MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2023 Regular Session
To: Judiciary A
By: Representative Cockerham
AN ACT TO BRING FORWARD SECTIONS 9-3-1, 9-4-5, 9-5-5, 9-5-7, 9-5-9, 9-5-11, 9-5-13, 9-5-15, 9-5-17, 9-5-19, 9-5-21, 9-5-22, 9-5-23, 9-5-25, 9-5-27, 9-5-29, 9-5-31, 9-5-33, 9-5-35, 9-5-36, 9-5-37, 9-5-38, 9-5-39, 9-5-40, 9-5-41, 9-5-43, 9-5-45, 9-5-47, 9-5-49, 9-5-50, 9-5-51, 9-5-53, 9-5-54, 9-5-55, 9-5-57, 9-5-58, 9-7-5, 9-7-7, 9-7-9, 9-7-11, 9-7-13, 9-7-14, 9-7-15, 9-7-17, 9-7-19, 9-7-20, 9-7-21, 9-7-23, 9-7-25, 9-7-27, 9-7-29, 9-7-30, 9-7-31, 9-7-32, 9-7-33, 9-7-34, 9-7-35, 9-7-37, 9-7-39, 9-7-41, 9-7-42, 9-7-43, 9-7-44, 9-7-45, 9-7-46, 9-7-47, 9-7-49, 9-7-51, 9-7-53, 9-7-54, 9-7-55, 9-7-57, 9-7-63, 9-7-64, 9-5-1 AND 9-7-1, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, WHICH CREATE THE DISTRICTS FOR THE SUPREME COURT, COURT OF APPEALS, CHANCERY COURTS AND CIRCUIT COURTS, FOR THE PURPOSE OF POSSIBLE AMENDMENT; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:
SECTION 1. Section 9-3-1, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-3-1. The state shall be divided into three (3) Supreme Court districts, as follows, to wit:
The counties of Bolivar, Claiborne, Copiah, Hinds, Holmes, Humphreys, Issaquena, Jefferson, Kemper, Lauderdale, Leake, Madison, Neshoba, Newton, Noxubee, Rankin, Scott, Sharkey, Sunflower, Warren, Washington and Yazoo shall constitute the First District.
The counties of Adams, Amite, Clarke, Covington, Forrest, Franklin, George, Greene, Hancock, Harrison, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson Davis, Jones, Lamar, Lawrence, Lincoln, Marion, Pearl River, Perry, Pike, Simpson, Smith, Stone, Walthall, Wayne, and Wilkinson shall constitute the Second District.
The counties of Alcorn, Attala, Benton, Calhoun, Carroll, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Clay, Coahoma, DeSoto, Grenada, Itawamba, Lafayette, Lee, Leflore, Lowndes, Marshall, Monroe, Montgomery, Oktibbeha, Panola, Pontotoc, Prentiss, Quitman, Tallahatchie, Tate, Tippah, Tishomingo, Tunica, Union, Webster, Winston and Yalobusha, shall constitute the Third District.
SECTION 2. Section 9-4-5, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-4-5. (1) The term of office of judges of the Court of Appeals shall be eight (8) years. An election shall be held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November 1994, to elect the ten (10) judges of the Court of Appeals, two (2) from each congressional district; provided, however, judges of the Court of Appeals who are elected to take office after the first Monday of January 2002, shall be elected from the Court of Appeals Districts described in subsection (5) of this section. The judges of the Court of Appeals shall begin service on the first Monday of January 1995.
(2) (a) In order to provide that the offices of not more than a majority of the judges of said court shall become vacant at any one (1) time, the terms of office of six (6) of the judges first to be elected shall expire in less than eight (8) years. For the purpose of all elections of members of the court, each of the ten (10) judges of the Court of Appeals shall be considered a separate office. The two (2) offices in each of the five (5) districts shall be designated Position Number 1 and Position Number 2, and in qualifying for office as a candidate for any office of judge of the Court of Appeals each candidate shall state the position number of the office to which he aspires and the election ballots shall so indicate.
(i) In Congressional District Number 1, the judge of the Court of Appeals for Position Number 1 shall be that office for which the term ends January 1, 1999, and the judge of the Court of Appeals for Position Number 2 shall be that office for which the term ends January 1, 2003.
(ii) In Congressional District Number 2, the judge of the Court of Appeals for Position Number 1 shall be that office for which the term ends on January 1, 2003, and the judge of the Court of Appeals for Position Number 2 shall be that office for which the term ends January 1, 2001.
(iii) In Congressional District Number 3, the judge of the Court of Appeals for Position Number 1 shall be that office for which the term ends on January 1, 2001, and the judge of the Court of Appeals for Position Number 2 shall be that office for which the term ends January 1, 1999.
(iv) In Congressional District Number 4, the judge of the Court of Appeals for Position Number 1 shall be that office for which the term ends on January 1, 1999, and the judge of the Court of Appeals for Position Number 2 shall be that office for which the term ends January 1, 2003.
(v) In Congressional District Number 5, the judge of the Court of Appeals for Position Number 1 shall be that office for which the term ends on January 1, 2003, and the judge of the Court of Appeals for Position Number 2 shall be that office for which the term ends January 1, 2001.
(b) The laws regulating the general elections shall apply to and govern the elections of judges of the Court of Appeals except as otherwise provided in Sections 23-15-974 through 23-15-985.
(c) In the year prior to the expiration of the term of an incumbent, and likewise each eighth year thereafter, an election shall be held in the manner provided in this section in the district from which the incumbent Court of Appeals judge was elected at which there shall be elected a successor to the incumbent, whose term of office shall thereafter begin on the first Monday of January of the year in which the term of the incumbent he succeeds expires.
(3) No person shall be eligible for the office of judge of the Court of Appeals who has not attained the age of thirty (30) years at the time of his election and who has not been a practicing attorney and citizen of the state for five (5) years immediately preceding such election.
(4) Any vacancy on the Court of Appeals shall be filled by appointment of the Governor for that portion of the unexpired term prior to the election to fill the remainder of said term according to provisions of Section 23-15-849, Mississippi Code of 1972.
(5) (a) The State of Mississippi is hereby divided into five (5) Court of Appeals Districts as follows:
FIRST DISTRICT. The First Court of Appeals District shall be composed of the following counties and portions of counties: Alcorn, Benton, Calhoun, Chickasaw, Choctaw, DeSoto, Itawamba, Lafayette, Lee, Marshall, Monroe, Pontotoc, Prentiss, Tate, Tippah, Tishomingo, Union, Webster and Yalobusha; in Grenada County the precincts of Providence, Mt. Nebo, Hardy and Pea Ridge; in Montgomery County the precincts of North Winona, Lodi, Stewart, Nations and Poplar Creek; in Panola County the precincts of East Sardis, South Curtis, Tocowa, Pope, Courtland, Cole's Point, North Springport, South Springport, Eureka, Williamson, East Batesville 4, West Batesville 4, Fern Hill, North Batesville A, East Batesville 5 and West Batesville 5; and in Tallahatchie County the precincts of Teasdale, Enid, Springhill, Charleston Beat 1, Charleston Beat 2, Charleston Beat 3, Paynes, Leverette, Cascilla, Murphreesboro and Rosebloom.
SECOND DISTRICT. The Second Court of Appeals District shall be composed of the following counties and portions of counties: Bolivar, Carroll, Claiborne, Coahoma, Holmes, Humphreys, Issaquena, Jefferson, Leflore, Quitman, Sharkey, Sunflower, Tunica, Warren, Washington and Yazoo; in Attala County the precincts of Northeast, Hesterville, Possomneck, North Central, McAdams, Newport, Sallis and Southwest; that portion of Grenada County not included in the First Court of Appeals District; in Hinds County Precincts 11, 12, 13, 22, 23, 27, 28, 29, 30, 40, 41, 83, 84 and 85, and the precincts of Bolton, Brownsville, Cayuga, Chapel Hill, Cynthia, Edwards, Learned, Pine Haven, Pocahontas, St. Thomas, Tinnin, Utica 1 and Utica 2; in Leake County the precincts of Conway, West Carthage, Wiggins, Thomastown and Ofahoma; in Madison County the precincts of Farmhaven, Canton Precinct 2, Canton Precinct 3, Cameron Street, Canton Precinct 6, Bear Creek, Gluckstadt, Smith School, Magnolia Heights, Flora, Virlilia, Canton Precinct 5, Cameron, Couparle, Camden, Sharon, Canton Precinct 1 and Canton Precinct 4; that portion of Montgomery County not included in the First Court of Appeals District; that portion of Panola County not included in the First Court of Appeals District; and that portion of Tallahatchie County not included in the First Court of Appeals District.
THIRD DISTRICT. The Third Court of Appeals District shall be composed of the following counties and portions of counties: Clarke, Clay, Jasper, Kemper, Lauderdale, Lowndes, Neshoba, Newton, Noxubee, Oktibbeha, Rankin, Scott, Smith and Winston; that portion of Attala County not included in the Second Court of Appeals District; in Jones County the precincts of Northwest High School, Shady Grove, Sharon, Erata, Glade, Myrick School, Northeast High School, Rustin, Sandersville Civic Center, Tuckers, Antioch and Landrum; that portion of Leake County not included in the Second Court of Appeals District; that portion of Madison County not included in the Second Court of Appeals District; and in Wayne County the precincts of Big Rock, Yellow Creek, Hiwannee, Diamond, Chaparral, Matherville, Coit and Eucutta.
FOURTH DISTRICT. The Fourth Court of Appeals District shall be composed of the following counties and portions of counties: Adams, Amite, Copiah, Covington, Franklin, Jefferson Davis, Lawrence, Lincoln, Marion, Pike, Simpson, Walthall and Wilkinson; that portion of Hinds County not included in the Second Court of Appeals District; and that portion of Jones county not included in the Third Court of Appeals District.
FIFTH DISTRICT. The Fifth Court of Appeals District shall be composed of the following counties and portions of counties: Forrest, George, Greene, Hancock, Harrison, Jackson, Lamar, Pearl River, Perry and Stone; and that portion of Wayne County not included in the Third Court of Appeals District.
(b) The boundaries of the Court of Appeals Districts described in paragraph (a) of this subsection shall be the boundaries of the counties and precincts listed in paragraph (a) of this subsection as such boundaries existed on October 1, 1990.
SECTION 3. Section 9-5-5, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-5-5. The First Chancery Court District is composed of the following counties:
(a) Alcorn County;
(b) Itawamba County;
(c) Lee County;
(d) Monroe County;
(e) Pontotoc County;
(f) Prentiss County;
(g) Tishomingo County; and
(h) Union County.
SECTION 4. Section 9-5-7, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-5-7. (1) There shall be four (4) chancellors for the First Chancery Court District.
(2) The four (4) chancellorships shall be separate and distinct and denominated for purposes of appointment and election only as "Place One," "Place Two," "Place Three" and "Place Four." The chancellor to fill Place One must be a resident of Alcorn, Prentiss or Tishomingo County. The chancellors to fill Place Two and Place Three must reside in Itawamba, Lee, Monroe, Pontotoc or Union County. The chancellor to fill Place Four may be a resident of any county in the district. Election of the four (4) offices of chancellor shall be by election to be held in every county within the First Chancery Court District.
SECTION 5. Section 9-5-9, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-5-9. The Second Chancery Court District is composed of the following counties:
(a) Jasper County;
(b) Newton County; and
(c) Scott County.
SECTION 6. Section 9-5-11, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-5-11. (1) The Third Chancery Court District is composed of the following counties:
(a) DeSoto County;
(b) Grenada County;
(c) Montgomery County;
(d) Panola County;
(e) Tate County; and
(f) Yalobusha County.
(2) The Third Chancery Court District shall be divided into two (2) subdistricts as follows:
(a) Subdistrict 3-1 shall consist of DeSoto County.
(b) Subdistrict 3-2 shall consist of Grenada County, Montgomery County, Panola County, Tate County and Yalobusha County.
SECTION 7. Section 9-5-13, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
[Until January 1, 2027, this section shall read as follows:]
9-5-13. (1) There shall be three (3) chancellors for the Third Chancery Court District.
(2) (a) The chancellor of Subdistrict 3-1 shall be elected from DeSoto County. The two (2) chancellors of Subdistrict 3-2 shall be elected from Grenada County, Montgomery County, Panola County, Tate County and Yalobusha County.
(b) For purposes of appointment and election, the three (3) chancellorships shall be separate and distinct. The chancellorship in Subdistrict 3-1 shall be denominated only as "Place One," and the chancellorships in Subdistrict 3-2 shall be denominated only as "Place Two" and "Place Three."
[From and after January 1, 2027, this section shall read as follows:]
9-5-13. (1) There shall be four (4) chancellors for the Third Chancery Court District.
(2) (a) The two (2) chancellors of Subdistrict 3-1 shall be elected from DeSoto County. The two (2) chancellors of Subdistrict 3-2 shall be elected from Grenada County, Montgomery County, Panola County, Tate County and Yalobusha County.
(b) For purposes of appointment and election, the four (4) chancellorships shall be separate and distinct and denominated as "Place One," "Place Two," "Place Three" and "Place Four". The chancellorships in Subdistrict 3-1 shall be denominated only as "Place One" and "Place Four" and the chancellorships in Subdistrict 3-2 shall be denominated only as "Place Two" and "Place Three."
SECTION 8. Section 9-5-15, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-5-15. (1) The Fourth Chancery Court District is composed of the following counties:
(a) Amite County;
(b) Franklin County;
(c) Pike County; and
(d) Walthall County.
(2) There shall be two (2) chancellors for the Fourth Chancery Court District. The two (2) chancellorships shall be separate and distinct and denominated for purposes of appointment and election only as "Place One" and "Place Two."
SECTION 9. Section 9-5-17, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-5-17. (1) The Fifth Chancery Court District is composed of Hinds County.
(2) The Fifth Chancery Court District shall be divided into the following four (4) subdistricts:
(a) Subdistrict 5-1 shall consist of the following precincts in Hinds County: 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 44, 45, 46, 47, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 92, 93, 96 and 97.
(b) Subdistrict 5-2 shall consist of the following precincts in Hinds County: 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 23, 27, 28, 29, 30, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, Brownsville, Cynthia, Pocahontas and Tinnin.
(c) Subdistrict 5-3 shall consist of the following precincts in Hinds County: 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 24, 25, 26, 31, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 86, 89 and Jackson State.
(d) Subdistrict 5-4 shall consist of the following precincts in Hinds County: 87, 88, 90, 91, 94, 95, Bolton, Byram 1, Byram 2, Cayuga, Chapel Hill, Clinton 1, Clinton 2, Clinton 3, Clinton 4, Clinton 5, Clinton 6, Dry Grove, Edwards, Learned, Old Byram, Pinehaven, Raymond 1, Raymond 2, Spring Ridge, St. Thomas, Terry, Utica 1 and Utica 2.
SECTION 10. Section 9-5-19, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-5-19. (1) There shall be four (4) chancellors for the Fifth Chancery Court District. One (1) chancellor shall be elected from each subdistrict.
(2) While there shall be no limitation whatsoever upon the powers and duties of the said chancellors other than as cast upon them by the Constitution and laws of this state, the court in the First Judicial District of Hinds County, in the discretion of the senior chancellor, may be divided into four (4) divisions as a matter of convenience by the entry of an order upon the minutes of the court.
SECTION 11. Section 9-5-21, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-5-21. The Sixth Chancery Court District is composed of the following counties:
(a) Attala County;
(b) Carroll County;
(c) Choctaw County;
(d) Kemper County;
(e) Neshoba County; and
(f) Winston County.
SECTION 12. Section 9-5-22, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-5-22. (1) There shall be two (2) chancellors for the Sixth Chancery Court District.
(2) The two (2) chancellorships shall be separate and distinct and denominated for purposes of appointment and election only as "Place One" and "Place Two."
SECTION 13. Section 9-5-23, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-5-23. (1) The Seventh Chancery Court District is composed of the following counties:
(a) Bolivar County;
(b) Coahoma County;
(c) Leflore County;
(d) Quitman County;
(e) Tallahatchie County; and
(f) Tunica County.
(2) The Seventh Chancery Court District shall be divided into two (2) subdistricts as follows:
(a) Subdistrict 7-1 shall consist of Bolivar County and Coahoma County;
(b) Subdistrict 7-2 shall consist of Leflore County, Quitman County, Tallahatchie County and Tunica County.
SECTION 14. Section 9-5-25, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-5-25. There shall be three (3) chancellors for the Seventh Chancery Court District. The three (3) chancellorships shall be separate and distinct. One (1) chancellor shall be elected from Subdistrict 7-1 and shall be denominated for purposes of appointment and election only as "Place One," and two (2) chancellors shall be elected from Subdistrict 7-2 and shall be denominated for purposes of appointment and election only as "Place Two" and "Place Three."
SECTION 15. Section 9-5-27, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-5-27. The Eighth Chancery Court District is composed of the following counties:
(a) Hancock County;
(b) Harrison County; and
(c) Stone County.
SECTION 16. Section 9-5-29, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-5-29. (1) There shall be four (4) chancellors for the Eighth Chancery Court District.
(2) The four (4) chancellorships shall be separate and distinct and denominated for purposes of appointment and election only as "Place One," "Place Two," "Place Three" and "Place Four."
(3) While there shall be no limitation whatsoever upon the powers and duties of the chancellors other than as cast upon them by the Constitution and laws of this state, the court in the Eighth Chancery Court District, in the discretion of the senior chancellor, may be divided into four (4) divisions as a matter of convenience by the entry of an order upon the minutes of the court.
SECTION 17. Section 9-5-31, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-5-31. (1) The Ninth Chancery Court District is composed of the following counties:
(a) Humphreys County;
(b) Issaquena County;
(c) Sharkey County;
(d) Sunflower County;
(e) Warren County; and
(f) Washington County.
(2) The Ninth Chancery Court District shall be divided into three (3) subdistricts as follows:
(a) Subdistrict 9-1 shall consist of the following precincts in the following counties:
(i) Sunflower County: Boyer-Linn, Drew, Fairview-Hale, Indianola 2 East*, Indianola 3 North*, Indianola 3 Northeast*, Indianola 3 South*, Rome, Ruleville, Ruleville North and Sunflower Plantation; and
(ii) Washington County: American Legion, Brent Center, Buster Brown Community Center, Darlove Baptist Church*, Elks Club, Extension Building, Grace Methodist Church*, Greenville Industrial College, Leland Health Department Clinic, Leland Rotary Club, Metcalf City Hall and Potter House Church.
(b) Subdistrict 9-2 shall consist of Humphreys County and the following precincts in the following counties:
(i) Sunflower County: Doddsville, Indianola 2 East*, Indianola 2 West, Indianola 3 North*, Indianola 3 Northeast*, Indianola 3 South*, Indianola Southeast, Inverness, Moorhead, Sunflower 3 and Sunflower 4; and
(ii) Washington County: Arcola City Hall, Christ Wesleyan Methodist Church, Darlove Baptist Church*, Glen Allan Health Clinic, Grace Methodist Church*, Hollandale City Hall, St. James Episcopal Church, Swiftwater Baptist Church, Tampa Drive and Ward's Recreation Center.
(c) Subdistrict 9-3 shall consist of Issaquena County, Sharkey County and Warren County.
SECTION 18. Section 9-5-33, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-5-33. There shall be three (3) chancellors for the Ninth Chancery Court District. One (1) chancellor shall be elected from each subdistrict.
SECTION 19. Section 9-5-35, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-5-35. The Tenth Chancery Court District is composed of the following counties:
(a) Forrest County;
(b) Lamar County;
(c) Marion County;
(d) Pearl River County; and
(e) Perry County.
SECTION 20. Section 9-5-36, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-5-36. (1) There shall be four (4) chancellors for the Tenth Chancery Court District.
(2) The four (4) chancellorships shall be separate and distinct and denominated for purposes of appointment and election only as "Place One," "Place Two," "Place Three" and "Place Four." The chancellor to fill Place One and Place Four may be a resident of any county in the district. The chancellor to fill Place Two must be a resident of Lamar, Marion, Pearl River or Perry County. The chancellor to fill Place Three must be a resident of Forrest County. Election of the four (4) offices of chancellor shall be by election to be held in every county within the Tenth Chancery Court District.
SECTION 21. Section 9-5-37, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-5-37. (1) The Eleventh Chancery Court District is composed of the following counties:
(a) Holmes County;
(b) Leake County;
(c) Madison County; and
(d) Yazoo County.
(2) The Eleventh Chancery Court District shall be divided into two (2) subdistricts as follows:
(a) Subdistrict 11-1 shall consist of Holmes County, Yazoo County and the following precincts in Madison County: Bible Church, Canton 4, Canton 5, Flora, Madison County Baptist Family Life Center, Magnolia Heights and Smith School;
(b) Subdistrict 11-2 shall consist of Leake County and the following precincts in Madison County: Bear Creek, Camden, Cameron, Canton 1, Canton 2, Canton 3, Canton 7, Cedar Grove, Cobblestone, Couparle, Gluckstadt, Highland Colony Baptist Church, Liberty, Lorman/Cavalier, Luther Branson School, Madison 1, Madison 2, Madison 3, Main Harbor, New Industrial Park, North Bay, Ratliff Ferry, Ridgeland 1, Ridgeland 3, Ridgeland 4, Ridgeland First Methodist Church, Ridgeland Tennis Center, Sharon, Sunnybrook, Tougaloo, Trace Harbor, Victory Baptist Church, Virlilia, Whisper Lake and Yandell Road.
SECTION 22. Section 9-5-38, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-5-38. There shall be three (3) chancellors for the Eleventh Chancery Court District. The three (3) chancellorships shall be separate and distinct. One (1) chancellor shall be elected from Subdistrict 11-1 and denominated for purposes of appointment and election only as "Place One," one (1) chancellor shall be elected from Subdistrict 11-2 and denominated for purposes of appointment and election only as "Place Two," and one (1) chancellor shall be elected at large from the entire Eleventh Chancery Court District and denominated for purposes of appointment and election only as "Place Three."
SECTION 23. Section 9-5-39, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-5-39. The Twelfth Chancery Court District is composed of the following counties:
(a) Clarke County; and
(b) Lauderdale County.
SECTION 24. Section 9-5-40, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-5-40. (1) There shall be two (2) judges for the Twelfth Chancery Court District.
(2) The two (2) chancellorships shall be separate and distinct and denominated for purposes of appointment and election only as "Place One" and "Place Two."
SECTION 25. Section 9-5-41, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-5-41. (1) The Thirteenth Chancery Court District is composed of the following counties:
(a) Covington County;
(b) Jefferson Davis County;
(c) Lawrence County;
(d) Simpson County; and
(e) Smith County.
(2) There shall be two (2) chancellors for the Thirteenth Chancery Court District. The two (2) chancellorships shall be separate and distinct and denominated for purposes of appointment and election only as "Place One" and "Place Two."
SECTION 26. Section 9-5-43, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-5-43. (1) The Fourteenth Chancery Court District is composed of the following counties:
(a) Chickasaw County;
(b) Clay County;
(c) Lowndes County;
(d) Noxubee County;
(e) Oktibbeha County; and
(f) Webster County.
(2) The Fourteenth Chancery Court District shall be divided into three (3) subdistricts as follows:
(a) Subdistrict 14-1 shall consist of Chickasaw County, Webster County and the following precincts in Oktibbeha County: Bell Schoolhouse*, Bradley, Center Grove, Central Starkville*, Craig Springs, Double Springs, East Starkville*, Gillespie Street Center*, Maben, North Adaton, North Longview, North Starkville 2*, North Starkville 3, Northeast Starkville, Self Creek, South Adaton, South Longview, South Starkville*, Sturgis and West Starkville*.
(b) Subdistrict 14-2 shall consist of the following precincts in the following counties:
(i) Clay County: Cedar Bluff, Central West Point, East West Point, Siloam, South West Point and Vinton; and
(ii) Lowndes County: Air Base A, Air Base B, Air Base C, Air Base D, Air Base E, Brandon A, Brandon B, Brandon C, Brandon D, Caledonia, Columbus High School A, Columbus High School B, Columbus High School C, Columbus High School D, Dowdle Gas Training Center B, Fairgrounds C, Fairgrounds E, Fairgrounds F, Hunt C, Lee Middle School, Mitchell A, New Hope A, New Hope B, New Hope C, New Hope D, New Hope E, Rural Hill A, Rural Hill B, Rural Hill C, Sale A, Sale B, Sale C, Steens A, Steens B, Steens C, Trinity B, Union Academy B, Union Academy C and University A.
(c) Subdistrict 14-3 shall consist of Noxubee County and the following precincts in the following counties:
(i) Clay County: Cairo, Caradine, North West Point, Pheba, Pine Bluff, Tibbee, Union Star and West Point;
(ii) Lowndes County: Artesia, Coleman A, Coleman B, Crawford A, Fairgrounds A, Fairgrounds B, Fairgrounds D, Fairgrounds G, Hunt A, Hunt B, Mitchell B, New Hope F, Plum Grove A, Plum Grove B, Plum Grove C, Propst Park Community Hut, Trinity A, Union Academy A, University B, West Lowndes A and West Lowndes B; and
(iii) Oktibbeha County: Bell Schoolhouse*, Central Starkville*, East Starkville*, Gillespie Street Center*, Hickory Grove, North Starkville 2*, Oktoc, Osborn, Sessums, South Starkville*, Southeast Oktibbeha and West Starkville*.
SECTION 27. Section 9-5-45, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-5-45. There shall be three (3) chancellors for the Fourteenth Chancery Court District. One (1) chancellor shall be elected from each subdistrict.
SECTION 28. Section 9-5-47, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-5-47. The Fifteenth Chancery Court District is composed of the following counties:
(a) Copiah County; and
(b) Lincoln County.
SECTION 29. Section 9-5-49, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-5-49. The Sixteenth Chancery Court District is composed of the following counties:
(a) George County;
(b) Greene County; and
(c) Jackson County.
SECTION 30. Section 9-5-50, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-5-50. (1) There shall be three (3) chancellors for the Sixteenth Chancery Court District.
(2) The three (3) chancellorships shall be separate and distinct and denominated for purposes of appointment and election only as "Place One," "Place Two" and "Place Three."
SECTION 31. Section 9-5-51, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-5-51. (1) The Seventeenth Chancery Court District is composed of the following counties:
(a) Adams County;
(b) Claiborne County;
(c) Jefferson County; and
(d) Wilkinson County.
(2) The Seventeenth Chancery Court District shall be divided into two (2) subdistricts as follows:
(a) Subdistrict 17-1 shall consist of Claiborne County, Jefferson County, and the following precincts in Adams County: Airport Carpenter*, Convention Center*, Foster Mound, Maryland*, Northside School, Palestine, Pine Ridge, Thompson and Washington*.
(b) Subdistrict 17-2 shall consist of Wilkinson County and the following precincts in Adams County: Beau Pre, Bellemont, By-Pass Fire Station, Carpenter*, Concord, Convention Center*, Courthouse, Duncan Park, Kingston, Liberty Park, Maryland*, Morgantown, Oakland and Washington*.
(3) There shall be two (2) chancellors for the Seventeenth Chancery Court District. One (1) chancellor shall be elected from each subdistrict.
SECTION 32. Section 9-5-53, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-5-53. The Eighteenth Chancery Court District is composed of the following counties:
(a) Benton County;
(b) Calhoun County;
(c) Lafayette County;
(d) Marshall County; and
(e) Tippah County.
SECTION 33. Section 9-5-54, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-5-54. (1) There shall be two (2) chancellors for the Eighteenth Chancery Court District.
(2) The two (2) chancellorships shall be separate and distinct and denominated for purposes of appointment and election only as "Place One" and "Place Two."
SECTION 34. Section 9-5-55, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-5-55. The Nineteenth Chancery Court District is composed of the following counties:
(a) Jones County; and
(b) Wayne County.
SECTION 35. Section 9-5-57, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-5-57. The Twentieth Chancery Court District shall be Rankin County.
SECTION 36. Section 9-5-58, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-5-58. There shall be three (3) chancellors for the Twentieth Chancery Court District. For purposes of appointment and election the three (3) chancellorships shall be separate and distinct and denominated for purposes of appointment and election only as "Place One," "Place Two" and "Place Three."
SECTION 37. Section 9-7-5, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-7-5. The First Circuit Court District is composed of the following counties:
(a) Alcorn County;
(b) Itawamba County;
(c) Lee County;
(d) Monroe County;
(e) Pontotoc County;
(f) Prentiss County; and
(g) Tishomingo County.
SECTION 38. Section 9-7-7, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-7-7. (1) There shall be four (4) judges for the First Circuit Court District.
(2) The four (4) judgeships shall be separate and distinct and denominated for purposes of appointment and election only as "Place One," "Place Two," "Place Three" and "Place Four." The judge to fill Place One must reside in Alcorn, Prentiss or Tishomingo County. The judges to fill Place Two and Place Three must reside in Itawamba, Lee, Monroe or Pontotoc County. The judge to fill Place Four may be a resident of any county in the district. Election of the four (4) offices of judge shall be by election to be held in every county within the First Circuit Court District.
SECTION 39. Section 9-7-9, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-7-9. The Second Circuit Court District is composed of the following counties:
(a) Hancock County;
(b) Harrison County; and
(c) Stone County.
SECTION 40. Section 9-7-11, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-7-11. (1) There shall be four (4) judges for the Second Circuit Court District.
(2) The four (4) judgeships shall be separate and distinct and denominated for purposes of appointment and election only as "Place One," "Place Two," "Place Three" and "Place Four."
SECTION 41. Section 9-7-13, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-7-13. The Third Circuit Court District is composed of the following counties:
(a) Benton County;
(b) Calhoun County;
(c) Chickasaw County;
(d) Lafayette County;
(e) Marshall County;
(f) Tippah County; and
(g) Union County.
SECTION 42. Section 9-7-14, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-7-14. (1) There shall be three (3) judges for the Third Circuit Court District.
(2) The three (3) judgeships shall be separate and distinct and denominated for purposes of appointment and election only as "Place One," "Place Two" and "Place Three."
SECTION 43. Section 9-7-15, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-7-15. (1) The Fourth Circuit Court District shall be composed of the following counties:
(a) Leflore County;
(b) Sunflower County; and
(c) Washington County.
(2) The Fourth Circuit Court District shall be divided into four (4) subdistricts as follows:
(a) Subdistrict 4-1 shall consist of the following precincts in the following counties:
(i) Leflore County: Minter City, North Greenwood, Money, Northeast Greenwood, Schlater, West Greenwood, Mississippi Valley State University and Southeast Greenwood Precincts; and
(ii) Sunflower County: Ruleville, Rome, Sunflower Plantation, Drew, Doddsville, Boyer-Linn, Fairview-Hale and Ruleville North Precincts.
(b) Subdistrict 4-2 shall consist of the following precincts in the following counties:
(i) Sunflower County: Indianola 1, Sunflower, Indianola 3 North, Indianola 3 South and Indianola 3 Northeast Precincts; and
(ii) Washington County: Extension Building, Faith Lutheran Church, American Legion, Metcalfe City Hall, Elks Club, Leland Health Department Clinic, Leland Light and Water Plant and Greenville Industrial College Precincts.
(c) Subdistrict 4-3 shall consist of the following precincts in the following counties:
(i) Leflore County: East Greenwood Sub-A, East Greenwood Sub-B, Central Greenwood, North Itta Bena, South Itta Bena, Southwest Greenwood, Rising Sun, Sidon, Morgan City, Swiftown and South Greenwood Precincts;
(ii) Sunflower County: Moorhead, Inverness, Indianola 2 West and Indianola 2 East Precincts; and
(iii) Washington County: Arcola City Hall, Hollandale City Hall, Darlove Baptist Church and Mangelardi Bourbon Store Precincts.
(d) Subdistrict 4-4 shall consist of the following precincts in Washington County: St. James Episcopal Church, Swiftwater Baptist Church, Glen Allan Health Clinic, Italian Club, Ward's Recreation Center, Buster Brown Community Center, Avon Health Center, Kapco Company, Brent Center, William Percy Library and Grace Methodist Church Precincts.
(3) The local contributions required for the maintenance of the Fourth Circuit Court District shall be paid on a pro rata basis each by Leflore, Sunflower and Washington Counties.
SECTION 44. Section 9-7-17, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-7-17. There shall be four (4) circuit judges for the Fourth Circuit Court District. One (1) circuit judge shall be elected from each subdistrict.
SECTION 45. Section 9-7-19, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-7-19. The Fifth Circuit Court District is composed of the following counties:
(a) Attala County;
(b) Carroll County;
(c) Choctaw County;
(d) Grenada County;
(e) Montgomery County;
(f) Webster County; and
(g) Winston County.
SECTION 46. Section 9-7-20, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-7-20. (1) There shall be two (2) judges for the Fifth Circuit Court District.
(2) The two (2) judgeships shall be separate and distinct and denominated for purposes of appointment and election only as "Place One" and "Place Two."
SECTION 47. Section 9-7-21, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-7-21. (1) The Sixth Circuit Court District is composed of the following counties:
(a) Adams County;
(b) Amite County;
(c) Franklin County; and
(d) Wilkinson County.
(2) The Sixth Circuit Court District shall be divided into two (2) subdistricts as follows:
(a) Subdistrict 6-1 shall consist of Wilkinson County and the following precincts in the following counties:
(i) Adams County: Airport, By-Pass Fire Station, Carpenter, Concord*, Courthouse*, Duncan Park*, Foster Mound, Maryland*, Northside School, Pine Ridge, Thompson and Washington*; and
(ii) Amite County: Ariel, Berwick, Crosby, East Centreville, East Gloster*, Gloster*, Homochitto, South Liberty* and Street.
(b) Subdistrict 6-2 shall consist of Franklin County and the following precincts in the following counties:
(i) Adams County: Beau Pre, Bellemont, Concord*, Convention Center, Courthouse*, Duncan Park*, Kingston, Liberty Park, Maryland*, Morgantown, Oakland, Palestine and Washington*; and
(ii) Amite County: Amite River, East Fork, East Gloster*, East Liberty, Gloster*, Liberty, New Zion, Oneil, Riceville, Smithdale, South Liberty*, Tangipahoa, Tickfaw, Walls and Zion Hills.
(3) There shall be two (2) judges for the Sixth Circuit Court District. The two (2) judgeships shall be separate and distinct. One (1) judge shall be elected from each subdistrict.
SECTION 48. Section 9-7-23, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-7-23. (1) The Seventh Circuit Court District shall be Hinds County.
(2) The Seventh Circuit Court District shall be divided into four (4) subdistricts in Hinds County as follows:
(a) Subdistrict 7-1 shall consist of the following precincts in Hinds County: 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 44, 45, 46, 47, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 92, 93, 96 and 97.
(b) Subdistrict 7-2 shall consist of the following precincts in Hinds County: 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 23, 27, 28, 29, 30, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, Brownsville, Cynthia, Pocahontas and Tinnin.
(c) Subdistrict 7-3 shall consist of the following precincts in Hinds County: 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 24, 25, 26, 31, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 86, 89, and Jackson State.
(d) Subdistrict 7-4 shall consist of the following precincts in Hinds County: 87, 88, 90, 91, 94, 95, Bolton, Byram 1, Byram 2, Cayuga, Chapel Hill, Clinton 1, Clinton 2, Clinton 3, Clinton 4, Clinton 5, Clinton 6, Dry Grove, Edwards, Learned, Old Byram, Pinehaven, Raymond 1, Raymond 2, Spring Ridge, St. Thomas, Terry, Utica 1 and Utica 2.
SECTION 49. Section 9-7-25, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-7-25. (1) There shall be four (4) circuit judges for the Seventh Circuit Court District. One (1) judge shall be elected from each subdistrict.
(2) While there shall be no limitation whatsoever upon the powers and duties of the said judges other than as cast upon them by the Constitution and laws of this state, the court in the First Judicial District of Hinds County, in the discretion of the senior circuit judge, may be divided into civil and criminal divisions as a matter of convenience, by the entry of an order upon the minutes of the court.
SECTION 50. Section 9-7-27, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-7-27. (1) The Eighth Circuit Court District is composed of the following counties:
(a) Leake County;
(b) Neshoba County;
(c) Newton County; and
(d) Scott County.
(2) There shall be two (2) judges for the Eighth Circuit Court District.
(3) The two (2) judgeships shall be separate and distinct and denominated for purposes of appointment and election only as "Place One" and "Place Two."
SECTION 51. Section 9-7-29, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-7-29. (1) The Ninth Circuit Court District is composed of the following counties:
(a) Issaquena County;
(b) Sharkey County; and
(c) Warren County.
(2) The Ninth Circuit Court District shall be divided into two (2) subdistricts as follows:
(a) Subdistrict 9-1 shall consist of Issaquena County, Sharkey County and the following precincts in Warren County: 3-61 Store*, American Legion Hall, Auditorium, Brunswick, Cedar Grove*, Kings*, Number 7 Fire Station*, St. Aloysius and Vicksburg Junior High School*.
(b) Subdistrict 9-2 shall consist of the following precincts in Warren County: 3-61 Store*, Beechwood, Bovina, Cedar Grove*, Culkin, Elks Lodge, Goodrum, Jett, Kings*, Moose Lodge, Number 7 Fire Station*, Oak Ridge, Plumbers Hall, Redwood, Tingleville, Vicksburg Junior High School*, YMCA and Yokena.
SECTION 52. Section 9-7-30, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-7-30. There shall be two (2) judges for the Ninth Circuit Court District. One (1) judge shall be elected from each subdistrict.
SECTION 53. Section 9-7-31, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-7-31. The Tenth Circuit Court District is composed of the following counties:
(a) Clarke County;
(b) Kemper County;
(c) Lauderdale County; and
(d) Wayne County.
SECTION 54. Section 9-7-32, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-7-32. (1) There shall be two (2) judges for the Tenth Circuit Court District.
(2) The two (2) judgeships shall be separate and distinct and denominated for purposes of appointment and election only as "Place One" and "Place Two."
SECTION 55. Section 9-7-33, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-7-33. (1) The Eleventh Circuit Court District is composed of the following counties:
(a) Bolivar County;
(b) Coahoma County;
(c) Quitman County; and
(d) Tunica County.
(2) The Eleventh Circuit Court District shall be divided into three (3) subdistricts as follows:
(a) Subdistrict 11-1 shall consist of the following precincts from the following counties:
(i) Bolivar County: Benoit, Beulah, Boyle, Choctaw, Cleveland Courthouse, East Central Cleveland*, East Cleveland*, East Rosedale, Gunnison, Longshot, North Cleveland, Northwest Cleveland*, Pace, Scott, Shaw, Skene, South Cleveland*, Stringtown, West Central Cleveland, West Cleveland and West Rosedale; and
(ii) Coahoma County: Bobo, Clarksdale 2-4*, Clarksdale 5-4*, Farrell*, Rena Lara and Sherard*.
(b) Subdistrict 11-2 shall consist of the following precincts from the following counties:
(i) Bolivar County: Cleveland Eastgate, Duncan/Alligator, East Central Cleveland*, East Cleveland*, Merigold, Mound Bayou, Northwest Cleveland*, Renova, Shelby, South Cleveland* and Winstonville;
(ii) Coahoma County: Cagle Crossing, Clarksdale 1-4*, Clarksdale 3-3, Clarksdale 3-4, Clarksdale 4-2, Clarksdale 4-3, Dublin and Roundaway; and
(iii) Quitman County: Belen*, District 3 South*, Lambert, Northwest Marks, Southwest Marks and West Lambert.
(c) Subdistricts 11-3 shall consist of Tunica County and the following precincts in the following counties:
(i) Coahoma County: Clarksdale 1-4*, Clarksdale 2-4*, Clarksdale 5-4*, Coahoma, Farrell*, Friar's Point, Jonestown, Lula, Lyon and Sherard*; and
(ii) Quitman County: Belen*, Crenshaw, Crowder, Darling, District 3 North, District 3 South* and Sledge.
SECTION 56. Section 9-7-34, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-7-34. There shall be three (3) judges for the Eleventh Circuit Court District. One (1) judge shall be elected from each subdistrict.
SECTION 57. Section 9-7-35, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-7-35. (1) The Twelfth Circuit Court District is composed of the following counties:
(a) Forrest County; and
(b) Perry County.
(2) There shall be two (2) judges for the Twelfth Circuit Court District. The two (2) judgeships shall be separate and distinct and denominated for purposes of appointment and election only as "Place One" and "Place Two."
SECTION 58. Section 9-7-37, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-7-37. (1) The Thirteenth Circuit Court District is composed of the following counties:
(a) Covington County;
(b) Jasper County;
(c) Simpson County; and
(d) Smith County.
(2) There shall be two (2) judges for the Thirteenth Circuit Court District. The two (2) judgeships shall be separate and distinct and denominated for purposes of appointment and election only as "Place One" and "Place Two."
SECTION 59. Section 9-7-39, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-7-39. (1) The Fourteenth Circuit Court District is composed of the following counties:
(a) Lincoln County;
(b) Pike County; and
(c) Walthall County.
(2) (a) There shall be two (2) judges for the Fourteenth Circuit Court District.
(b) The two (2) judgeships shall be separate and distinct and denominated for purposes of appointment and election only as "Place One" and "Place Two."
SECTION 60. Section 9-7-41, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-7-41. The Fifteenth Circuit Court District is composed of the following counties:
(a) Jefferson Davis County;
(b) Lamar County;
(c) Lawrence County;
(d) Marion County; and
(e) Pearl River County.
SECTION 61. Section 9-7-42, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-7-42. (1) There shall be three (3) judges for the Fifteenth Circuit Court District.
(2) The three (3) judgeships shall be separate and distinct and denominated for purposes of appointment and election only as "Place One," "Place Two," and "Place Three." The judge to fill Place One must be a resident of Jefferson Davis, Lamar, Lawrence or Marion County. The judge to fill Place Two may be a resident of any county in the district. The judge to fill Place Three must be a resident of Pearl River County.
SECTION 62. Section 9-7-43, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-7-43. The Sixteenth Circuit Court District is composed of the following counties:
(a) Clay County;
(b) Lowndes County;
(c) Noxubee County; and
(d) Oktibbeha County.
SECTION 63. Section 9-7-44, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-7-44. (1) There shall be three (3) judges for the Sixteenth Circuit Court District.
(2) The three (3) judgeships shall be separate and distinct and denominated for purposes of appointment and election only as "Place One," "Place Two" and "Place Three." The judge to fill Place One must be a resident of Lowndes County. The judge to fill Place Two must be a resident of Oktibbeha County. The judge to fill Place Three must be a resident of either Clay or Noxubee County. Election of the three (3) offices of judge shall be by election to be held in every county within the Sixteenth Circuit Court District.
SECTION 64. Section 9-7-45, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
[Until January 1, 2023, this section shall read as follows:]
9-7-45. The Seventeenth Circuit Court District shall be divided into two (2) subdistricts as follows:
(a) Subdistrict 17-1 shall be composed of DeSoto County; and
(b) Subdistrict 17-2 shall be composed of Panola County, Tallahatchie County, Tate County and Yalobusha County.
[From and after January 1, 2023, this section shall read as follows:]
9-7-45. The Seventeenth Circuit Court District shall be composed of the following counties:
(a) Panola County;
(b) Tallahatchie County;
(c) Tate County; and
(d) Yalobusha County.
SECTION 65. Section 9-7-46, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
[Until January 1, 2023, this section shall read as follows:]
9-7-46. (1) There shall be four (4) circuit judges for the Seventeenth Circuit Court District.
(2) For the purpose of appointment and election, the four (4) judgeships shall be separate and distinct, and one (1) judge shall be elected from Subdistrict 17-1, two (2) judges shall be elected from Subdistrict 17-2, and one (1) judge shall be elected from every county in the district. The two (2) judgeships in Subdistrict 17-2 shall be denominated as "Place One" and "Place Two," the judgeship in Subdistrict 17-1 shall be denominated as "Place Three," and the at-large judgeship shall be denominated as "Place Four."
[From and after January 1, 2023, this section shall read as follows:]
9-7-46. (1) There shall be two (2) circuit judges for the Seventeenth Circuit Court District.
(2) For the purpose of
appointment and election, the two (2) judgeships shall be separate and
distinct, and be denominated as "Place One" and "Place Two * * *".
SECTION 66. Section 9-7-47, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-7-47. The Eighteenth Circuit Court District shall be Jones County.
SECTION 67. Section 9-7-49, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-7-49. (1) The Nineteenth Circuit Court District is composed of the following counties:
(a) George County;
(b) Greene County; and
(c) Jackson County.
(2) The local contribution required for the maintenance of the Nineteenth Circuit Court District shall not exceed, as to George and Greene Counties, the amount of their present local contribution in their present respective circuit court districts, and any excess shall be paid by Jackson County.
SECTION 68. Section 9-7-51, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-7-51. (1) There shall be three (3) judges for the Nineteenth Circuit Court District. The three (3) judgeships shall be separate and distinct and denominated for purposes of appointment and election only as "Place One," "Place Two" and "Place Three."
(2) The senior judge of the Nineteenth Circuit Court District may divide the court of any county within the district into civil, criminal and appellate court divisions as a matter of convenience by the entry of an order upon the minutes of the court.
SECTION 69. Section 9-7-53, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-7-53. The Twentieth Circuit Court District is composed of the following counties:
(a) Madison County; and
(b) Rankin County.
SECTION 70. Section 9-7-54, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-7-54. (1) There shall be three (3) judges for the Twentieth Circuit Court District.
(2) The three (3) judgeships shall be separate and distinct and denominated for purposes of appointment and election only as "Place One," "Place Two" and "Place Three." The judge to fill Place One must reside in Rankin County, the judge to fill Place Two must reside in Madison County, and the judge to fill Place Three may reside in either Madison or Rankin County.
SECTION 71. Section 9-7-55, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-7-55. The Twenty-first Circuit Court District is composed of the following counties:
(a) Holmes County;
(b) Humphreys County; and
(c) Yazoo County.
SECTION 72. Section 9-7-57, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-7-57. The Twenty-second Circuit Court District is composed of the following counties:
(a) Claiborne County;
(b) Copiah County; and
(c) Jefferson County.
SECTION 73. Section 9-7-63, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-7-63. The Twenty-third Circuit Court District shall be DeSoto County.
SECTION 74. Section 9-7-64, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-7-64. (1) There shall be two (2) circuit judges for the Twenty-third Circuit Court District.
(2) For the purposes of appointment and election, the two (2) judgeships shall be separate and distinct and denominated as "Place One" and "Place Two."
SECTION 75. Section 9-5-1, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-5-1. A chancellor shall be elected for and from each of the chancery court districts as provided in this chapter and the listing of individual precincts shall be those precincts as they existed on October 1, 1990. He shall hold court in any other district with the consent of the chancellor thereof when in their opinion the public interest may be thereby promoted. The terms of all chancellors elected at the regular election for the year 1930 shall begin on the first day of January, 1931, and their terms of office shall continue for four (4) years. A chancellor shall be a resident of the district in which he serves but shall not be required to be a resident of a subdistrict if the district is divided into subdistricts.
SECTION 76. Section 9-7-1, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
9-7-1. A circuit judge shall be elected for and from each circuit court district and the listing of individual precincts shall be those precincts as they existed on October 1, 1990. He may hold court in any other district with the consent of the judge thereof, when in their opinion the public interest may require. The terms of all circuit judges hereafter elected shall begin on the first day of January, 1931, and their terms of office shall continue for four (4) years. A circuit judge shall be a resident of the district in which he or she serves but shall not be required to be a resident of a subdistrict if the district is divided into subdistricts.
SECTION 77. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2023, and shall stand repealed on June 30, 2023.