House Bill 1516

(As Passed the House)

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 43-21-615, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REQUIRE BEFORE A PARENT PAYS CERTAIN COSTS FOR THE SUPPORT OF CERTAIN YOUTH WHO HAVE BEEN ADJUDICATED DELINQUENT, THE PARENT OF THE CHILD SHALL RECEIVE AN ITEMIZED BILL PERTAINING TO THE COSTS; TO REQUIRE THE YOUTH COURT TO PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THE PARENT TO REQUEST AN ADJUSTMENT OF SUCH COSTS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

SECTION 1. Section 43-21-615, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

43-21-615. (1) The costs of conveying any child committed to any institution or agency shall be paid by the county or municipality from which the child is committed out of the general treasury of the county or municipality upon approval of the court. No compensation shall be allowed beyond the actual and necessary expenses of the child and the person actually conveying the child. In the case of a female child, the youth court shall designate some suitable woman to accompany her to the institution or agency.

(2) Whenever a child is adjudicated delinquent and committed by the youth court to the custody of any person or agency other than the custody of a state training school, the youth court, after giving the responsible parent or guardian a reasonable opportunity to be heard, may order that the parent or guardian pay, upon such terms or conditions as the youth court may direct, such sum or sums as will cover, in whole or in part, the support of the child including any necessary medical treatment. The parent shall be provided an itemized bill of all costs and shall be given an opportunity to request an adjustment of the costs. If the parent or guardian shall willfully fail or refuse to pay such sum, he may be proceeded against for contempt of court as provided in this chapter.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2013.