votes. I was at the podium presenting the bill and was informed the House chose to adjourn,” Wiggins told Magnolia Tribune.

The AOC, after consulting with the Legislative Budget Office, said in the memo that it will not expend, allocate or reimburse any expenses related to the funds beginning in the new fiscal year, July 1, 2026, to avoid potential improper allocations or attempts to claw back money, Magnolia Tribune reported.

Judges and court officials described the potential loss of the $2.5 million as significant to youth court operations. Madison County and Youth Court Judge Staci O’Neal told Magnolia Tribune she did not believe lawmakers intended to leave courts without the funding. Hancock County Youth Court Judge Trent Favre described youth courts as “problem solving” courts that handle cases from abuse and neglect investigations to misdemeanor juvenile offenses and school truancy, and said adequate resources have helped reduce the number of children in state custody in his county.

Officials noted counties already contribute substantial local funding to youth courts. “All the state puts in is $2.5 million dollars,” O’Neal said, noting counties supply roughly $38 million for the system, Magnolia Tribune reported. Lawmakers also passed separate legislation, SB 2710, that will allow juveniles who commit crimes while possessing a firearm to be charged as adults beginning July 1, Magnolia Tribune said.

Source: Original Article