Courtroom proceeding; authorize video conferences for certain proceedings.

HB 39 authorizes judges in Mississippi to conduct certain court proceedings via video conference under specific conditions, directly affecting defendants, attorneys, and the public participating in civil cases, preliminary hearings, bail hearings, and criminal trial settings. Key provisions require 90 days' written notice to all parties, ensure real-time audio/video quality for all participants, maintain open court access for the public, and mandate written agreement from all parties for most criminal pleas (like guilty pleas) before video use. The bill also treats electronic signatures as legally valid for court documents and requires secure video facilities for attorney-client confidentiality. However, the bill "died in committee" on February 3, 2026, meaning it did not advance to become law.