State Grand Jury Act; reinstate and expand scope.

SB 2478 reinstates Mississippi's repealed State Grand Jury Act (previously effective until July 1, 2024) and expands its authority. The bill directly affects state prosecutors, judges, and law enforcement by allowing grand juries to investigate officer-involved shootings, certain embezzlement/fraud cases, and public corruption (pending a constitutional amendment), and removing the requirement that crimes must span multiple court districts. Key procedural changes include requiring panel judges to impanel juries within 30 days of the Attorney General’s notice, eliminating judges’ power to limit grand jury investigations, and mandating cooperation from local officials for jury accommodations. The bill also reinstates specific code sections and streamlines petition processes. The bill died in committee on February 4, 2025.