MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2001 Regular Session

To: Judiciary B

By: Representative Zuber

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 25-41-15, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE THAT IF A PUBLIC BODY HAS VIOLATED THE PROVISIONS OF THE OPEN MEETINGS LAW, THE PREVAILING PARTY IN A CHANCERY COURT ACTION SHALL BE AWARDED REASONABLE ATTORNEYS' FEES AND EXPENSES INCURRED IN BRINGING THE ACTION; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

SECTION 1. Section 25-41-15, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

25-41-15. The chancery courts of this state shall have the authority to enforce the provisions of this chapter upon application of any citizen of the state, and shall have the authority to issue injunctions or writs of mandamus to accomplish that purpose. If a court finds that a public body has violated the provisions of this chapter, it shall award to the prevailing party the reasonable expenses incurred in bringing the action against the public body, including the award of attorneys' fees and any other legitimate costs or fees expended.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2001.