Senate Bill 3011

(As Passed the Senate)

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 65-7-201, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REQUIRE COURT TO SELECT MOST DIRECT AND UNOBTRUSIVE ROUTE FOR PRIVATE ROADS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

SECTION 1. Section 65-7-201, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

65-7-201. When any person shall desire to have a private road laid out through the land of another, when necessary for ingress and egress, he shall apply by petition, stating the facts and reasons, to the special court of eminent domain created under Section 11-27-3 of the county where the land or part of it is located, and the case shall proceed as nearly as possible as provided in Title 11, Chapter 27 for the condemnation of private property for public use. The court sitting without a jury shall determine the reasonableness of the application. The owner of the property shall be a necessary party to the proceedings. If the court finds in favor of the petitioner, the court shall select the most direct and unobtrusive route for any private road granted hereunder, taking into account cost, safety and any other factors the court may deem relevant, all damages that the jury determines the landowner should be compensated for shall be assessed against and shall be paid by the person applying for the private road, and he shall pay all the costs and expenses incurred in the proceedings.

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