MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1997 Regular Session

To: Public Health and Welfare

By: Senator(s) Ferris

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 99-13-11, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO INCLUDE A COMPETENT PSYCHOLOGIST AS ONE AUTHORIZED TO CONDUCT AN EXAMINATION OF A PERSON INDICTED FOR A FELONY WHOSE MENTAL CONDITION IS IN QUESTION; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES. 

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

SECTION 1. Section 99-13-11, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

99-13-11. In any criminal action in the circuit court in which the mental condition of a person indicted for a felony is in question, the court or judge in vacation on motion duly made by the defendant, the district attorney or on the motion of the court or judge, may order such person to submit to a mental examination by a competent psychiatrist or psychologist selected by the court to determine his ability to make a defense; provided, however, any cost or expense in connection with such mental examination shall be paid by the county in which such criminal action is pending.

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