Courtroom proceeding; authorize video conferences for certain proceedings.

HB 152 would have allowed Mississippi judges to conduct certain court hearings via video conference under specific conditions. It would directly affect defendants, attorneys, and the public in civil cases, preliminary hearings, bail hearings, criminal trials, and some plea agreements. Key requirements include 90 days' written notice to all parties, high-quality video/audio ensuring all can see/hear each other, public access to proceedings, and the ability for any party to request an in-person hearing. The bill also specified that electronic signatures would be treated as original for court documents. However, the bill died in committee on February 4, 2025, and never became law.