Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves called a special legislative session Wednesday to implement reforms to the state’s youth court system. The session, controlled by the governor, focuses on increasing transparency, improving access to court records, and funding additional juvenile justice facilities.
Reeves cited the expiration of statutes related to court record disclosure on June 30 as the reason for convening the session. The lapse has led to 15 lawsuits concerning access to youth court files. U.S. District Judge Henry Wingate granted a continuance until July 15 to maintain file access amid ongoing litigation, according to Reeves.
The governor outlined plans to fund more full-time youth court judges in all 82 counties, as currently only 24 counties have such positions. The legislation also aims to strengthen due process protections, clarify file access, and limit judges’ involvement before petitions are filed. Additionally, truancy cases are to be exclusively handled by youth courts.
Reeves emphasized the importance of prevention, proposing a statewide evidence-based diversion program to redirect youths to treatment before they become involved in serious criminal activity. The plan also includes expanding juvenile detention capacity, including upgrades at the Oakley Youth Development Center and new secure detention facilities in northern and southern Mississippi.
The effort responds to rising juvenile crime rates, including cases involving shootings and armed robberies. Reeves said intervention is crucial to prevent young offenders from becoming hardened criminals and to protect communities.
Funding measures under consideration include a total of $9 million to expand a pilot intervention program and $10 million for juvenile rehabilitation services through the Department of Public Safety. The latter aims to establish state-run detention centers in both the north and south, with costs for housing juveniles in these facilities estimated at up to $100 per day — less than current county costs, Reeves noted.
Lawmakers are working late into Wednesday night, with hopes of passing legislation swiftly to return to their districts, the governor said.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
