MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1997 Regular Session

To: Fees and Salaries of Public Officers; Appropriations

By: Representative Livingston

House Bill 674

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTIONS 25-3-31 AND 25-3-33, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO INCREASE THE SALARIES OF CERTAIN ELECTED AND APPOINTED STATE AND DISTRICT OFFICIALS; TO BRING FORWARD SECTION 5-1-41, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, WHICH RELATES TO THE COMPENSATION AND EXPENSE ALLOWANCE FOR LEGISLATORS; TO BRING FORWARD SECTIONS 9-9-11, 25-3-3, 25-3-5, 25-3-9, 25-3-13, 25-3-25, 25-3-36 AND 41-61-59, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, WHICH RELATE TO THE SALARIES OF CERTAIN ELECTED COUNTY OFFICIALS; TO REPEAL SECTION 41-61-60, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, WHICH REQUIRES THE PAYMENT OF AN ADDITIONAL AMOUNT TO THE COUNTY MEDICAL EXAMINERS; TO AMEND SECTION 75-76-15, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, IN CONFORMITY TO THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ACT; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES. 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. Section 25-3-31, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

[Until January 1, 2000, Section 25-3-31 will read as follows:]

25-3-31. The annual salaries of the following elected state and district officers are * * * fixed as follows:

Governor..........................................$83,160.00

Attorney General.................................. 84,000.00

Secretary of State................................ 81,200.00

Commissioner of Insurance......................... 81,200.00

State Treasurer................................... 81,200.00

State Auditor of Public Accounts.................. 81,200.00

Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce.......... 81,200.00

Transportation Commissioners...................... 73,080.00

Public Service Commissioners...................... 73,080.00

The above fixed salary of the Governor shall be the reference amount utilized in computing average compensation and earned compensation pursuant to Section 25-11-103(e) and * * * (i) and to related sections which require such computations.

[From and after January 1, 2000, Section 25-3-31 will read as follows:]

25-3-31. The annual salaries of the following elected state and district officers are * * * fixed as follows:

Governor..........................................$90,800.00

Attorney General.................................. 84,000.00

Secretary of State................................ 81,200.00

Commissioner of Insurance......................... 81,200.00

State Treasurer................................... 81,200.00

State Auditor of Public Accounts.................. 81,200.00

Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce.......... 81,200.00

Transportation Commissioners.......................73,080.00

Public Service Commissioners...................... 73,080.00

The above fixed salary of the Governor shall be the reference amount utilized in computing average compensation and earned compensation pursuant to Section 25-11-103(e) and * * * (i), and to related sections which require such computations.

SECTION 2. Section 25-3-33, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

25-3-33. The annual salaries of the following appointive state and district officials and employees are * * * fixed as follows:

Deputy Attorney General, not to exceed............$75,000.00

Assistant Attorneys General shall each receive

annual salaries in an amount to be

fixed by the Attorney General but

not to exceed................................ 63,000.00

Military Department - National Guard:

Adjutant General............................. 57,000.00

Department of Banking and Consumer Finance:

Commissioner................................. 80,000.00

 * * *

Chairman of the State Tax Commission

(Commissioner of Revenue)...................... 76,000.00

Associate Commissioners, each................ 38,400.00

Director of Emergency Management Agency........... 43,600.00

Highway Safety Patrol:

Commissioner of Public Safety................ 58,000.00

Chief of Highway Patrol...................... 49,600.00

Department of Human Services:

Director, not to exceed...................... 75,421.00

Workers' Compensation Commission:

Members, each................................ 75,000.00

Executive Director........................... 70,000.00

Administrative Judge, each................... 70,000.00

Archives and History:

Director, not to exceed...................... 65,000.00

State Forester.................................... 60,200.00

State Oil and Gas Board:

Secretary-Supervisor......................... 61,600.00

Educational Television Authority:

Executive Director........................... 65,000.00

Director, Mississippi Library Commission,

not to exceed................................ 65,000.00

Executive Secretary, Public

Service Commission........................... 43,600.00

Parole Board:

Chairman..................................... 46,000.00

Administrative Assistant for Parole Matters.. 39,600.00

Members, each................................ 43,000.00

Governor's Office-Federal State Programs:

Coordinator Federal State Programs........... 65,000.00

Governor's State Bond Advisory Division:

Director..................................... 46,200.00

Employment Security Commission:

Executive Director, not to exceed............ 61,600.00

Executive Director, Department of Mental Health,

to be determined by the State Board of

Mental Health, not to exceed................. 75,000.00

Director, Division of Medicaid,

not to exceed................................ 75,000.00

Director, State Department of Transportation,

not to exceed................................ 80,125.44

State Entomologist................................ 52,800.00

Clerk of the Supreme Court........................ 58,000.00

State Aid Engineer, Division of

State Aid Road Construction.................. 70,000.00

Executive Director, Judicial Performance

Commission................................... 60,000.00

Executive Director, Department of Finance

and Administration........................... 75,760.00

Superintendent, Mississippi School for

the Blind, to be determined by the State Board of

Education, not to exceed..................... 60,000.00

Superintendent, Mississippi School for

the Deaf, to be determined by the State Board of

Education, not to exceed..................... 60,000.00

Executive Director, State Fair Commission......... 65,000.00

Executive Director, Department of Wildlife,

Fisheries and Parks.......................... 75,500.00

Executive Director, Department of

Environmental Quality........................ 75,500.00

Executive Director, Pat Harrison

Waterway District............................ 53,714.00

Executive Director, Pearl River Basin

Development District......................... 51,703.00

Executive Director, Pearl River Valley

Water Supply District........................ 60,836.00

Executive Director, Tombigbee River Valley

Water Management District.................... 52,208.00

Director, Soil and Water Conservation

Commission................................... 45,000.00

Commissioner, Mississippi Department of

Corrections.................................. 75,000.00

Executive Director, State Central Data

Processing Authority......................... 77,294.00

Executive Director, Mississippi Industries

for the Blind................................ 53,109.00

Director, Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics......... 60,000.00

Executive Secretary, State Veterans

Affairs Board................................ 48,000.00

Executive Officer, Veterans' Home

Purchase Board............................... 51,427.00

Chief Administrative Officer,

Motor Vehicle Commission..................... 52,179.00

Stadium Manager, Mississippi Veterans

Memorial Stadium............................. 49,152.00

Executive Director, Mississippi Arts Commission... 44,287.00

Executive Director, Mississippi Gaming Commission. 75,470.00

Training Coordinator, Public Service Commission... 48,000.00

SECTION 3. Section 5-1-41, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

5-1-41. Beginning with the 1986 Regular Session of the Legislature of the State of Mississippi, each Senator and Representative of the Legislature shall receive as compensation at each regular session the sum of Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) and the mileage allowance provided by Section 25-3-41, for each mile of the distance by the most direct route usually traveled in coming to and returning from the place where the Legislature sits; and shall receive for attending each extraordinary session or called session the sum of Fifty Dollars ($50.00) per day and mileage at the same rate as per regular session. In addition to the above, each Senator and Representative shall receive the sum of Eight Hundred Dollars ($800.00) per month for expenses incidental to his office for every full month of his term, except any month or major fraction thereof when the Legislature is convened in regular or extraordinary session; and payments shall be made to each Senator and Representative by the State Treasurer between the first and tenth day of each month following the month for which said payments are due.

SECTION 4. Section 9-9-11, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

9-9-11. (1) Except as otherwise provided in subsections (2) and (3), the county court judge shall receive an annual salary payable monthly out of the county treasury in an amount not to exceed One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) less than the salary which is now or shall hereafter be provided for circuit and chancery judges of this state, in the discretion of the board of supervisors of said county; provided, however, that the salary of such judge shall not be reduced during his term of office. Provided further, that the office of county court judge in any county receiving an annual salary of Thirty-six Thousand Dollars ($36,000.00) or more shall be a full-time position, and the holder thereof shall not otherwise engage in the practice of law.

(2) In the event of the establishment of a county court by agreement between two (2) or more counties as provided in Section 9-9-3, the county judge of the court so established shall be paid a salary equal to one and one-half (1-1/2) times that salary that he would be paid if he were the judge of the smallest of such two (2) or more counties, such salary to be paid in monthly installments as provided by law; provided that such salary shall not exceed One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) less than the salary of the circuit and chancery judges of this state.

(3) The county court judge shall receive an annual salary payable monthly out of the county treasury as follows:

(a) In any county having a population of seventy thousand (70,000) or more according to the 1980 federal census, the county judge shall receive an annual salary of One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) less than that paid to a circuit court judge. The office of county judge shall be a full-time position, and the holder thereof shall not otherwise engage in the practice of law.

(b) In any county having a population of sixty thousand (60,000) or more but less than seventy thousand (70,000) according to the 1980 federal census, the county judge shall receive an annual salary of Forty Thousand Dollars ($40,000.00). The office of county judge shall be a full-time position, and the holder thereof shall not otherwise engage in the practice of law. The county judge shall not be eligible for any additional salary except as may be authorized in subsection (4).

(c) In any county having a population of twenty-seven thousand (27,000) or more but less than sixty thousand (60,000) according to the 1980 federal census, the county judge shall receive an annual salary of not less than Twelve Thousand Dollars ($12,000.00) but not more than Forty Thousand Dollars ($40,000.00), in the discretion of the board of supervisors of said county. The county judge shall not be eligible for any additional salary except as may be authorized in subsection (4). In the event that the board of supervisors of said county elects to pay such county judge an annual salary of Thirty Thousand Dollars ($30,000.00) or more, the office of county judge shall be a full-time position, and the holder thereof shall not otherwise engage in the practice of law.

(d) In any county having a population of less than twenty-seven thousand (27,000) according to the 1980 federal census, the county judge shall receive an annual salary of not less than Four Thousand Two Hundred Dollars ($4,200.00) and not more than Eight Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($8,500.00), in the discretion of the board of supervisors of said county. The county judge shall not be eligible for any additional salary except as may be authorized in subsection (4).

(4) The county judge of any county described in this subsection shall be paid the compensation, and he shall be subject to any restrictions, set forth in the following paragraphs:

(a) The county judge of any such Class 1 county with population according to the latest federal decennial census of forty-five thousand (45,000) or more and lying wholly within a levee district and having two (2) judicial districts shall, in the discretion of the board of supervisors of such county, receive an annual salary not exceeding Forty Thousand Dollars ($40,000.00), or a sum which is One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) less than the salary which is now or shall hereafter be provided for circuit and chancery judges of the state, whichever is greater.

(b) The county judge of any Class 1 county having an area in excess of nine hundred twenty-five (925) square miles shall receive an annual salary of not less than Thirty Thousand Dollars ($30,000.00) but, in the discretion of the board of supervisors of such county, such salary may be not more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) less than the annual salary of a circuit judge, payable monthly out of the county treasury, and the county judge shall not practice law.

(c) The office of county judge in any such Class 1 county with a population according to the 1970 federal decennial census of greater than thirty-nine thousand (39,000), and where U.S. Highway 61 and Mississippi Highway 6 intersect, shall receive an annual salary to be paid in monthly installments of not less than an amount equal to ninety percent (90%) of the annual salary which is now or shall hereafter be provided for circuit and chancery judges of the state, as follows: The salary of the county judge shall be increased by ten percent (10%) annually above the base salary of the preceding year until such time as the judge's salary is equal to the amount that is provided by this subsection. The office of county judge shall be a full-time position and the holder thereof shall not otherwise engage in the practice of law.

(d) In any Class 1 county bordering on the Mississippi River and which has situated therein a national military park and national military cemetery, the office of county judge shall be a full-time position and the holder thereof shall not otherwise engage in the practice of law. The salary for the county judge in said county shall be fixed at a sum which is One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) less than the salary which is now or shall hereafter be provided for circuit and chancery judges of this state.

(e) The county judge in any county having a population of at least forty-two thousand one hundred eleven (42,111), according to the 1970 census, and where U.S. Highway 49E and U.S. Highway 82 intersect, shall receive an annual salary to be paid in monthly installments of not less than Thirty Thousand Dollars ($30,000.00) but not more than Two Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($2,500.00) less than the annual salary of the circuit judge, in the discretion of the board of supervisors of said county.

(f) The county judge in any Class 1 county bordering on the Mississippi River and having an area of less than four hundred fifty (450) square miles wherein U.S. Highways 84 and 61 intersect shall receive an annual salary of Four Thousand Dollars ($4,000.00) less than the annual salary of a circuit judge, and such county judge shall not practice law in any manner. The county judge in such county shall not be eligible to receive any additional salary authorized by this section or from any other source other than that set out and authorized by this paragraph.

(g) The county judge of any Class 1 county bordering on the Mississippi River on the west and the State of Tennessee on the north, and traversed north to south by Interstate Highway 55, shall receive an annual salary of ninety percent (90%) of the salary which is now or shall hereafter be provided for chancery and circuit judges of this state, but in any event not less than Sixty Thousand Two Hundred Dollars ($60,200.00).

(h) The county judge of any Class 1 county with a population of greater than sixty-nine thousand (69,000) according to the 1980 federal decennial census, and wherein U.S. Highway 80 and Mississippi Highway 43 intersect, shall receive an annual salary in an amount not greater than the sum of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) less than the salary which is now or shall hereafter be provided for circuit and chancery judges of this state, in the discretion of the board of supervisors of said county.

(i) The county judge of any county having a population in excess of sixty-six thousand (66,000) according to the 1980 federal decennial census, wherein is located a state-supported university and in which U.S. Highways 49 and 11 intersect, shall receive an annual salary of One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) less than that paid to a circuit court judge. The office of such county judge shall be a full-time position, and the holder thereof shall not otherwise engage in the practice of law.

(j) The county judge of any county having two (2) judicial districts, having a population in excess of sixty-one thousand nine hundred (61,900) according to the 1980 federal decennial census, in which U.S. Interstate Highway 59 intersects with U.S. Highway 84, shall receive an annual salary of One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) less than the salary which is now or hereafter authorized to be paid circuit and chancery court judges of this state. The office of such county judge shall be a full-time position, and the holder thereof shall not otherwise engage in the practice of law.

(k) The office of county judge of any Class I county wherein U.S. Highway 51 and U.S. Highway 98 intersect shall be a full-time position and the holder thereof shall not otherwise engage in the practice of law. The annual salary for the office of county judge in said county may be fixed, in the discretion of the board of supervisors of said county, at a sum not to exceed Two Thousand Dollars ($2,000.00) less than the salary which is now or shall hereafter be provided for circuit and chancery judges of this state.

(l) The county judge of any county having a population of more than forty-one thousand six hundred (41,600) but less than forty-one thousand six hundred fifty (41,650) according to the 1980 federal census, and wherein U.S. Highway 49 intersects with Mississippi Highway 22, shall receive an annual salary in an amount established by the board of supervisors, but in no event to exceed the salary provided now or hereafter for circuit and chancery judges of this state.

(m) The county judge of any county having a population of more than fifty-seven thousand (57,000) but less than fifty-seven thousand one hundred (57,100) according to the 1980 federal census, wherein U.S. Highway 45 intersects with Mississippi Highway 6, shall receive an annual salary in an amount established by the board of supervisors, but in no event to exceed the salary provided now or hereafter for circuit and chancery judges of this state.

(n) The county judge of any county having a population of more than fifty-seven thousand three hundred (57,300) according to the 1980 federal decennial census, wherein is located a state-supported university and wherein United States Highways 82 and 45 intersect, shall receive an annual salary in an amount established by the board of supervisors, but in no event to exceed the salary provided now or hereafter for circuit and chancery judges of this state.

(5) The salary of a county court judge or justice court judge shall not be reduced during his term of office as a result of a population decrease based upon the 1990 federal decennial census.

(6) The salary of a sheriff shall not be reduced during his term of office as a result of a population decrease based upon the 1990 federal decennial census.

(7) From and after October 1, 1993, or the effective date of this act, whichever is later, in addition to the salaries set forth in this section, the board of supervisors of any county, in its discretion, may pay any county court judge whose salary is not established herein in relation to the salary paid to chancery and circuit court judges, an additional amount not to exceed ten percent (10%) of the maximum allowable salary for that judge.

SECTION 5. Section 25-3-3, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

25-3-3. The term "total assessed valuation" as used in this section only refers to the ad valorem assessment for the county and, in addition, in counties where oil is produced, the actual value of oil at the point of production, as certified to the counties by the State Tax Commission under the provisions of Sections 27-25-501 through 27-25-525.

The salary of assessors of the various counties is hereby fixed as full compensation for their services as county assessors and tax collectors. The annual salary of each assessor shall be based upon the total assessed valuation of his respective county for the preceding taxable year in the following categories and for the following amounts:

(a) For counties with a total assessed valuation of Two Hundred Fifty Million Dollars ($250,000,000.00) or more, a salary of Thirty-nine Thousand Two Hundred Forty Dollars ($39,240.00);

(b) For counties having a total assessed valuation of at least Seventy-five Million Dollars ($75,000,000.00) but less than Two Hundred Fifty Million Dollars ($250,000,000.00), a salary of Thirty-seven Thousand Eight Hundred Forty Dollars ($37,840.00);

(c) For counties having a total assessed valuation of at least Thirty-five Million Dollars ($35,000,000.00) but less than Seventy-five Million Dollars ($75,000,000.00), a salary of Thirty-five Thousand Two Hundred Forty-four Dollars ($35,244.00);

(d) For counties having a total assessed valuation of at least Twenty Million Dollars ($20,000,000.00) but less than Thirty-five Million Dollars ($35,000,000.00), a salary of Thirty-two Thousand Six Hundred Four Dollars ($32,604.00);

(e) For counties having a total assessed valuation of at least Twelve Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($12,500,000.00) but less than Twenty Million Dollars ($20,000,000.00), a salary of Twenty-nine Thousand Nine Hundred Sixty-four Dollars ($29,964.00);

(f) For counties having a total assessed valuation of less than Twelve Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($12,500,000.00), a salary of Twenty-seven Thousand Three Hundred Twenty-four Dollars ($27,324.00).

The annual salary established for the assessor-tax collector shall not be reduced as a result of a reduction in total assessed valuation. The salaries may be increased as a result of an increase in total assessed valuation.

In addition to all other compensation paid to assessor-tax collectors in counties having two (2) judicial districts, the board of supervisors shall allow that said assessor-tax collector be paid an additional Three Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($3,500.00) per year. In addition to all other compensation paid to assessors or tax collectors, in counties maintaining two (2) full-time offices, the board of supervisors may allow that said assessor or tax collector be paid an additional Three Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($3,500.00) per year.

In addition to all other compensation paid to assessor-tax collectors, the board of supervisors of a county shall allow for such assessor-tax collector to be paid additional compensation when there is a contract between the county and one or more municipalities providing that the assessor-tax collector shall assess and/or collect taxes for the municipality or municipalities; and such assessor-tax collector shall be authorized to receive such additional compensation from the county and/or the municipality or municipalities in any amount allowed by the county and the municipality or municipalities for performing those services.

When any tax assessor holds a valid certificate of educational recognition from the International Association of Assessing Officers or is a licensed appraiser under Sections 73-34-1 et seq., Mississippi Code of 1972, he shall receive an additional One Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($1,500.00) annually beginning the next fiscal year after completion. When any tax assessor is a licensed state certified Residential Appraiser (RA) or licensed state certified Timberland Appraiser (TA) under Sections 73-34-1 et seq., Mississippi Code of 1972, or when any tax assessor holds a valid designation from the International Association of Assessing Officers as a Cadastral Mapping Specialist (CMS) or Personal Property Specialist (PPS) or Residential Evaluation Specialist (RES), he shall receive an additional Six Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($6,500.00) annually beginning the next fiscal year after completion. When any tax assessor holds the valid designation of Certified Assessment Evaluator (CAE) from the International Association of Assessing Officers or is a state certified General Real Estate Appraiser (GA) under Sections 73-34-1 et seq., Mississippi Code of 1972, he shall receive an additional Eight Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($8,500.00) annually beginning the next fiscal year after completion.

The salaries herein set out shall be the total funds paid to the county assessors and tax collectors and shall be full compensation for their services, with any fees being paid to the county general fund.

The salaries herein provided shall be payable monthly on the first day of each calendar month by chancery clerk's warrant drawn on the general fund of the county.

The salary scale in this section shall not apply in any county in which the office of assessor has been separated from that of tax collector. In the event of such separation, the salary scale set forth in Section 25-3-5 shall control.

SECTION 6. Section 25-3-5, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

25-3-5. In any county where the office of tax collector has been separated from the office of tax assessor, the annual salary of the assessor or tax collector shall be based upon the assessed valuation of his respective county for the preceding taxable year in the following categories and for the following amounts:

(a) For counties with a total assessed valuation of Two Hundred Fifty Million Dollars ($250,000,000.00) or more, a salary of Forty-three Thousand One Hundred Sixty-four Dollars ($43,164.00);

(b) For counties having a total assessed valuation of at least Two Hundred Million Dollars ($200,000,000.00) but less than Two Hundred Fifty Million Dollars ($250,000,000.00), a salary of Forty Thousand Five Hundred Twenty-four Dollars ($40,524.00);

(c) For counties having a total assessed valuation of at least One Hundred Fifty Million Dollars ($150,000,000.00) but less than Two Hundred Million Dollars ($200,000,000.00), a salary of Thirty-seven Thousand Eight Hundred Eight-four Dollars ($37,884.00);

(d) For counties having a total assessed valuation of at least One Hundred Million Dollars ($100,000,000.00) but less than One Hundred Fifty Million Dollars ($150,000,000.00), a salary of Thirty-five Thousand Two Hundred Forty-four Dollars ($35,244.00);

(e) For counties having a total assessed valuation of at least Seventy-five Million Dollars ($75,000,000.00) but less than One Hundred Million Dollars ($100,000,000.00), a salary of Thirty-two Thousand Six Hundred Four Dollars ($32,604.00);

(f) For counties with a total assessed valuation of less than Seventy-five Million Dollars ($75,000,000.00), a salary of Twenty-nine Thousand Nine Hundred Sixty-four Dollars ($29,964.00).

The annual salary established for the tax assessor or tax collector shall not be reduced as a result of a reduction in total assessed valuation. The salaries may be increased as a result of an increase in total assessed valuation.

In addition to all other compensation paid to assessors or tax collectors, in counties having two (2) judicial districts, the board of supervisors shall allow that said assessor or tax collector be paid an additional Three Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($3,500.00) per year. In addition to all other compensation paid to assessors or tax collectors, in counties maintaining two (2) full-time offices, the board of supervisors may allow that said assessor or tax collector be paid an additional Three Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($3,500.00) per year.

In addition to all other compensation paid to tax assessors and tax collectors, the board of supervisors of a county shall allow for such tax assessor and/or tax collector to be paid additional compensation when there is a contract between the county and one or more municipalities providing that the tax assessor shall assess taxes and/or tax collector shall collect taxes for the municipality or municipalities; and such tax assessor and/or tax collector shall be authorized to receive such additional compensation from the county and/or the municipality or municipalities in any amount allowed by the county and the municipality or municipalities for performing those services.

When any tax assessor holds a valid certificate of educational recognition from the International Association of Assessing Officers or is a licensed appraiser under Sections 73-34-1 et seq., Mississippi Code of 1972, he shall receive an additional One Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($1,500.00) annually beginning the next fiscal year after completion. When any tax assessor is a licensed state certified Residential Appraiser (RA) or licensed state certified Timberland Appraiser (TA) under Sections 73-34-1 et seq., Mississippi Code of 1972, or when any tax assessor holds a valid designation from the International Association of Assessing Officers as a Cadastral Mapping Specialist (CMS) or Personal Property Specialist (PPS) or Residential Evaluation Specialist (RES), he shall receive an additional Six Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($6,500.00) annually beginning the next fiscal year after completion. When any tax assessor holds the valid designation of Certified Assessment Evaluator (CAE) from the International Association of Assessing Officers or is a state certified General Real Estate Appraiser (GA) under Sections 73-34-1 et seq., Mississippi Code of 1972, he shall receive an additional Eight Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($8,500.00) annually beginning the next fiscal year after completion.

The salaries herein set out shall be the total funds paid to the county assessors or tax collectors and shall be full compensation for their services, with any fees being paid to the county general fund.

The salaries herein provided shall be payable monthly on the first day of each calendar month by chancery clerk's warrant drawn on the general fund of the county.

SECTION 7. Section 25-3-9, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

25-3-9. (1) Except as provided in subsections (2) and (3) of this section, the county prosecuting attorney may receive for his services an annual salary to be paid by the board of supervisors as follows:

(a) For counties with a total population of more than two hundred thousand (200,000), a salary not to exceed Twenty-eight Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($28,500.00).

(b) For counties with a total population of more than one hundred thousand (100,000) and not more than two hundred thousand (200,000), a salary not to exceed Twenty-six Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($26,500.00).

(c) For counties with a total population of more than fifty thousand (50,000) and not more than one hundred thousand (100,000), a salary not to exceed Twenty-one Thousand Seven Hundred Dollars ($21,700.00).

(d) For counties with a total population of more than thirty-five thousand (35,000) and not more than fifty thousand (50,000), a salary not to exceed Twenty Thousand Four Hundred Dollars ($20,400.00).

(e) For counties with a total population of more than twenty-five thousand (25,000) and not more than thirty-five thousand (35,000), a salary not to exceed Nineteen Thousand Three Hundred Dollars ($19,300.00).

(f) For counties with a total population of more than fifteen thousand (15,000) and not more than twenty-five thousand (25,000), a salary not to exceed Seventeen Thousand Seven Hundred Dollars ($17,700.00).

(g) For counties with a total population of more than ten thousand (10,000) and not more than fifteen thousand (15,000), a salary not to exceed Sixteen Thousand One Hundred Dollars ($16,100.00).

(h) For counties with a total population of more than six thousand (6,000) and not more than ten thousand (10,000), a salary not to exceed Fourteen Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($14,500.00).

(i) For counties with a total population of six thousand (6,000) or less, the board of supervisors, in its discretion, may appoint a county prosecuting attorney, and it may pay such county prosecuting attorney an annual salary not to exceed Twelve Thousand Nine Hundred Dollars ($12,900.00).

In all cases of conviction there shall be taxed against the convicted defendant, as an item of cost, the sum of Three Dollars ($3.00), which shall be turned in to the county treasury as a part of the general county funds, provided said Three Dollars ($3.00) shall not be taxed in any case in which it is not the specific duty of the county attorney to appear and prosecute.

From and after October 1, 1993, in addition to the salaries provided for in this subsection, the board of supervisors of any county, in its discretion, may pay the county prosecuting attorney an additional amount not to exceed ten percent (10%) of the maximum allowable salary prescribed herein.

(2) In the following counties, the county prosecuting attorney shall receive for his services an annual salary to be paid by the board of supervisors, as follows:

(a) In any county bordering upon the Mississippi River and having a population of not less than thirty thousand (30,000) and not more than thirty-five thousand five hundred (35,500) according to the federal census of 1990, and in counties having a population of not more than thirty-seven thousand (37,000) according to the federal census of 1990 in which Interstate Highway 55 and U.S. Highway 98 intersect, the county prosecuting attorney shall receive a salary equal to the justice court judge of such county; and in any county wherein is located the state's oldest state-supported institution of higher learning and wherein Mississippi State Highways 7 and 6 intersect, the county prosecuting attorney shall receive an annual salary equal to that of a member of the board of supervisors of such county.

(b) In counties having a population in excess of fifty thousand (50,000) in the 1960 federal census, wherein is located a state-supported university and in which U.S. Highways 49 and 11 intersect, the salary of the county prosecuting attorney shall be not less than Seventeen Thousand Four Hundred Dollars ($17,400.00) per year. The Board of Supervisors of Forrest County, Mississippi, may, in its discretion, and by agreement with the county prosecuting attorney, employ the county prosecuting attorney as a full-time elected official during his/her term of office, designate additional duties and responsibilities of the office and pay additional compensation up to, but not in excess of, ninety percent (90%) of the annual compensation and salary of the county court judge and the youth court judge of Forrest County as authorized by law and provide a reasonable office and reasonable office expenses to the county prosecuting attorney. The salary authorized by this paragraph (b) for the county prosecuting attorney shall be the sole and complete salary for such prosecuting attorney in each county to which this paragraph applies, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary.

(c) In any county wherein is housed the seat of State Government, wherein U.S. Highways 80 and 49 intersect, and having two (2) judicial districts, the annual salary of the county prosecuting attorney shall be no more than Thirty-three Thousand Dollars ($33,000.00).

(d) In any county which has two (2) judicial districts and wherein Highway 8 and Highway 15 intersect, having a population of greater than seventeen thousand (17,000), according to the 1980 federal decennial census, the board of supervisors shall pay the county prosecuting attorney a salary equal to that of a member of the board of supervisors of such county; provided that if such county prosecuting attorney is paid a sum for the purpose of defraying office or secretarial expenses, then the salary prescribed herein shall be reduced by that amount.

(e) In any county bordering the State of Tennessee and in which Mississippi Highways No. 4 and 15 intersect, and having a population of less than twenty thousand (20,000) in the 1970 federal census, the salary of the county prosecuting attorney shall be no less than Six Thousand Dollars ($6,000.00).

(f) In any county having a population of more than twenty-five thousand (25,000) and in which U.S. Highways 72 and 45 intersect, the salary of the county attorney shall be paid not less than Eight Thousand Dollars ($8,000.00).

(g) In any county wherein I-20 and State Highway 15 intersect; and in any county wherein I-20 and State Highway 35 intersect, the salary of the county prosecuting attorney shall be not less than Eight Thousand Four Hundred Dollars ($8,400.00).

(h) In any Class 1 county bordering on the Mississippi River, lying in whole or in part within a levee district, wherein U.S. Highways 82 and 61 intersect, bounded by the Sunflower River and Steele's Bayou, the salary of the county prosecuting attorney shall be Twenty-five Thousand Dollars ($25,000.00) or a salary equal to that of a member of the board of supervisors in such county, whichever is greater. In addition, such county prosecuting attorney shall receive the sum of One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) per month for the purpose of defraying secretarial expenses.

(i) In any county bordering on the Gulf of Mexico having two (2) judicial districts, and wherein U.S. Highways 90 and 49 intersect, the salary of the county prosecuting attorney shall be not less than Nineteen Thousand Dollars ($19,000.00) per year. The Board of Supervisors of Harrison County, Mississippi, may, in its discretion, and by agreement with the county prosecuting attorney, employ the county prosecuting attorney and his/her assistant during his/her term of office, and designate additional duties and responsibilities of the office and pay additional compensation up to, but not in excess of, ninety percent (90%) of the annual compensation and salary of the county court judges of Harrison County as authorized by law and provide adequate office space and reasonable office expenses to the county prosecuting attorney and his/her assistant. The salary authorized by this paragraph (i) for the county prosecuting attorney and his/her assistant shall be the sole and complete salary paid by the county for such prosecuting attorney and his/her assistant in each county to which this paragraph applies, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary.

(j) In any county bordering on the State of Alabama, having a population in excess of seventy-five thousand (75,000) according to the 1980 decennial census in which is located an institution of higher learning and a United States military installation and which is traversed by an interstate highway, the salary of the county prosecuting attorney shall not be less than Twelve Thousand Dollars ($12,000.00) nor more than the amount of the annual salary received by a member of the board of supervisors of that county.

(k) In any county with a land area wherein Mississippi Highways 8 and 9 intersect, the salary of the county prosecuting attorney shall be not less than Eight Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($8,500.00) per year.

(l) In any Class 2 county wherein Mississippi Highways 6 and 3 intersect, the salary of the county prosecuting attorney shall be not less than Twelve Thousand Dollars ($12,000.00) per year nor more than the amount of the annual salary received by a member of the board of supervisors of that county.

(m) In any county wherein Interstate Highway 55 and State Highway 8 intersect, the salary of the county prosecuting attorney shall be not less than Twelve Thousand Dollars ($12,000.00) per year.

(n) In any county wherein U.S. Highway 51 intersects Mississippi Highway 6, and having two (2) judicial districts, the salary of the county prosecuting attorney shall be not less than Three Thousand Six Hundred Dollars ($3,600.00) per year.

(o) In any county bordering on the Alabama state line, having a population of greater than fifteen thousand (15,000) according to the 1970 federal decennial census, wherein U.S. Highway 45 and Mississippi Highway 18 intersect, the salary of the county prosecuting attorney shall be not less than Three Thousand Six Hundred Dollars ($3,600.00) nor greater than that of a member of the board of supervisors of such county. All prior acts, orders and resolutions of the board of supervisors of such county which authorized the payment of the salary in conformity with the provisions of this paragraph, whether or not heretofore specifically authorized by law are hereby ratified, approved and confirmed.

(p) In any county wherein is located a state-supported institution of higher learning and wherein U.S. Highway 82 and Mississippi Highway 389 intersect, the salary of the county prosecuting attorney shall be not less than Twelve Thousand Dollars ($12,000.00) nor greater than Twenty Thousand Four Hundred Dollars ($20,400.00).

(q) In any county having two (2) judicial districts wherein Mississippi Highway 32 intersects U.S. Highway 49E, the salary of the county prosecuting attorney shall be not less than Twelve Thousand Seven Hundred Dollars ($12,700.00).

(r) In any county traversed by the Natchez Trace Parkway wherein U.S. Highway 45 and Mississippi Highway 4 intersect, the salary of the county prosecuting attorney shall be not less than Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) nor more than the annual salary of justice court judges in the county.

(s) In any county having a population of more than fourteen thousand (14,000) according to the 1970 census and which county is bordered on the north by the State of Tennessee and on the east by the State of Alabama and in which U.S. Highway No. 72 and Highway No. 25 intersect, the salary of the county prosecuting attorney shall be not less than Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) nor more than the annual salary of justice court judges in the county.

(t) In any county wherein Interstate Highway 55 and State Highway 22 intersect, and which is also traversed in whole or part by U.S. Highways 49 and 51, and State Highways 16, 17, 43 and the Natchez Trace Parkway, and also containing a part of a public lake or reservoir, in excess of thirty thousand (30,000) acres, the annual salary of the county prosecuting attorney shall be Twenty-four Thousand Dollars ($24,000.00).

(u) In any county having a population in the 1970 census in excess of thirty-five thousand (35,000) and in which U.S. Highways 49W and 82 intersect, and in which is located a state penitentiary, the annual salary of a county prosecuting attorney shall be Thirty Thousand Four Hundred Twenty Dollars ($30,420.00).

(v) In any county wherein Mississippi Highway 50 intersects U.S. Highway 45-Alternate, and having a population greater than twenty thousand (20,000) according to the 1980 federal decennial census, a salary equal to that of a member of the board of supervisors of such county; provided that if such county prosecuting attorney is paid a sum for the purpose of defraying office or secretarial expenses, then the salary prescribed herein shall be reduced by that amount.

(w) In any county in which the 1975 assessed valuation was Forty Million Seven Hundred Thirty-nine Thousand Four Hundred Sixty-six Dollars ($40,739,466.00) and wherein U.S. Highway 45 and Mississippi Highway 8 intersect, the salary of the county prosecuting attorney shall be equal to that of a member of the board of supervisors of such county; provided that if such county prosecuting attorney is paid a sum for the purpose of defraying office or secretarial expenses, then the salary prescribed herein shall be reduced by that amount.

(x) In any county bordering on the Mississippi River having a population greater than fifty thousand (50,000) according to the 1980 federal decennial census and also having a national military park and national cemetery, an annual salary of Twenty-five Thousand Dollars ($25,000.00) or a salary equal to that of a member of the board of supervisors in such county, whichever is greater. In addition, such county prosecuting attorney shall receive the sum of One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) per month for the purpose of defraying secretarial expenses.

(y) In any county bordering on the Alabama state line, traversed by the Chickasawhay River, and wherein U.S. Highway 45 and U.S. Highway 84 intersect, a salary that shall be equal to the annual salary of a member of the board of supervisors of such county. All prior acts, orders and resolutions of the board of supervisors of such county which authorize the payment of the salary of the county prosecuting attorney in conformity with the provisions of this section as it existed immediately prior to the effective date of Chapter 506, Laws of 1985, are hereby ratified, approved, confirmed and validated.

(z) In any county having a population greater than sixty-five thousand five hundred eighty (65,580) but less than sixty-five thousand five hundred ninety (65,590) according to the 1990 federal decennial census, wherein U.S. Highway 45 intersects with Mississippi Highway 6, an annual salary equal to Thirty Thousand ($30,000.00).

(aa) In any county where an institution of higher learning is located and wherein U.S. Highway 82 and U.S. Highway 45 intersect, the salary of county prosecuting attorney shall be equal to that of a member of the board of supervisors in such county.

(bb) In any county having a population greater than six thousand (6,000) according to the federal decennial census and wherein U.S. Highway 61 and Highway 48 intersect, a salary equal to the annual salary of justice court judges in the county.

(cc) In any county having a population greater than thirty-one thousand (31,000) according to the 1990 federal decennial census and wherein U.S. Highway 61 and U.S. Highway 49 intersect, a salary of not less than the annual salary of justice court judges in the county.

(dd) In any county having a population greater than eighty-seven thousand (87,000) but less than eighty-seven thousand two hundred (87,200) according to the 1990 federal census, in which is located an international airport, an annual salary of Twenty-nine Thousand Dollars ($29,000.00). In addition, such county prosecuting attorney shall receive the sum of One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) per month for the purpose of defraying secretarial expenses.

(ee) In any county having a population greater than eight thousand (8,000) but less than eight thousand two hundred (8,200) according to the 1990 federal census, and in which U.S. Highway 61 and Mississippi Highway 4 intersect, the board of supervisors may, in its discretion, pay the county prosecuting attorney an additional amount not to exceed ten percent (10%) of the maximum allowable salary for that attorney under subsection (1).

(ff) In any county having a population greater than thirty thousand three hundred (30,300) but less than thirty thousand four hundred (30,400) according to the 1990 federal census, and in which U.S. Highway 78 and Mississippi Highway 7 intersect, a salary of not less than the annual salary of a member of the board of supervisors in such county.

(gg) In any county having a population greater than thirteen thousand three hundred (13,300) but less than thirteen thousand four hundred (13,400) according to the 1990 federal census, and in which Mississippi Highway 24 and Mississippi Highway 48 intersect, the board of supervisors may, in its discretion, pay the county prosecuting attorney an additional amount not to exceed ten percent (10%) of the maximum allowable salary for that attorney under subsection (1).

(hh) In any county having a population greater than eight thousand three hundred (8,300) but less than eight thousand four hundred (8,400) according to the 1990 federal census, and in which U.S. Highway 84 and U.S. Highway 98 intersect, the board of supervisors may, in its discretion, pay the county prosecuting attorney an additional amount not to exceed ten percent (10%) of the maximum allowable salary for that attorney under subsection (1).

(ii) After September 30, 1993, in any county having a population of more than thirty thousand four hundred (30,400) and which is traversed in whole or part by I-59, U.S. Highways 98 and 11 and State Highway 13, the annual salary of the county prosecuting attorney shall be Twenty-five Thousand Dollars ($25,000.00). In addition, such county prosecuting attorney shall receive after September 30, 1993, the sum of Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00) per month for the purpose of defraying office or secretarial expenses.

(jj) In any county having a population greater than twenty thousand (20,000) according to the 1990 federal census and wherein U.S. Highway 78 and Mississippi Highway 25 intersect, the salary of the county prosecuting attorney shall be not less than Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) nor more than the annual salary of justice court judges in the county.

(kk) In any county having a population greater than twelve thousand four hundred (12,400) but less than twelve thousand five hundred (12,500) according to the 1990 federal census, and in which U.S. Highway 84 and Mississippi Highway 27 intersect, the board of supervisors may, in its discretion, pay the county prosecuting attorney an additional amount not to exceed ten percent (10%) of the maximum allowable salary for that attorney under subsection (1).

(ll) In any county having a population greater than thirty thousand two hundred (30,200) but less than thirty thousand three hundred (30,300) according to the 1990 federal census, and in which U.S. Interstate 55 and Mississippi Highway 84 intersect, the board of supervisors may, in its discretion, pay the county prosecuting attorney an additional amount not to exceed ten percent (10%) of the maximum allowable salary for that attorney under subsection (1).

(mm) In any county on the Mississippi River levee, having a population greater than forty-one thousand eight hundred (41,800) but less than forty-one thousand nine hundred (41,900) according to the 1990 federal census wherein U. S. Highway 61 and Mississippi Highway 8 intersect, a salary of not less than the annual salary of justice court judges in the county.

(nn) In any county having a population greater than twenty-four thousand seven hundred (24,700) and less than twenty-four thousand nine hundred (24,900) according to the 1990 federal census, wherein Mississippi Highways 15 and 16 intersect, a salary equal to Twenty-one Thousand Seven Hundred Dollars ($21,700.00).

(3) In any case where a salary, expense allowance or other sum is authorized or paid by the board of supervisors pursuant to this section, that salary, expense allowance or other sum shall not be reduced or terminated during the term for which the county attorney was elected.

SECTION 8. Section 25-3-13, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

25-3-13. The salaries of the members of the boards of supervisors of the various counties are hereby fixed as full compensation for their services.

The annual salary of each member of the board of supervisors shall be based upon the total assessed valuation of his respective county for the preceding taxable year in the following categories and for the following amounts:

(a) For counties having a total assessed valuation of less than Twenty Million Dollars ($20,000,000.00), a salary of Twenty Thousand Four Hundred Sixty Dollars ($20,460.00);

(b) For counties having a total assessed valuation of at least Twenty Million Dollars ($20,000,000.00), but less than Twenty-five Million Dollars ($25,000,000.00), a salary of Twenty Thousand Nine Hundred Eighty-eight Dollars ($20,988.00);

(c) For counties having a total assessed valuation of at least Twenty-five Million Dollars ($25,000,000.00), but less than Thirty-five Million Dollars ($35,000,000.00), a salary of Twenty-one Thousand Five Hundred Sixteen Dollars ($21,516.00);

(d) For counties having a total assessed valuation of at least Thirty-five Million Dollars ($35,000,000.00), but less than Fifty Million Dollars ($50,000,000.00), a salary of Twenty-three Thousand Three Hundred Sixty-four Dollars ($23,364.00);

(e) For counties having a total assessed valuation of at least Fifty Million Dollars ($50,000,000.00), but less than Seventy-five Million Dollars ($75,000,000.00), a salary of Twenty-four Thousand Four Hundred Twenty Dollars ($24,420.00);

(f) For counties having a total assessed valuation of at least Seventy-five Million Dollars ($75,000,000.00), but less than One Hundred Twenty-five Million Dollars ($125,000,000.00), a salary of Twenty-five Thousand Two Hundred Twelve Dollars ($25,212.00);

(g) For counties having a total assessed valuation of One Hundred Twenty-five Million Dollars ($125,000,000.00), but less than Three Hundred Million Dollars ($300,000,000.00), a salary of Twenty-nine Thousand One Hundred Seventy-two Dollars ($29,172.00);

(h) For counties having a total assessed valuation of Three Hundred Million Dollars ($300,000,000.00) or more, a salary of Thirty-two Thousand Four Hundred Seventy-two Dollars ($32,472.00).

The salary of the members of the board of supervisors shall not be increased under this section until the board of supervisors shall have passed a resolution stating the amount of the increase and spread it on its minutes.

SECTION 9. Section 25-3-25, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

25-3-25. (1) Except as otherwise provided in subsections (2) and (3), the salaries of sheriffs of the various counties are hereby fixed as full compensation for their services.

The annual salary for each sheriff shall be based upon the total population of his county according to the latest federal decennial census in the following categories and for the following amounts; however, no sheriff shall be paid less than the salary authorized under this section to be paid the sheriff based upon the population of the county according to the 1980 federal decennial census:

(a) For counties with a total population of more than two hundred thousand (200,000), a salary of Fifty-three Thousand Two Hundred Dollars ($53,200.00).

(b) For counties with a total population of more than one hundred thousand (100,000) and not more than two hundred thousand (200,000), a salary of Fifty-two Thousand Dollars ($52,000.00).

(c) For counties with a total population of more than forty-five thousand (45,000) and not more than one hundred thousand (100,000), a salary of Fifty Thousand Eight Hundred Dollars ($50,800.00).

(d) For counties with a total population of more than thirty-four thousand (34,000) and not more than forty-five thousand (45,000), a salary of Forty-nine Thousand Six Hundred Dollars ($49,600.00).

(e) For counties with a total population of more than twenty-five thousand (25,000) and not more than thirty-four thousand (34,000), a salary of Forty-seven Thousand Two Hundred Dollars ($47,200.00).

(f) For counties with a total population of more than fifteen thousand (15,000) and not more than twenty-five thousand (25,000), a salary of Forty-four Thousand Eight Hundred Dollars ($44,800.00).

(g) For counties with a total population of more than nine thousand five hundred (9,500) and not more than fifteen thousand (15,000), a salary of Forty-two Thousand Four Hundred Dollars ($42,400.00).

(h) For counties with a total population of more than seven thousand five hundred (7,500) and not more than nine thousand five hundred (9,500), a salary of Forty Thousand Dollars ($40,000.00).

(i) For counties with a total population of not more than seven thousand five hundred (7,500), a salary of Thirty-seven Thousand Six Hundred Dollars ($37,600.00).

(2) In addition to the salary provided for in subsection (1) of this section, the Board of Supervisors of Leflore County may, in its discretion, pay an annual supplement to the sheriff of the county in an amount not to exceed Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00). The Legislature finds and declares that the annual supplement authorized by this subsection is justified in such county for the following reasons:

(a) The Mississippi Department of Corrections operates and maintains a restitution center within the county;

(b) The Mississippi Department of Corrections operates and maintains a community work center within the county;

(c) There is a resident circuit court judge in the county whose office is located at the Leflore County Courthouse;

(d) There is a resident chancery court judge in the county whose office is located at the Leflore County Courthouse;

(e) The Magistrate for the Fourth Circuit Court District is located in the county and maintains his office at the Leflore County Courthouse;

(f) The Region VI Mental Health-Mental Retardation Center, which serves a multicounty area, calls upon the sheriff to provide security for out-of-town mental patients, as well as patients from within the county;

(g) The increased activity of the Child Support Division of the Department of Human Services in enforcing in the courts parental obligations has imposed additional duties on the sheriff; and

(h) The dispatchers of the enhanced E-911 system in place in Leflore County has been placed under the direction and control of the sheriff.

(3) In addition to the salary provided for in subsection (1) of this section, the Board of Supervisors of Rankin County may, in its discretion, pay an annual supplement to the sheriff of the county in an amount not to exceed Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00). The Legislature finds and declares that the annual supplement authorized by this subsection is justified in such county for the following reasons:

(a) The Mississippi Department of Corrections operates and maintains the Central Mississippi Correctional Facility within the county;

(b) The State Hospital is operated and maintained within the county at Whitfield;

(c) Hudspeth Regional Center, a facility maintained for the care and treatment of the mentally retarded, is located within the county;

(d) The Mississippi Law Enforcement Officers Training Academy is operated and maintained within the county;

(e) The State Fire Academy is operated and maintained within the county;

(f) The Pearl River Valley Water Supply District, ordinarily known as the "Reservoir District," is located within the county;

(g) The Jackson International Airport is located within the county;

(h) The patrolling of the state properties located within the county has imposed additional duties on the sheriff; and

(i) The sheriff, in addition to providing security to the nearly one hundred thousand (100,000) residents of the county, has the duty to investigate, solve and assist in the prosecution of any misdemeanor or felony committed upon any state property located in Rankin County.

(4) The salaries herein provided shall be payable monthly on the first day of each calendar month by chancery clerk's warrant drawn on the general fund of the county.

SECTION 10. Section 25-3-36, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

25-3-36. (1) From and after October 1, 1993, every justice court judge shall receive as full compensation for his or her services and in lieu of any and all other fees, costs or compensation heretofore authorized for such justice court judge, an annual salary based upon the population of his or her county according to the 1990 federal decennial census; however, no justice court judge shall be paid less than that amount which would have been paid to such judges prior to the promulgation of the 1990 federal decennial census. The amount of which salary shall be determined as follows:

(a) In counties with a population of more than two hundred thousand (200,000), a salary of Forty Thousand Two Hundred Sixty Dollars ($40,260.00).

(b) In counties with a population of more than one hundred and fifty thousand (150,000) but not more than two hundred thousand (200,000), a salary of Thirty-six Thousand Nine Hundred Sixty Dollars ($36,960.00).

(c) In counties with a population of more than seventy-five thousand (75,000) but not more than one hundred fifty thousand (150,000), a salary of Thirty-three Thousand Six Hundred Sixty Dollars ($33,660.00).

(d) In counties with a population of more than forty-nine thousand (49,000) but not more than seventy-five thousand (75,000), a salary of Twenty-nine Thousand Forty Dollars ($29,040.00).

(e) In counties with a population of more than thirty-four thousand (34,000) but not more than forty-nine thousand (49,000), a salary of Twenty-five Thousand Eighty Dollars ($25,080.00).

(f) In counties with a population of more than twenty-four thousand five hundred (24,500) but not more than thirty-four thousand (34,000), a salary of Twenty-three Thousand Seven Hundred Sixty Dollars ($23,760.00).

(g) In counties with a population of more than twenty-one thousand (21,000) but not more than twenty-four thousand five hundred (24,500), a salary of Twenty-one Thousand One Hundred Twenty Dollars ($21,120.00).

(h) In counties with a population of more than sixteen thousand five hundred (16,500) but not more than twenty-one thousand (21,000), a salary of Eighteen Thousand Four Hundred Eighty Dollars ($18,480.00).

(i) In counties with a population of more than twelve thousand (12,000) but not more than sixteen thousand five hundred (16,500), a salary of Fifteen Thousand Eight Hundred Forty Dollars ($15,840.00).

(j) In counties with a population of more than eight thousand (8,000) but not more than twelve thousand (12,000), a salary of Eleven Thousand Five Hundred Fifty Dollars ($11,550.00).

(k) In counties with a population of eight thousand (8,000) or less, a salary of Eight Thousand Two Hundred Fifty Dollars ($8,250.00). In addition to the amounts hereinabove provided, the board of supervisors of any county having two (2) judicial districts and which has a population of more than fifteen thousand (15,000) but less than eighteen thousand (18,000) may also pay justice court judges an additional amount not to exceed the sum of Two Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($2,500.00) per year if said justice court judges maintain regular office hours and are personally present in the office they maintain for at least thirty (30) hours per week.

(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (1) of this section, in the event that the number of justice court judges authorized pursuant to Section 9-11-2(1) is exceeded pursuant to the provisions of Section 9-11-2(4), the aggregate of the salaries paid to the justice court judges of such a county shall not exceed the amount sufficient to pay the number of justice court judges authorized pursuant to Section 9-11-2(1) and such amount shall be equally divided among those justice court judges continuing to hold office under the provisions of Section 9-11-2(4).

(3) From and after January 1, 1984, all fees, costs, fines and penalties charged and collected in the justice court shall be paid to the clerk of the justice court for deposit, along with monies from cash bonds and other monies which have been forfeited in criminal cases, into the general fund of the county as provided in Section 9-11-19; and the clerk of the board of supervisors shall be authorized and empowered, upon approval by the board of supervisors, to make disbursements and withdrawals from the general fund of the county in order to pay any reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in complying with this section, including payment of the salaries of justice court judges as provided by subsection (1) of this section. The provisions of this subsection shall not, except as to cash bonds and other monies which have been forfeited in criminal cases, apply to monies required to be deposited in the justice court clerk clearing account as provided in Section 9-11-18, Mississippi Code of 1972.

(4) The salaries provided for in subsection (1) of this section shall be payable monthly by warrant drawn by the clerk of the board of supervisors on the general fund of the county.

(5) Provided, that the salary of any justice court judge shall not be reduced during his term of office as a result of a population change following a federal decennial census.

(6) Any justice court judge who is unable to attend and hold court by reason of being under suspension by the Commission on Judicial Performance or the Mississippi Supreme Court shall not receive a salary while under such suspension.

SECTION 11. Section 41-61-59, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

41-61-59. (1) A person's death which affects the public interest as specified in subsection (2) of this section shall be promptly reported to the medical examiner by the physician in attendance, any hospital employee, any law enforcement officer having knowledge of the death, the embalmer or other funeral home employee, any emergency medical technician, any relative or any other person present. The appropriate medical examiner shall notify the municipal or state law enforcement agency or sheriff and take charge of the body.

(2) A death affecting the public interest includes, but is not limited to, any of the following:

(a) Violent death, including homicidal, suicidal or accidental death.

(b) Death caused by thermal, chemical, electrical or radiation injury.

(c) Death caused by criminal abortion, including self-induced abortion, or abortion related to or by sexual abuse.

(d) Death related to disease thought to be virulent or contagious which may constitute a public hazard.

(e) Death that has occurred unexpectedly or from an unexplained cause.

(f) Death of a person confined in a prison, jail or correctional institution.

(g) Death of a person where a physician was not in attendance within thirty-six (36) hours preceding death, or in prediagnosed terminal or bedfast cases, within thirty (30) days preceding death.

(h) Death of a person where the body is not claimed by a relative or a friend.

(i) Death of a person where the identity of the deceased is unknown.

(j) Death of a child under the age of two (2) years where death results from an unknown cause or where the circumstances surrounding the death indicate that sudden infant death syndrome may be the cause of death.

(k) Where a body is brought into this state for disposal and there is reason to believe either that the death was not investigated properly or that there is not an adequate certificate of death.

(l) Where a person is presented to a hospital emergency room unconscious and/or unresponsive, with cardiopulmonary resuscitative measures being performed, and dies within twenty-four (24) hours of admission without regaining consciousness or responsiveness, unless a physician was in attendance within thirty-six (36) hours preceding presentation to the hospital, or in cases in which the decedent had a prediagnosed terminal or bedfast condition, unless a physician was in attendance within thirty (30) days preceding presentation to the hospital.

(3) The State Medical Examiner is hereby empowered to investigate deaths, under the authority hereinafter conferred, in any and all political subdivisions of the state. The county medical examiners and county medical examiner investigators, while appointed for a specific county, may serve other counties on a regular basis with written authorization by the State Medical Examiner, or may serve other counties on an as-needed basis upon the request of the ranking officer of the investigating law enforcement agency. The county medical examiner or county medical examiner investigator of any county which has established a regional medical examiner district under subsection (4) of Section 41-61-77 may serve other counties which are parties to the agreement establishing the district, in accordance with the terms of the agreement, and may contract with counties which are not part of the district to provide medical examiner services for such counties. If a death affecting the public interest takes place in a county other than the one where injuries or other substantial causal factors leading to the death have occurred, jurisdiction for investigation of the death may be transferred, by mutual agreement of the respective medical examiners of the counties involved, to the county where such injuries or other substantial causal factors occurred, and the costs of autopsy or other studies necessary to the further investigation of the death shall be borne by the county assuming jurisdiction.

(4) The chief county medical examiner or chief county medical examiner investigator may receive from the county in which he serves, and in any county having one or more deputy medical examiners or deputy medical examiner investigators each deputy may receive from the county in which he serves, a salary, in the discretion of the board of supervisors, of not more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) per month, in addition to the fees specified in Sections 41-61-69 and 41-61-75. For this salary the chief shall assure twenty-four-hour daily and readily available death investigators for the county, and shall maintain copies of all medical examiner death investigations for the county for at least the previous five (5) years. He shall coordinate his office and duties and cooperate with the State Medical Examiner, and the State Medical Examiner shall cooperate with him.

(5) A body composed of the State Medical Examiner, whether appointed on a permanent or interim basis, the Director of the State Board of Health or his designee, the Attorney General or his designee, the President of the Mississippi Coroners' Association (or successor organization) or his designee, and a certified pathologist appointed by the Mississippi State Medical Association shall adopt, promulgate, amend and repeal rules and regulations as may be deemed necessary by them from time to time for the proper enforcement, interpretation and administration of Sections 41-61-51 through 41-61-79, in accordance with the provisions of the Mississippi Administrative Procedures Law, being Section 25-43-1 et seq.

SECTION 12. Section 41-61-60, Mississippi Code of 1972, which requires the payment of an additional amount to the county medical examiner/chief medical examiner investigator, is repealed.

SECTION 13. Section 75-76-15, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

75-76-15.  * * * (1) From and after October 1, 1993, the position of Executive Director of the Mississippi Gaming Commission is * * * created.

(2) The Gaming Commission shall appoint the executive director, with the advice and consent of the Senate, and the executive director shall serve at the will and pleasure of the commission. The director appointed by the State Tax Commission * * * who is serving on September 30, 1993, shall serve as the Executive Director of the Mississippi Gaming Commission until the executive director appointed by the Gaming Commission pursuant to this section is confirmed by the Senate.

(3) No member of the Legislature, no person holding any elective office, nor any officer or official of any political party is eligible for the appointment of executive director.

(4) The executive director must have at least five (5) years of responsible administrative experience in public or business administration or possess broad management skills.

(5) The executive director shall devote his entire time and attention to his duties under this chapter and the business of the commission and shall not pursue any other business or occupation or hold any other office of profit.

(6) The executive director shall not be pecuniarily interested in any business or organization holding a gaming license under this chapter or doing business with any person or organization licensed under this chapter.

(7) The executive director shall receive an annual salary in the amount established in Section 25-3-33.

SECTION 14. The Attorney General of the State of Mississippi is hereby directed to submit Sections 1 and 3 through 12 of this act, immediately upon approval by the Governor, or upon approval by the Legislature subsequent to a veto, to the Attorney General of the United States or to the United States District Court for the District of Columbia in accordance with the provisions of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, as amended and extended.

SECTION 15. Section 1 of this act shall take effect and be in force from and after January 1, 1998, if it is effectuated on or before that date under Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, as amended and extended; if it is effectuated under Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, as amended and extended, after January 1, 1998, Section 1 of this act shall take effect and be in force from and after the date it is effectuated under Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, as amended and extended. Sections 2 and 13 of this act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 1997. Sections 3 of this act shall take effect and be in force from and after the date they are effectuated under Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, as amended and extended. Sections 4 through 12 of this act shall take effect and be in force from and after October 1, 1997, if they are effectuated on or before that date under Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, as amended and extended; if they are effectuated under Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, as amended and extended, after October 1, 1997, such sections of this act shall take effect and be in force from and after the date they are respectively effectuated under Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, as amended and extended.