MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1997 Regular Session

To: Municipalities

By: Senator(s) Dearing

Senate Bill 2414

(As Sent to Governor)

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 21-23-9, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO ALLOW MUNICIPAL GOVERNING AUTHORITIES TO APPOINT AND COMPENSATE A MUNICIPAL JUDGE PRO TEMPORE TO SERVE IN PLACE OF ELECTED AS WELL AS APPOINTED MUNICIPAL JUDGES; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.  

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

 

SECTION 1. Section 21-23-9, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

21-23-9. In any municipality where a municipal judge is appointed or elected, the governing authorities shall have the power and authority to appoint a municipal judge pro tempore who shall have the same powers and qualifications for office as the municipal judge and shall perform all duties of the municipal judge in the absence of such municipal judge or if such municipal judge is unable to serve for any reason. In the event a municipal judge pro tempore is not appointed or is absent or unable for any reason to serve, any justice court judge of the county or municipal judge of another municipality may serve in his place with the same power and authority upon designation by the municipal judge. Any municipality that appoints a municipal judge pro tempore in the absence of a municipal judge or has a justice court judge serve in the absence of a municipal court judge, as provided in this section, is authorized to compensate that municipal judge pro tempore or justice court judge in the same manner and amount as the municipality provides for the appointed or elected municipal judge who is absent.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage.