Youth Court referees; provide salary and benefits equivalent to justice court judges.

SB 2490 would require Mississippi youth court referees to receive salaries and benefits no less than those of justice court judges in the same county. This bill directly affects youth court referees who handle juvenile cases in counties without family or county courts. The key provision amends Section 43-21-111 to mandate equal compensation, ensuring referees' pay aligns with justice court judges' salaries as set by county boards of supervisors. The bill does not change referee duties or training requirements but specifically targets salary parity. It died in committee on February 4, 2025, and never became law.