A bill aimed at reforming Mississippi’s juvenile justice court system failed to pass Wednesday after a deadlock between the Senate and House. The legislation, which would have established pilot youth courts and other reforms, died after the Senate voted to continue working on it unaware that the House had adjourned for the day, according to Senate and House leaders.
Senate Judiciary A Committee Chairman Brice Wiggins (R) expressed disappointment, calling the bill’s failure “neither conservative nor good government,” and praised his House counterpart, State Rep. Jansen Owen (R), for his work on the issue. Wiggins said attorneys from both chambers agreed the bill was dead after the House adjourned around 4 p.m. Wednesday.
House Speaker Jason White (R) told Magnolia Tribune on Thursday that the bill lacked broad support, citing opposition from judges and local governments. White said most involved agree on the need for a more uniform, transparent juvenile justice system, but accused the Senate and Lieutenant Governor of pushing a “one-size-fits-all approach” that was poorly received.
Wiggins said he received support from judicial officials, child advocates, and juvenile justice reformers, many of whom sent him messages of backing. He criticized White for blaming the bill’s demise on the adjournment, calling it an attempt to cover up what he called a mistake that led to the bill’s death. Wiggins accused White of throwing judiciary leadership “under the bus” and criticized the status quo, which he said produces poor outcomes for children.
The proposed Mississippi Chancery Youth Court Act of 2026 sought to create three pilot youth courts in the 10th, 15th, and 19th districts starting in January 2028. It included provisions for youth court special masters, elimination of referees, and a diversion program overseen by the Department of Human Services Youth Services. Wiggins said the Senate plans to revisit the bill in January 2027.
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
