State lawmakers attend special session to address youth court matters

JACKSON, Miss. (WXXV)- Lawmakers gaveled in at the state capitol Wednesday after Governor Tate Reeves called a special session Tuesday to address youth court matters.

Lawmakers are addressing youth court laws that expired at the end of June and have since become the subject of multiple lawsuits.

Reeves says legislative leaders from both chambers have agreed on a proposal that would create a more uniform youth court system statewide, provide full-time judges, and improve services for abused, neglected, and delinquent children, while also providing a robust court system for youth involved in violent crimes.

The governor says he is optimistic the bipartisan measure will win approval during the special session.