MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2022 Regular Session

To: Judiciary B; Appropriations

By: Representative Wright

House Bill 400

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 19-25-31, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO INCREASE THE SALARY OF RIDING BAILIFFS; TO AUTHORIZE RIDING BAILIFFS TO CARRY A FIREARM IF THEY HAVE THE PROPER CERTIFICATION; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

     SECTION 1.  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 * * *Fifty‑five Dollars ($55.00) One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) for each day, or part thereof, for which he or she serves as bailiff when the court is in session.  Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 45-9-53, each bailiff shall be authorized to carry a firearm if he or she has the proper certification for the firearm as otherwise provided by law.  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 2.  This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2022.