MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2001 Regular Session

To: Fees, Salaries and Administration; Appropriations

By: Senator(s) Thames, Harden, Harvey

Senate Bill 2674

AN ACT TO INCREASE THE SALARIES OF CERTAIN COUNTY OFFICIALS; TO AMEND SECTIONS 25-3-3 AND 25-3-5, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO INCREASE THE SALARIES OF COUNTY TAX COLLECTORS AND TAX ASSESSORS; TO AMEND SECTION 25-3-9, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO INCREASE THE SALARIES OF THE COUNTY PROSECUTING ATTORNEYS IN CERTAIN COUNTIES; TO AMEND SECTION 25-3-13, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO INCREASE THE SALARIES OF MEMBERS OF COUNTY BOARDS OF SUPERVISORS; TO AMEND SECTION 25-3-25, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO INCREASE THE SALARIES OF SHERIFFS; TO AMEND SECTION 25-3-36, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO INCREASE THE SALARIES OF JUSTICE COURT JUDGES; TO AMEND SECTION 9-9-11, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO INCREASE THE SALARIES OF CERTAIN COUNTY COURT JUDGES; TO AMEND SECTION 41-61-59, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO INCREASE THE SALARY ALLOWABLE TO CHIEF COUNTY MEDICAL EXAMINERS AND CHIEF COUNTY MEDICAL EXAMINER INVESTIGATORS; TO AMEND SECTION 9-13-19, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO INCREASE THE SALARIES OF COURT REPORTERS; TO AMEND SECTION 19-25-31, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO INCREASE THE DAILY COMPENSATION AUTHORIZED FOR RIDING BAILIFFS; TO AMEND SECTION 23-15-225, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO INCREASE THE SALARIES OF COUNTY REGISTRARS; TO BRING FORWARD SECTIONS 5-1-41, 5-1-43, 5-1-45, 5-1-47, 25-3-31, 25-3-33, 25-3-35 AND 25-31-10, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, FOR PURPOSES OF AMENDMENT; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

SECTION 1. Section 25-3-3, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended 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 or gas 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, and the actual value of gas as certified by the State Tax Commission under the provisions of Sections 27-25-701 through 27-25-723.

The salary of assessors of the various counties is * * * 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 Fifty-one Thousand Eight Hundred Ninety-five Dollars ($51,895.00);

(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 Fifty Thousand Forty-four Dollars ($50,044.00);

(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 Forty-six Thousand Six Hundred Eleven Dollars ($46,611.00);

(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 Forty-three Thousand One Hundred Twenty Dollars ($43,120.00);

(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 Thirty-nine Thousand Six Hundred Twenty-eight Dollars ($39,628.00);

(f) For counties having a total assessed valuation of less than Twelve Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($12,500,000.00), a salary of Thirty-six Thousand One Hundred Thirty-seven Dollars ($36,137.00).

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 * * * 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 * * * 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 Section 73-34-1 et seq., 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 Section 73-34-1 et seq., 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 Section 73-34-1 et seq., he shall receive an additional Eight Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($8,500.00) annually beginning the next fiscal year after completion.

The salaries * * * set out in this section 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 * * * provided in this section 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; however, the board of supervisors, by resolution duly adopted and entered on its minutes, may provide that such salaries shall be paid semimonthly on the first and fifteenth day of each month. If a pay date falls on a weekend or legal holiday, salary payments shall be made on the workday immediately preceding the weekend or legal holiday.

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 2. Section 25-3-5, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended 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 Fifty-seven Thousand Eighty-five Dollars ($57,085.00);

(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 Fifty-three Thousand Five Hundred Ninety-four Dollars ($53,594.00);

(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 Fifty Thousand One Hundred Three Dollars ($50,103.00);

(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 Forty-six Thousand Six Hundred Eleven Dollars ($46,611.00);

(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 Forty-three Thousand One Hundred Twenty Dollars ($43,120.00);

(f) For counties with a total assessed valuation of less than Seventy-five Million Dollars ($75,000,000.00), a salary of Thirty-nine Thousand Six Hundred Twenty-eight Dollars ($39,628.00).

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 * * * 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 * * * 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 Section 73-34-1 et seq., 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 Section 73-34-1 et seq., 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 Section 73-34-1 et seq., he shall receive an additional Eight Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($8,500.00) annually beginning the next fiscal year after completion.

The salaries * * * set out in this section 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 * * * provided in this section 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; however, the board of supervisors, by resolution duly adopted and entered on its minutes, may provide that such salaries shall be paid semimonthly on the first and fifteenth day of each month. If a pay date falls on a weekend or legal holiday, salary payments shall be made on the workday immediately preceding the weekend or legal holiday.

SECTION 3. Section 25-3-9, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended 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 Thirty-two Thousand Seven Hundred Seventy-five Dollars ($32,775.00).

(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 Thirty Thousand Four Hundred Seventy-five Dollars ($30,475.00).

(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-four Thousand Nine Hundred Fifty-five Dollars ($24,955.00).

(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-three Thousand Four Hundred Sixty Dollars ($23,460.00).

(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 Twenty-two Thousand One Hundred Ninety-five Dollars ($22,195.00).

(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 Twenty Thousand Three Hundred Fifty-five Dollars ($20,355.00).

(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 Eighteen Thousand Five Hundred Fifteen Dollars ($18,515.00).

(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 Sixteen Thousand Six Hundred Seventy-five Dollars ($16,675.00).

(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 Fourteen Thousand Eight Hundred Thirty-five Dollars ($14,835.00).

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; however, the 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.

 * * * 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 in this subsection.

(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 board of supervisors, in its discretion, may pay the county prosecuting attorney an annual salary equal to the annual salary of members of the board of supervisors in the county.

(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).

In addition, such county prosecuting attorney shall receive the sum of One Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($1,500.00) per month for the purpose of defraying secretarial expense.

(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 Stales Bayou, the board of supervisors, in its discretion, may pay an annual salary equal to the annual salary of members of the board of supervisors in the county. 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 board of supervisors, in its discretion, may pay the county prosecuting attorney an annual salary equal to the annual salary of members of the board of supervisors in the county.

(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 board of supervisors, in its discretion, may pay the county prosecuting attorney an annual salary equal to 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 board of supervisors, in its discretion, may pay the county prosecuting attorney an annual salary equal to the annual salary of justice court judges in the county.

(t) (i) 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 board of supervisors, in its discretion, may pay the county prosecuting attorney an annual salary in the amount of Twenty-eight Thousand Dollars ($28,000.00).

(ii) From and after October 1, 1993, in addition to the salary provided for subparagraph (i) of this paragraph, the board of supervisors, 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.

(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.

(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 Dollars ($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 not less than that of a member of the board of supervisors in such county, and the board of supervisors may, in its discretion, pay such county prosecuting attorney a salary in an amount not to exceed the amount of the salary of the District Attorney for the Sixteenth Judicial District of Mississippi.

(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 24 intersect, the board of supervisors, in its discretion, may pay the county prosecuting attorney an annual salary equal to the annual salary of members of the board of supervisors 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 amount not to exceed Fourteen Thousand Dollars ($14,000.00), in addition to the maximum allowable salary for that attorney under subsection (1), beginning on April 1, 1997.

(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 board of supervisors, in its discretion, may pay the county prosecuting attorney an annual salary equal to 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, the board of supervisors, in its discretion, may pay the county prosecuting attorney an annual salary equal to the annual salary of members of the board of supervisors in the county. In addition, the board of supervisors, in its discretion, may pay the county prosecuting attorney the sum of One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) per month for the purpose of defraying secretarial expenses.

(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, the board of supervisors, in its discretion, may pay the county prosecuting attorney an annual salary equal to the annual salary of members of the board of supervisors in the county.

(oo) In any county having a population greater than thirty-seven thousand (37,000) but less than thirty-eight thousand (38,000) according to the 1990 federal census, in which is located a state supported institution of higher learning, and in which U.S. Highway 82 and Mississippi Highway 7 intersect, the board of supervisors may, in its discretion, pay the county prosecuting attorney a salary in an amount not to exceed the amount of the salary of the District Attorney for the Fourth Judicial District of Mississippi.

(pp) In any county in which U.S. Highway 78 and Mississippi Highway 15 intersect and which is traversed by the Tallahatchie River, a salary equal to that of members of the board of supervisors of the county, which salary shall be in addition to any sums received for the purpose of defraying office or secretarial expenses and sums received as youth court prosecutor fees.

(qq) In any county bordering on the State of Tennessee and the State of Arkansas, wherein Interstate Highway 55 and Mississippi Highway 302 intersect, the board of supervisors, in its discretion, may pay the county prosecuting attorney an annual salary equal to the annual salary of justice court judges in the county.

(rr) In any county that is traversed by the Natchez Trace Parkway and in which Mississippi Highway 35 and Mississippi Highway 12 intersect, the board of supervisors, in its discretion, may pay the county prosecuting attorney an annual salary in the amount of the annual salary of justice court judges in the county.

(ss) In any county in which Mississippi Highway 14 and Mississippi Highway 25 intersect, the board of supervisors, in its discretion, may pay the county prosecuting attorney an annual salary in the amount of Twenty-two Thousand Dollars ($22,000.00).

(tt) In any county in which Interstate Highway 59 and U.S. Highway 84 intersect, the board of supervisors, in its discretion, may pay the county prosecuting attorney an annual salary equal to the annual salary of members of the board of supervisors in the county.

(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 4. Section 25-3-13, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

25-3-13. The salaries of the members of the boards of supervisors of the various counties are * * * 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-seven Thousand Fifty-nine Dollars ($27,059.00);

(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-seven Thousand Seven Hundred Fifty-eight Dollars ($27,758.00);

(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-eight Thousand Four Hundred Fifty-six Dollars ($28,456.00);

(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 Thirty Thousand Nine Hundred Dollars ($30,900.00);

(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 Thirty-two Thousand Two Hundred Ninety-six Dollars ($32,296.00);

(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 Thirty-three Thousand Three Hundred Forty-four Dollars ($33,344.00);

(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 Thirty-eight Thousand Five Hundred Eighty-one Dollars ($38,581.00);

(h) For counties having a total assessed valuation of Three Hundred Million Dollars ($300,000,000.00) or more, a salary of Forty-two Thousand Nine Hundred Forty-five Dollars ($42,945.00).

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 5. Section 25-3-25, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

25-3-25. (1) Except as otherwise provided in subsections (2) through (9), the salaries of sheriffs of the various counties are * * * fixed as full compensation for their services.

From and after October 1, 1998, 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 Eighty-six Thousand Two Hundred Fifty Dollars ($86,250.00).

(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 Eighty Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($80,500.00).

(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 Seventy-four Thousand Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($74,750.00).

(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 Sixty-nine Thousand Dollars ($69,000.00).

(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 Fifty-nine Thousand Eight Hundred Dollars ($59,800.00).

(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 Fifty-seven Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($57,500.00).

(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 Fifty-four Thousand Fifty Dollars ($54,050.00).

(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 Fifty-one Thousand Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($51,750.00).

(i) For counties with a total population of not more than seven thousand five hundred (7,500), a salary of Forty-eight Thousand Three Hundred Dollars ($48,300.00).

(2) In addition to the salary provided for in subsection (1) of this section, the Board of Supervisors of Leflore County * * *, in its discretion, may 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 * * *, in its discretion, may 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) In addition to the salary provided for in subsection (1) of this section, the Board of Supervisors of Neshoba County shall pay an annual supplement to the sheriff of the county an amount equal to Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00).

(5) In addition to the salary provided for in subsection (1) of this section, the Board of Supervisors of Tunica County * * *, in its discretion, may pay an annual supplement to the sheriff of the county an amount equal to Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00), payable beginning April 1, 1997.

(6) In addition to the salary provided for in subsection (1) of this section, the Board of Supervisors of Hinds County shall pay an annual supplement to the sheriff of the county in an amount equal to Fifteen Thousand Dollars ($15,000.00). The Legislature finds and declares that the annual supplement authorized by this subsection is justified in such county for the following reasons:

(a) Hinds County has the greatest population of any county, two hundred fifty-four thousand four hundred forty-one (254,441) by the 1990 census, being almost one hundred thousand (100,000) more than the next most populous county;

(b) Hinds County is home to the state capitol and the seat of all state government offices;

(c) Hinds County is the third largest county in geographic area, containing eight hundred seventy-five (875) square miles;

(d) Hinds County is comprised of two (2) judicial districts, each having a courthouse and county office buildings;

(e) There are four (4) resident circuit judges, four (4) resident chancery judges, and three (3) resident county judges in Hinds County, the most of any county, with the sheriff acting as chief executive officer and provider of bailiff services for all;

(f) The main offices for the clerk and most of the judges and magistrates for the United States District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi are located within the county;

(g) The state's only urban university, Jackson State University, is located within the county;

(h) The University of Mississippi Medical Center, combining the medical school, dental school, nursing school and hospital, is located within the county;

(i) Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium, the state's largest sports arena, is located within the county;

(j) The Mississippi State Fairgrounds, including the Coliseum and Trade Mart, are located within the county;

(k) Hinds County has the largest criminal population in the state, such that the Hinds County Sheriff's Department operates the largest county jail system in the state, housing almost one thousand (1,000) inmates in three (3) separate detention facilities;

(l) The Hinds County Sheriff's Department handles more mental and drug and alcohol commitments cases than any other sheriff's department in the state;

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

(n) The Mississippi Department of Corrections regularly houses as many as one hundred (100) state convicts within the Hinds County jail system; and

(o) The Hinds County Sheriff's Department is regularly asked to provide security services not only at the Fairgrounds and Memorial Stadium, but also for events at the Mississippi Museum of Art and Jackson City Auditorium.

(7) In addition to the salary provided for in subsection (1) of this section, the Board of Supervisors of Wilkinson County, in its discretion, may 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 because the Mississippi Department of Corrections contracts for the private incarceration of state inmates at a private correctional facility within the county.

(8) In addition to the salary provided for in subsection (1) of this section, the Board of Supervisors of Marshall County, in its discretion, may 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 because the Mississippi Department of Corrections contracts for the private incarceration of state inmates at a private correctional facility within the county.

(9) In addition to the salary provided in subsection (1) of this section, the Board of Supervisors of Greene County, in its discretion, may 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 South Mississippi Correctional Facility within the county;

(b) In 1996, additional facilities to house another one thousand four hundred sixteen (1,416) male offenders were constructed at the South Mississippi Correctional Facility within the county; and

(c) The patrolling of the state properties located within the county has imposed additional duties on the sheriff justifying additional compensation.

(10) The salaries * * * provided in this section 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; however, the board of supervisors, by resolution duly adopted and entered on its minutes, may provide that such salaries shall be paid semimonthly on the first and fifteenth day of each month. If a pay date falls on a weekend or legal holiday, salary payments shall be made on the workday immediately preceding the weekend or legal holiday.

SECTION 6. Section 25-3-36, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

25-3-36. (1) From and after October 1, 1998, 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 the salary authorized under this section to be paid the justice court judge based upon the population of the county according to the 1980 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 Fifty-three Thousand Two Hundred Forty-four Dollars ($53,244.00).

(b) In counties with a population of more than one hundred fifty thousand (150,000) but not more than two hundred thousand (200,000), a salary of Forty-eight Thousand Eight Hundred Eighty Dollars ($48,880.00).

(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 Forty-four Thousand Five Hundred Sixteen Dollars ($44,516.00).

(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 Thirty-eight Thousand Four Hundred Six Dollars ($38,406.00).

(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 Thirty-three Thousand One Hundred Sixty-nine Dollars ($33,169.00).

(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 Thirty-one Thousand Four Hundred Twenty-three Dollars ($31,423.00).

(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-seven Thousand Nine Hundred Thirty-two Dollars ($27,932.00).

(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 Twenty-four Thousand Four Hundred Forty Dollars ($24,440.00).

(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 Twenty Thousand Nine Hundred Forty-nine Dollars ($20,949.00).

(j) In counties with a population of more than eight thousand (8,000) but not more than twelve thousand (12,000), a salary of Seventeen Thousand Two Hundred Fifty Dollars ($17,250.00).

(k) In counties with a population of eight thousand (8,000) or less, a salary of Thirteen Thousand Eight Hundred Dollars ($13,800.00).

The board of supervisors of any county having two (2) judicial districts and two (2) justice court judges for the county shall pay each justice court judge an amount equal to that * * * provided in this subsection for judges in the next higher population category per year, if the justice court judge maintains regular office hours and is personally present in the office they maintain for at least thirty (30) hours per week. In any county having a population greater than eight thousand (8,000) but less than eight thousand five hundred (8,500) according to the 1990 federal decennial census and in which U.S. Highway 61 and Mississippi Highway 4 intersect, the board of supervisors * * *, in its discretion, may pay such justice court judges an additional amount not to exceed the sum of Eleven Thousand Five Hundred Fifty Dollars ($11,550.00) per year, payable beginning April 1, 1997.

In any county having a population greater than ten thousand (10,000) but less than ten thousand five hundred (10,500) according to the 1990 federal decennial census and in which Mississippi Highway 3 and Mississippi Highway 6 intersect, the board of supervisors * * *, in its discretion, may pay such justice court judges an additional amount not to exceed One Thousand Four Hundred Fifty Dollars ($1,450.00) per year, payable beginning April 1, 1997. 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, the board of supervisors shall pay such justice court judge an additional amount equal to Two Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($2,500.00) per year.

(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 * * * this section shall be payable monthly by warrant drawn by the clerk of the board of supervisors on the general fund of the county; however, the board of supervisors, by resolution duly adopted and entered on its minutes, may provide that such salaries shall be paid semimonthly on the first and fifteenth day of each month. If a pay date falls on a weekend or legal holiday, salary payments shall be made on the workday immediately preceding the weekend or legal holiday.

(5) * * * The salary of a 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 7. Section 9-9-11, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended 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 that county; * * * however, * * * the salary of such judge shall not be reduced during his term of office. * * * Further, * * * 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-six Thousand Dollars ($46,000.00). 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 Thirteen Thousand Eight Hundred Dollars ($13,800.00) but not more than Forty-six Thousand Dollars ($46,000.00), in the discretion of the board of supervisors of that 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 Eight Hundred Thirty Dollars ($4,830.00) and not more than Nine Thousand Seven Hundred Seventy-five Dollars ($9,775.00), in the discretion of the board of supervisors of that 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 * * *, in the discretion of the board of supervisors of such county, shall 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 that 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 that 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 that county may be fixed, in the discretion of the board of supervisors of the 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) From and after October 1, 1993, * * * 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 8. Section 41-61-59, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended 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 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 a salary of Eight Hundred Sixty-three Dollars ($863.00) per month, in addition to the fees specified in Sections 41-61-69 and 41-61-75, provided that no county shall pay the chief county medical examiner or chief county medical examiner investigator less than One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) per month as a salary, in addition to other compensation provided by law. 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, in the discretion of the board of supervisors, a salary of not more than Eight Hundred Sixty-three Dollars ($863.00) 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 Sections 25-43-1 through 25-43-19.

SECTION 9. Section 9-13-19, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

9-13-19. (1) Court reporters for circuit and chancery courts shall be paid an annual salary of Forty-three Thousand Seven Hundred Dollars ($43,700.00) payable by the Administrative Office of Courts. In addition, any court reporter performing the duties of a court administrator in the same judicial district in which the person is employed as a court reporter may be paid additional compensation for performing the court administrator duties. The annual amount of the additional compensation shall be set by vote of the judges and chancellors for whom the court administrator duties are performed, with consideration given to the number of hours per month devoted by the court reporter to performing the duties of a court administrator. The additional compensation shall be submitted to the Administrative Office of Courts for approval.

(2) The several counties in each respective court district shall transfer from the general funds of those county treasuries to the Administrative Office of Courts a proportionate amount to be paid toward the annual compensation of the court reporter, including any additional compensation paid for the performance of court administrator duties. The amount to be paid by each county shall be determined by the number of weeks in which court is held in each county in proportion to the total number of weeks court is held in the district. For purposes of this section, the term "compensation" means the gross salary plus all amounts paid for benefits, or otherwise, as a result of employment or as required by employment, but does not include transcript fees otherwise authorized to be paid by or through the counties. However, only salary earned for services rendered shall be reported and credited for retirement purposes. Amounts paid for transcript fees, benefits or otherwise, including reimbursement for travel expenses, shall not be reported or credited for retirement purposes.

For example, if there are thirty-eight (38) scheduled court weeks in a particular district, a county in which court is scheduled five (5) weeks out of the year would have to pay five-thirty-eighths (5/38) of the total annual compensation.

(3) The salary and any additional compensation for the performance of court administrator duties shall be paid in twelve (12) installments on the last working day of each month after it has been duly authorized by the appointing judge or chancellor and an order duly placed on the minutes of the court. Each county shall transfer to the Administrative Office of Courts one-twelfth (1/12) of the amount required to be paid pursuant to subsection (2) of this section by the twentieth day of each month for the salary that is to be paid on the last working day of the month. The Administrative Office of Courts shall pay to the court reporter the total amount of salary due for that month. Any county may pay, in the discretion of the board of supervisors, by the twentieth day of January of any year, the amount due for a full twelve (12) months.

(4) From and after October 1, 1996, all circuit and chancery court reporters will be employees of the Administrative Office of Courts.

(5) No circuit or chancery court reporter shall be entitled to any compensation for any special or extended term of court after passage of this section.

(6) No chancery or circuit court reporter shall practice law in the court within which he or she is the court reporter.

(7) For all travel required in the performance of official duties, the circuit or chancery court reporter shall be paid mileage by the county in which the duties were performed at the same rate as provided for state employees in Section 25-3-41. The court reporter shall file in the office of the clerk of the court which he serves a certificate of mileage expense incurred during that term and payment of such expense to the court reporter shall be paid on allowance by the judge of such court.

SECTION 10. Section 19-25-31, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

19-25-31. Each judge of a circuit, chancery or county court, or a court of eminent domain may, in the judge's discretion, by order entered on the minutes of the court, allow the sheriff riding bailiffs to serve in the respective court of such judge, not to exceed four (4) bailiffs. Any such person so employed shall be paid by the county on allowances of the court on issuance of a warrant therefor in an amount of Seventy Dollars ($70.00) for each day, or part thereof, for which he serves as bailiff when the court is in session. No full-time deputy sheriff shall be paid as a riding bailiff of any court. County court judges shall be limited to one (1) bailiff per each court day.

SECTION 11. Section 23-15-225, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

23-15-225. (1) The registrar shall be entitled to such compensation, payable monthly out of the county treasury, which the board of supervisors of the county shall allow on an annual basis in the following amounts:

(a) For counties with a total population of more than two hundred thousand (200,000), an amount not to exceed Thirty-four Thousand Three Hundred Eighty-five Dollars ($34,385.00), but not less than Ten Thousand Five Hundred Eighty Dollars ($10,580.00).

(b) For counties with a total population of more than one hundred thousand (100,000) and not more than two hundred thousand (200,000), an amount not to exceed Twenty-nine Thousand Ninety-five Dollars ($25,095.00), but not less than Ten Thousand Five Hundred Eighty Dollars ($10,580.00).

(c) For counties with a total population of more than fifty thousand (50,000) and not more than one hundred thousand (100,000), an amount not to exceed Twenty-six Thousand Four Hundred Fifty Dollars ($26,450.00), but not less than Ten Thousand Five Hundred Eighty Dollars ($10,580.00).

(d) For counties with a total population of more than thirty-five thousand (35,000) and not more than fifty thousand (50,000), an amount not to exceed Twenty-three Thousand Eight Hundred Five Dollars ($23,805.00), but not less than Ten Thousand Five Hundred Eighty Dollars ($10,580.00).

(e) For counties with a total population of more than twenty-five thousand (25,000) and not more than thirty-five thousand (35,000), an amount not to exceed Twenty-one Thousand One Hundred Sixty Dollars ($21,l60.00), but not less than Ten Thousand Five Hundred Eighty Dollars ($10,580.00).

(f) For counties with a total population of more than fifteen thousand (15,000) and not more than twenty-five thousand (25,000), an amount not to exceed Eighteen Thousand Five Hundred Fifteen Dollars ($18,515.00), but not less than Ten Thousand Five Hundred Eighty Dollars ($10,580.00).

(g) For counties with a total population of more than ten thousand (10,000) and not more than fifteen thousand (15,000), an amount not to exceed Fifteen Thousand Eight Hundred Seventy Dollars ($15,870.00), but not less than Nine Thousand Two Hundred Fifty-eight Dollars ($9,258.00).

(h) For counties with a total population of more than six thousand (6,000) and not more than ten thousand (10,000), an amount not to exceed Thirteen Thousand Two Hundred Twenty-five Dollars ($13,225.00), but not less than Nine Thousand Two Hundred Fifty-eight Dollars ($9,258.00).

(i) For counties with a total population of not more than six thousand (6,000), an amount not to exceed Ten Thousand Five Hundred Eighty Dollars ($10,580.00), but not less than Seven Thousand Two Hundred Seventy-four Dollars ($7,274.00).

(j) For counties having two (2) judicial districts, the board of supervisors of the county may allow, in addition to the sums prescribed herein, in its discretion, an amount not to exceed Thirteen Thousand Two Hundred Twenty-five Dollars ($13,225.00).

(2) In the event of a reregistration within such county, or a redistricting which necessitates the hiring of additional deputy registrars, the board of supervisors may by contract compensate the county registrar amounts in addition to the sums prescribed in this section, in its discretion.

(3) As compensation for their services in assisting the county election commissioners in performance of their duties in the revision of the registration books and the pollbooks of the several voting precincts of the several counties and in assisting the election commissioners, executive committees or boards of supervisors in connection with any election, the registrar shall receive the same daily per diem and limitation on meeting days as provided for the board of election commissioners as set out in Sections 23-15-153 and 23-15-227 to be paid from the general fund of the county.

(4) In any case where an amount has been allowed by the board of supervisors pursuant to this section, such amount shall not be reduced or terminated during the term for which the registrar was elected.

(5) The circuit clerk shall, in addition to any other compensation provided for by law, be entitled to receive as compensation from the board of supervisors the amount of Two Thousand Dollars ($2,000.00) per year. This payment shall be for the performance of his duties in regard to the conduct of elections and the performance of his other duties.

(6) The municipal clerk shall, in addition to any other compensation for performance of duties, be eligible to receive as compensation from the municipality's governing authorities a reasonable amount of additional compensation for reimbursement of costs and for additional duties associated with mail-in registration of voters.

(7) The board of supervisors shall not allow any additional compensation authorized under this section for services as county registrar to any circuit clerk who is receiving fees as compensation for his services equal to the limitation on compensation prescribed in Section 9-1-43.

SECTION 12. 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. Beginning on April 16, 1997, each Senator and Representative shall receive for attending each extraordinary session or called session the sum of Seventy-five Dollars ($75.00) per day and mileage at the same rate as per regular session. In addition to the above, beginning on April 16, 1997, each Senator and Representative and the Lieutenant Governor shall receive the sum of One Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($1,500.00) 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 and the Lieutenant Governor by the State Treasurer between the first and tenth day of each month following the month for which the payments are due.

SECTION 13. Section 5-1-43, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

5-1-43. (1) The salary of the Lieutenant Governor and of the Speaker of the House of Representatives shall be Sixty Thousand Dollars ($60,000.00) annually, and they shall receive for attending each extraordinary or called session the same compensation and mileage as is provided for members of the Legislature. However, in the event the Lieutenant Governor serving on the effective date of Laws, 1997, Chapter 577, shall be re-elected for the term beginning in the year 2000, he shall continue to receive an annual salary of Forty Thousand Eight Hundred Dollars ($40,800.00).

(2) On the first day of each month, the Lieutenant Governor and the Speaker of the House of Representatives shall receive in twelve (12) equal monthly installments the compensation provided for pursuant to subsection (1) of this section.

SECTION 14. Section 5-1-45, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

5-1-45. Beginning on June 4, 1997, the President Pro Tempore of the Senate shall receive an annual salary in an amount equal to Fifteen Thousand Dollars ($15,000.00). The salary provided for the President Pro Tempore under this section shall be in addition to the compensation and expense allowance established for members of the Legislature under Section 5-1-41.

SECTION 15. Section 5-1-47, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

5-1-47. (1) In addition to the regular salary and mileage provided by law, an expense allowance equal to the maximum daily expense rate allowable to employees of the federal government for travel in the high rate geographical area of Jackson, Mississippi, as may be established by federal regulations, per day, or an expense allowance of Forty-four Dollars ($44.00) if the Lieutenant Governor or a Senator or Representative so chooses under subsection (2) of Section 5-1-41, for each legislative day in actual attendance at a session shall be paid to the Lieutenant Governor and members of the Senate and House of Representatives, together with an additional mileage allowance as 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 is in session, which said expense allowance and additional mileage allowance shall be paid at the end of each seven (7) day period while the Legislature is in session.

In addition to the mileage allowance provided for in the above paragraph, an expense allowance equal to the maximum daily expense rate allowable to employees of the federal government for travel in the high rate geographical area of Jackson, Mississippi, as may be established by federal regulations, per day, shall be paid to the Lieutenant Governor and members of the Senate and House of Representatives, unless the Lieutenant Governor or a Senator or Representative chooses not to receive such expense allowance in the manner provided in subsection (2) of Section 5-1-41, for any day between legislative sessions while attending to legislative duties, upon the approval of the appropriate management committee of the Senate or House, as the case may be.

(2) The expense allowance and additional mileage allowance provided by this section for the Lieutenant Governor and members of the Senate shall be paid from the appropriate legislative fund of the Senate as provided by law, and the expense allowance and additional mileage allowance for members of the House of Representatives shall be paid from the appropriate legislative fund of said House of Representatives as provided by law, upon warrants drawn for such purpose in the manner provided by law.

SECTION 16. Section 25-3-31, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

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

Governor $101,800.00

Attorney General 90,800.00

Secretary of State 75,000.00

Commissioner of Insurance 75,000.00

State Treasurer 75,000.00

State Auditor of Public Accounts 75,000.00

Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce 75,000.00

Transportation Commissioners 65,000.00

Public Service Commissioners 65,000.00

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(f) and Section 25-11-103(k) and to related sections which require such computations.

SECTION 17. Section 25-3-33, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward 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 $72,800.00

Assistant Attorneys General shall each

receive annual salaries in an amount

to be fixed by the Attorney General

but not to exceed 68,400.00

Military Department--National Guard:

Adjutant General 80,000.00

Department of Banking and Consumer Finance:

Commissioner 85,000.00

Chairman of the State Tax Commission

(Commissioner of Revenue) 91,000.00

Associate Commissioners, each 42,000.00

Director of Emergency Management Agency 65,000.00

Department of Public Safety:

Commissioner of Public Safety 80,000.00

Director, Office of Mississippi

Highway Safety Patrol, or

his successor 70,000.00

Director, Office of Support Services,

or his successor 70,000.00

Department of Human Services:

Director, not to exceed 85,000.00

Workers' Compensation Commission:

Chairman 80,000.00

Members, each 78,000.00

Executive Director 75,000.00

Administrative Judge, each 75,000.00

Archives and History:

Director, not to exceed 70,000.00

State Forester 70,000.00

State Oil and Gas Board:

Secretary-Supervisor 70,000.00

Educational Television Authority:

Executive Director 70,000.00

Director, Mississippi Library Commission,

not to exceed 70,000.00

Executive Secretary, Public Service

Commission 65,000.00

Parole Board:

Chairman 50,000.00

Administrative Assistant for

Parole Matters 42,000.00

Members, each 44,000.00

Governor's State Bond Advisory Division:

Director 55,000.00

Employment Security Commission:

Executive Director, not to exceed 70,000.00

Executive Director, Department of

Mental Health, to be determined by the

State Board of Mental Health, not

to exceed 85,000.00

Director, Division of Medicaid,

not to exceed 85,000.00

Director, State Department of Transportation,

not to exceed 85,000.00

State Entomologist 65,000.00

Clerk of the Supreme Court 60,000.00

State Aid Engineer, Division of State

Aid Road Construction 70,000.00

Executive Director, Judicial Performance

Commission 65,000.00

Executive Director, Department of Finance

and Administration 85,000.00

Superintendent, Mississippi School for the

Blind, to be determined by the State

Board of Education, not to exceed 65,000.00

Superintendent, Mississippi School for the Deaf,

to be determined by the State Board

of Education, not to exceed 65,000.00

Executive Director, State Fair Commission 65,000.00

Executive Director, Department of Wildlife,

Fisheries and Parks 80,000.00

Executive Director, Department of Environmental

Quality 85,000.00

Executive Director, Pat Harrison Waterway

District 65,000.00

Executive Director, Pearl River Basin

Development District 61,000.00

Executive Director, Pearl River Valley Water

Supply District 71,000.00

Executive Director, Tombigbee River Valley

Water Management District 61,000.00

Director, Soil and Water Conservation

Commission 60,000.00

Commissioner, Mississippi Department of

Corrections 85,000.00

Executive Director, Mississippi Department of

Information Technology Services 85,000.00

Executive Director, Mississippi Industries

for the Blind 60,000.00

Director, Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics 60,000.00

Executive Secretary, State Veterans Affairs

Board 55,000.00

Executive Officer, Veterans' Home Purchase

Board 65,000.00

Chief Administrative Officer, Motor Vehicle

Commission 55,000.00

Stadium Manager, Mississippi Veterans

Memorial Stadium 55,000.00

Executive Director, Mississippi Arts

Commission 55,000.00

Director, Mississippi Board of Nursing 60,000.00

Director, State Board of Pharmacy 60,000.00

Director, State Board of Public Contractors 50,000.00

Director, Real Estate Commission 55,000.00

Director of Support Services, Department

of Rehabilitation Services 80,000.00

Executive Director, State Fire Academy 55,000.00

Executive Director, Law Enforcement

Officers Training Academy 50,000.00

Executive Director, State Board of

Accountancy 60,000.00

Executive Director, Mississippi

Gaming Commission 90,000.00

Executive Director, Mississippi

Department of Marine Resources 70,000.00

Executive Director, State Board of

Registration for Professional

Engineers and Land Surveyors 55,000.00

Executive Director, Public Utilities

Staff 85,000.00

State Law Librarian 60,000.00

State Personnel Director 75,000.00

Manager, Farmers Central Market,

Department of Agriculture and

Commerce 40,000.00

State Veterinarian 70,000.00

Executive Director, Mississippi Ethics

Commission 70,000.00

SECTION 18. Section 25-3-35, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

25-3-35. (1) The annual salaries of the following judges are fixed as follows, to begin at the commencement of the next term of office immediately succeeding the existing term:

Chief Justice of the Supreme Court $104,900.00

Presiding Justice of the Supreme Court 102,900.00

Associate Justices of the Supreme Court, each 102,300.00

However, in addition to their present official duties, there are imposed upon the Supreme Court Justices the extra duties of making a special study of existing laws and reporting to each regular session of the Legislature such constructive suggestions as they may deem necessary for the improvement of the administration of justice, and of advising and counseling with the State Librarian in the selection of law books for purchase and use in the State Law Library, advising with the librarian thereof upon the removal from the library of any books which may be the least frequently used, and for the placing of same in a convenient location so as to provide additional space for such books and other current publications which may be more frequently used or called for. For such extra services each justice, from and after June 17, 1999, shall receive a sum sufficient when added to the present salaries of the justices to aggregate One Hundred Four Thousand Nine Hundred Dollars ($104,900.00) for the Chief Justice, One Hundred Two Thousand Nine Hundred Dollars ($102,900.00) for the Presiding Justice, and One Hundred Two Thousand Three Hundred Dollars ($102,300.00) for Associate Justices, per annum. As each existing term expires and the above-captioned salaries become effective in due course, the extra duties and compensation provided for shall cease.

(2) The annual salaries of the judges of the Court of Appeals of Mississippi are fixed as follows:

Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals $ 98,300.00

Associate Judges of the Court of Appeals, each 95,500.00

(3) The annual salaries of the chancery and circuit court judges are fixed as follows:

Chancery Judges, each $94,700.00

Circuit Judges, each 94,700.00

In addition to their present official duties, there are imposed upon the chancery and circuit court judges the extra duties of making a special study of existing laws relating to trial courts and reporting to the Supreme Court of the State of Mississippi such constructive suggestions as they may deem necessary for the improvement of the administration of justice, which shall be recommended to the Legislature by the Supreme Court in the manner provided by law. The judges shall advise and supervise in the purchase of law books for the libraries of each district, and shall study and evaluate the inventory of books and facilities now existing in the libraries of each district to effect the removal and relocation of obsolete publications so as to provide additional space for those books and current publications more frequently used. The judges shall study the existing rules promulgated by the circuit and chancery court judicial associations governing the operation of chancery and circuit courts, and revise the same pursuant to existing laws. For such extra services each judge, from and after June 17, 1999, shall receive a sum sufficient when added to the present salaries of the judges to aggregate Ninety-four Thousand Seven Hundred Dollars ($94,700.00) per annum for each judge. Upon the expiration of the existing term, the above-captioned salaries become effective in due course, and the extra duties and compensation provided for shall cease.

(4) The Supreme Court shall prepare a payroll for chancery judges and circuit judges and submit such payroll to the Department of Finance and Administration.

(5) The annual salary of the full-time district attorneys shall be Seventy-nine Thousand Eight Hundred Thirty Dollars ($79,830.00).

(6) The annual salary of the full-time legal assistants shall be not less than Fifteen Thousand Dollars ($15,000.00) nor more than Sixty-seven Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($67,500.00), as established by the district attorney.

SECTION 19. Section 25-31-10, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

25-31-10. (1) Any district attorney may appoint a full-time criminal investigator.

(2) The district attorneys of the Third, Fifth, Ninth, Tenth, Eleventh, Twelfth, Fifteenth, Sixteenth, Seventeenth and Twentieth Circuit Court Districts may appoint one (1) additional full-time criminal investigator for a total of two (2) full-time criminal investigators.

(3) The district attorneys of the First, Second, Fourth and Seventh and Nineteenth Circuit Court Districts may appoint two (2) additional full-time criminal investigators for a total of three (3) full-time criminal investigators.

(4) No district attorney or assistant district attorney shall accept any private employment, civil or criminal, in any matter investigated by such criminal investigators.

(5) The full and complete compensation for all public duties rendered by said criminal investigators shall be not more than Forty-five Thousand Dollars ($45,000.00) per annum, to be determined at the discretion of the district attorney based upon the qualifications, education and experience of the criminal investigator, plus necessary travel and other expenses, to be paid in accordance with Section 25-31-8. However, the maximum salary under this subsection for a criminal investigator who has a law degree may be supplemented by the district attorney from other available funds, but not to exceed the maximum salary for a legal assistant to a district attorney.

(6) Any criminal investigator may be designated by the district attorney to attend the Law Enforcement Officers Training Program set forth in Section 45-6-1 et seq., Mississippi Code of 1972. The total expenses associated with attendance by criminal investigators at the Law Enforcement Officers Training Program shall be paid out of the funds of the appropriate district attorney.

SECTION 20. The Attorney General of the State of Mississippi shall submit Sections 1 through 16 and Section 18 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 21. Sections 1 through 11 of this act shall take effect and be in force from and after October 1, 2001, 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 October 1, 2001, 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.

SECTION 22. Sections 12 through 16 and Section 18 of this act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2001, 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 July 1, 2001, 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.

SECTION 23. Sections 17 and 19 of this act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2001.