MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1997 Regular Session

To: Juvenile Justice

By: Representatives Holden, Bowles, Moody, Morris, Stevens, Williams

House Bill 1689

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 43-27-203, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE THAT THE YOUTH CHALLENGE PROGRAM SHALL BE ADMINISTERED AT CAMP SHELBY, MISSISSIPPI, AND AT CAMP MCCAIN IN GRENADA, MISSISSIPPI; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES. 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. Section 43-27-203, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

43-27-203. (1) There is created under the Mississippi National Guard a program to be known as the "Youth Challenge Program." The program shall be an interdiction program designed for children determined to be "at risk" by the National Guard.

(2) The Mississippi National Guard shall implement and administer the Youth Challenge Program at Camp Shelby, Mississippi, and at Camp McCain in Grenada, Mississippi, and rules and regulations concerning the administration of the program shall be promulgated. The National Guard shall prepare written guidelines concerning the nomination and selection process of participants in the program, and such guidelines shall include a list of the factors considered in the selection process.

(3) Participation in the Youth Challenge Program shall be on a voluntary basis. No child may be sentenced by any court to participate in the program; however, a youth court judge may refer the program to a child when, under his determination, such program would be sufficient to meet the needs of the child.

(4) The Mississippi National Guard may accept any available funds that may be used to defray the expenses of the program, including, but not limited to, federal funding, public or private funds and any funds that may be appropriated by the Legislature for that purpose.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 1997.