MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2025 Regular Session
To: Judiciary B
By: Representative Horan
AN ACT TO AMEND SECTIONS 9-7-1, 9-7-3, 9-7-7, 9-7-11, 9-7-14, 9-7-15, 9-7-17, 9-7-21, 9-7-23, 9-7-25, 9-7-29, 9-7-31, 9-7-33, 9-7-35, 9-7-37, 9-7-39, 9-7-41, 9-7-42, 9-7-44, 9-7-46, 9-7-47, 9-7-49, 9-7-51, 9-7-54, 9-7-55, 9-7-57, 9-7-63 AND 9-7-64, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REVISE THE NUMBER OF JUDGES AND RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE FIRST, SECOND, THIRD, FOURTH, SIXTH, SEVENTH, NINTH, TENTH, ELEVENTH, FOURTEENTH, FIFTEENTH, SIXTEENTH, SEVENTEENTH, EIGHTEENTH, NINETEENTH, TWENTIETH, TWENTY-FIRST, TWENTY-SECOND CIRCUIT COURT DISTRICTS; TO BRING FORWARD SECTIONS 9-7-5, 9-7-9, 9-7-13, 9-7-19, 9-7-20, 9-7-27, 9-7-32, 9-7-34, 9-7-43, 9-7-45 AND 9-7-53, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, WHICH PROVIDE FOR THE NUMBER OF JUDGES AND TERMS FOR CIRCUIT COURTS FOR THE FIRST, THIRD, FIFTH, EIGHTH, TENTH, TWELFTH AND THIRTEENTH CIRCUIT COURT DISTRICTS, FOR PURPOSES OF AMENDMENT; TO AMEND SECTIONS 25-31-5 AND 25-31-10, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM THE NUMBER OF ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEYS AND CRIMINAL INVESTIGATORS; TO BRING FORWARD SECTION 99-36-7, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, WHICH PROVIDES FOR VICTIM ASSISTANCE COORDINATORS, FOR PURPOSES OF AMENDMENT; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:
SECTION 1. Section 9-7-1, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
9-7-1. A circuit judge
shall be elected for and from each circuit court district and the listing of
individual counties and precincts shall be those counties and
precincts as they existed on * * * July 1, * * * 2025. 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 * * * by the
date on which the person qualifies as a candidate for the judicial office. A circuit judge elected from a subdistrict shall not
be required to be a resident of that subdistrict but shall be a resident of the
circuit court district in which he or she seeks to serve by the date on which
the person qualifies as a candidate for the judicial office.
SECTION 2. Section 9-7-3, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
9-7-3. (1) The state is
divided into an appropriate number of circuit court districts severally
numbered and composed of the counties as set forth in the sections which
follow. A court to be styled "The Circuit Court of the County of
____" shall be held in each county, and within each judicial district of a
county having two (2) judicial districts, at least twice a year. Court shall
be held * * * on the same dates
state agencies and political subdivisions are open for business excluding legal
holidays. The dates upon which terms shall commence and the number of days for
which the terms shall continue in circuit court districts consisting of more
than one (1) county shall be set by order of the circuit court judge in
accordance with the provisions of subsection (2) of this section. A matter in
court may extend past a term if the interest of justice so requires.
(2) An order establishing the commencement and continuation of terms of court for each of the counties within a circuit court district consisting of more than one (1) county shall be entered annually and not later than October 1 of the year immediately preceding the calendar year for which the terms of court are to become effective. There shall be no less than four (4) weeks between terms of court in any one county. Notice of the dates upon which the terms of court shall commence and the number of days for which the terms shall continue in each of the counties within a circuit court district shall be posted in the office of the circuit clerk of each county within the district and mailed to the office of the Secretary of State for publication and distribution to all Mississippi Bar members. If an order is not timely entered, the terms of court for each of the counties within any circuit court district shall remain unchanged for the next calendar year. A certified copy of any order entered under the provisions of this subsection shall, immediately upon the entry thereof, be delivered to the clerk of the board of supervisors in each of the counties within the circuit court district.
(3) The number of judges in each circuit court district shall be determined by the Legislature based upon the following criteria:
(a) The population of the district;
(b) The number of cases filed in the district;
(c) The case load of each judge in the district;
(d) The geographic area of the district;
(e) An analysis of the needs of the district by the court personnel of the district; and
(f) Any other appropriate criteria as determined by the Legislature.
(4) The Judicial College of the University of Mississippi Law Center and the Administrative Office of Courts shall determine the appropriate:
(a) Specific data to be collected as a basis for applying the above criteria;
(b) Method of collecting and maintaining the specified data; and
(c) Method of assimilating the specified data.
(5) In a district having more than one (1) office of circuit judge, there shall be no distinction whatsoever in the powers, duties and emoluments of those offices except that the judge who has been for the longest time continuously a judge of that court or, should no judge have served longer in office than the others, the judge who has been for the longest time a member of The Mississippi Bar, shall be the senior judge. The senior judge shall have the right to assign causes and dockets and to set terms in districts consisting of more than one (1) county. A circuit court judge shall have the right to assign criminal matters to county court as provided in Section 9-9-21.
SECTION 3. 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 4. Section 9-7-7, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
[Until January 1, 2027, this section shall read 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.
[From and after January 1, 2027, this section shall read 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 * * * shall be a resident of
Alcorn, Prentiss or Tishomingo County. The judges to fill Place Two and Place
Three * * * shall be residents of a
county in the district. The judge to fill Place Four * * *
shall be a resident of Itawamba, Monroe or Pontotoc County. 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 5. 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 6. Section 9-7-11, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended 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 7. 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 8. Section 9-7-14, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
[Until January 1, 2031, this section shall read 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."
[From and after January 1, 2031, this section shall read as follows:]
9-7-14. (1) There shall be * * * four (4) judges for the Third
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
judges to fill Place One and Place Two shall be residents of a county in the
district. The judge to fill Place Three shall be a resident of a county in the
district, except for Lafayette County. The judge to fill Place Four shall be a
resident of Lafayette County.
SECTION 9. Section 9-7-15, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
[Until January 1, 2031, this section shall read 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: Central Greenwood* Minter City, Money, North Greenwood, * * * 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) Leflore County: Central Greenwood*, East Greenwood, Morgan City/Swiftown, North Itta Bena, Rising Sun, Sidon, South Greenwood, South Itta Bena, Southwest Greenwood and West Greenwood*;
( * * *ii) Sunflower County: * * * Sunflower, Indianola 3 North,
Indianola 3 South, Indianola Southeast and Indianola 3 Northeast
Precincts; and
( * * *iii) Washington County: Darlove
Baptist Church*, Extension Building, * * * Lake
Vista Masonic Lodge, Metcalfe City Hall, Elks Club, Leland Rotary Club,
Leland Health Department Clinic * * *.
(c) Subdistrict 4-3 shall consist of the following precincts in the following counties:
* * *
( * * *i) Sunflower County: Moorhead,
Inverness, Indianola 2 West and Indianola 2 East Precincts; and
( * * *ii) Washington County: Arcola * * * Technology Center*,
Hollandale City Hall * * *
and Darlove Baptist Church* * * *.
(d) Subdistrict 4-4
shall consist of the following precincts in Washington County: Arcola
Technology Center*, St. James Episcopal Church*, Swiftwater Baptist
Church, Glen Allan Health Clinic, * * * Elks Club*, Ward's
Recreation Center, Buster Brown Community Center, * * * Covenant
Presbyterian, Jakes Chapel M.B. Church*, Brent Center, * * * Tampa Drive and * * * Washington
County Convention Center 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.
[From and after January 1, 2031, this section shall read as follows:]
9-7-15. (1) The Fourth Circuit Court District shall be composed of the following counties:
(a) Holmes County;
(b) Humphreys County;
( * * *c) Leflore County;
( * * *d) Sunflower County; and
( * * *e) Washington County.
(2) The Fourth Circuit Court District shall be divided into four (4) subdistricts as follows:
(a) Subdistrict 4-1
shall consist of * * *
Washington
and Sunflower Counties.
(b) Subdistrict 4-2
shall consist of * * *
Leflore,
Holmes and Humphreys Counties.
* * *
SECTION 10. Section 9-7-17, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
[Until January 1, 2031, this section shall read 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.
[From and after January 1, 2031, this section shall read as follows:]
9-7-17. There shall be four
(4) circuit judges for the Fourth Circuit Court District. * * * Two (2) circuit judges
shall be elected from each subdistrict. The judgeships shall be separate
and distinct and denominated only as "Subdistrict 4-1, Place One",
"Subdistrict 4-1, Place Two", "Subdistrict 4-2, Place
Three" and "Subdistrict 4-2, Place Four".
SECTION 11. 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 12. 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 13. Section 9-7-21, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
[Until January 1, 2027, this section shall read 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.
[From and after January 1, 2027, this section shall read 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; * * *
(d) Pike County; and
( * * *e) Wilkinson County.
(2) The Sixth Circuit Court
District shall be divided into * * * three (3) subdistricts as
follows:
(a) Subdistrict 6-1 shall consist of Wilkinson County and the following precincts in the following counties:
(i) Adams County:
Airport, Bellemont*, By-Pass Fire Station, Carpenter, Concord*,
Courthouse*, Duncan Park*, Foster Mound, * * * Northside School, Pine Ridge * * * and Washington*; and
(ii) Amite
County: Amite River*, Ariel, Berwick*, Crosby, East Centreville,
East Gloster*, Gloster*, Homochitto * * * and Vance Park*.
(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*, Berwick*, East Fork, East Gloster*, East Liberty, Gloster*, Liberty, New Zion, Oneil, Riceville, Smithdale, South Liberty*, Tangipahoa, Tickfaw, Vance Park*, Walls and Zion Hills.
(c) Subdistrict 6-3 shall consist of Pike County.
(3) There shall be * * * three (3) judges for the Sixth
Circuit Court District. The * * * three (3) judgeships shall be
separate and distinct. One (1) judge shall be elected from each subdistrict.
SECTION 14. Section 9-7-23, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
[Until January 1, 2027, this section shall read 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: * * * 32*, * * * 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*, * * *
16*, * * *
23, 27, 28, 29, 30, * * *
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, 49*, 50, 51*, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58*,
59, 60, 61, 62, 63*, 64*, * * * 67, 68, 69, 70*, 71, 86 * * * and 89 * * *.
(d) Subdistrict 7-4 shall consist of the following precincts in Hinds County: 87, 88, 90, 91, 94, 95, Bolton, Byram 1, Byram 2, Byram 3, Cayuga, Chapel Hill, Clinton 1, Clinton 2, Clinton 3, Clinton 4, Clinton 5, Clinton 6, Clinton 7, Dry Grove, Edwards, Learned, Old Byram, Pinehaven, Raymond 1, Raymond 2, Spring Ridge, St. Thomas, Terry 1, Terry 2, Utica 1 and Utica 2.
(e) Subdistrict 7-5 shall consist of all precincts located within the boundaries of the Capitol Complex Improvement District as described by Section 29-5-203.
[From January 1, 2027, until January 1, 2031, this section shall read as follows:]
9-7-23.
(1) The Seventh Circuit Court District shall be Claiborne, Hinds * * * and Jefferson County.
(2) The Seventh Circuit
Court District shall be divided into * * * six (6) subdistricts * * * as follows:
(a) Subdistrict 7-1
shall consist of the following precincts in Hinds County: * * * 32*, * * * 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*, * * *
16*, * * *
23, 27, 28, 29, 30, * * *
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, 49*, 50, 51*, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58*,
59, 60, 61, 62, 63*, 64*, * * * 67, 68, 69, 70*, 71, 86 * * * and 89 * * *.
(d) Subdistrict 7-4 shall consist of the following precincts in Hinds County: 87, 88, 90, 91, 94, 95, Bolton, Byram 1, Byram 2, Byram 3, Cayuga, Chapel Hill, Clinton 1, Clinton 2, Clinton 3, Clinton 4, Clinton 5, Clinton 6, Clinton 7, Dry Grove, Edwards, Learned, Old Byram, Pinehaven, Raymond 1, Raymond 2, Spring Ridge, St. Thomas, Terry 1, Terry 2, Utica 1 and Utica 2.
(e) Subdistrict 7-5 shall consist of Claiborne and Jefferson County.
(f) Subdistrict 7-6 shall consist of all precincts located within the boundaries of the Capitol Complex Improvement District as the lines are described in Section 29-5-203 on July 1, 2025.
[From and after January 1, 2031, this section shall read as follows:]
9-7-23. * * * The Seventh Circuit Court District * * * is composed of the following
counties:
(a) Claiborne County;
(b) Hinds County; and
(c) Jefferson County.
* * *
SECTION 15. Section 9-7-25, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
[Until January 1, 2027, this section shall read as follows:]
9-7-25. (1) There shall be * * * five (5) 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.
[From January 1, 2027, until January 1, 2031, this section shall read as follows:]
9-7-25. * * * There shall be * * * six (6) circuit judges for the
Seventh Circuit Court District. The judgeships shall be separate and
distinct. One (1) judge shall be elected from each subdistrict.
* * *
[From January 1, 2031, until January 1, 2035, this section shall read as follows:]
9-7-25. (1) There shall be * * * six (6) circuit judges for the
Seventh Circuit Court District. * * *
The judgeships shall be separate and distinct.
(2) * * * The Seventh Circuit Court
District shall be divided into three (3) subdistricts as follows:
(a) Subdistrict 7-1 shall consist of Hinds County;
(b) Subdistrict 7-2 shall consist of Claiborne and Jefferson Counties; and
(c) Subdistrict 7-3 shall consist of all precincts located within the boundaries of the Capitol Complex Improvement District as described in Section 29-5-203.
(3) Four (4) judges shall be elected from subdistrict 7-1. The judgeships for subdistrict 7-1 shall be separate and distinct and denominated for purposes of appointment and election only as "Subdistrict 7-1, Place One", "Subdistrict 7-1, Place Two", "Subdistrict 7-1, Place Three", and "Subdistrict 7-1, Place Four". For subdistricts 7-2 and 7-3, one (1) judge shall be elected from each subdistrict.
[From and after January 1, 2035, this section shall read as follows:]
9-7-25. (1) There shall be * * * five (5) circuit judges for the
Seventh Circuit Court District. * * *
The judgeships shall be separate and distinct.
(2) * * * The Seventh Circuit Court
District shall be divided into two (2) subdistricts as follows:
(a) Subdistrict 7-1 shall consist of Hinds County; and
(b) Subdistrict 7-2 shall consist of Claiborne and Jefferson Counties.
(3) Four (4) judges shall be elected from subdistrict 7-1. The judgeships for subdistrict 7-1 shall be separate and distinct and denominated for purposes of appointment and election only as "Subdistrict 7-1, Place One", "Subdistrict 7-1, Place Two", "Subdistrict 7-1, Place Three", and "Subdistrict 7-1, Place Four". One (1) judge shall be elected from subdistrict 7-2.
SECTION 16. 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 17. Section 9-7-29, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
[Until January 1, 2031, this section shall read 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.
[From and after January 1, 2031, this section shall read as follows:]
9-7-29. (1) The Ninth Circuit Court District is composed of the following counties:
(a) Issaquena County;
(b) Sharkey County;
(c) Warren County; and
(d) Yazoo 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 and Sharkey County, and the following precincts in the following counties:
(i) Warren County: American Legion Hall, Auditorium, Brunswick, Cedar Grove, Cherry Street, Jett, Kings, Number 7 Fire Station and St. Aloysius; and
(ii) Yazoo County: 3-1 West, 3-2 East, 3-3 Jonestown, Holly Bluff, Lake City, Ward 4, and Ward 5.
(b) Subdistrict 9-2 shall consist of:
(i) The following precincts in Warren County: 3-61 Store, Beechwood, Bovina, Culkin, Elks Lodge, Goodrum, Lee Road, Moose Lodge, Oakland, Plumbers Hall, Redwood, Tingleville, YMCA and Yokena; and
(ii) The following precincts in Yazoo County: 3-4 South, Benton, Carter, Center Ridge, Deasonville, District 4 Ward 2, Dover, East Bentonia, East Midway, Eden, Fairview, Free Run, Fugates, Harttown, Mechanicsburg, Robinette, Satartia, Tinsley, Valley, Ward 2, West Bentonia, West Midway and Zion.
SECTION 18. Section 9-7-31, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
[Until January 1, 2027, this section shall read 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.
[From and after January 1, 2027, this section shall read as follows:]
9-7-31. The Tenth Circuit Court District is composed of the following counties:
(a) Clarke County;
(b) Kemper County; and
(c) Lauderdale County * * *.
* * *
SECTION 19. 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 20. Section 9-7-33, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
[Until January 1, 2031, this section shall read 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, * * * Longshot, North Cleveland, Northwest
Cleveland*, Pace*, Round Lake Gunnison Deeson, Scott, Shaw,
Skene, South Cleveland*, Stringtown, West Central Cleveland, West Cleveland and
West Rosedale; and
(ii) Coahoma
County: Bobo*, Clarksdale 2 * * **, Clarksdale 5 * * **, Farrell* * * * and Rena Lara * * *.
(b) Subdistrict 11-2 shall consist of the following precincts from the following counties:
(i) Bolivar
County: Boyle*, Cleveland Eastgate, Duncan/Alligator, East Central
Cleveland*, East Cleveland*, Merigold, Mound Bayou, Northwest Cleveland*, Pace*,
Renova, Round Lake Gunnison Deeson*, Shelby, * * * and Winstonville;
(ii) Coahoma
County: Bobo*, Cagle Crossing, Clarksdale * * * 3, Clarksdale * * * 4, Clarksdale * * * 4 North, Clarksdale * * * 5*, Clarksdale * * * Courthouse*, Dublin * * *, Roundaway and Sasse St. Fire
Station; and
(iii) Quitman
County: * * * Crowder*, Lambert, * * * 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 * * *
2*, Clarksdale * * *
5*, * * * Clarksdale Courthouse*, Coahoma, Farrell*, Friar's
Point, Jonestown, Lula * * *
and Lyons * * *and Sherard*; and
(ii) Quitman
County: * * *
Crenshaw, Crowder*, Darling, District 3 North, District 3 South * * *, Northwest Marks, * * * Sledge and Southwest Marks.
[From and after January 1, 2031, this section shall read 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 * * * two (2) subdistricts as
follows:
(a) Subdistrict 11-1
shall consist of * * *
Bolivar County.
(b) Subdistrict 11-2
shall consist of * * *
Coahoma, Quitman and Tunica Counties.
SECTION 21. Section 9-7-34, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
SECTION 22. Section 9-7-35, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended 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 23. Section 9-7-37, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended 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 24. Section 9-7-39, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
[Until January 1, 2027, this section shall read 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."
[From and after January 1, 2027, this section shall read as follows:]
9-7-39. (1) The Fourteenth Circuit Court District is composed of the following counties:
(a) * * * Copiah County;
(b) * * * Jefferson Davis County; * * *
(c) * * * Lawrence County * * *; and
(d) Lincoln 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 25. Section 9-7-41, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
[Until January 1, 2027, this section shall read 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.
[From and after January 1, 2027, this section shall read as follows:]
9-7-41. The Fifteenth Circuit Court District is composed of the following counties:
* * *
( * * *a) Lamar County;
* * *
( * * *b) Marion County; * * *
( * * *c) Pearl River County * * *; and
(d) Walthall County.
SECTION 26. Section 9-7-42, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
[Until January 1, 2027, this section shall read 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.
[From and after January 1, 2027, this section shall read 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 * * * shall be a resident of * * * Lamar * * * County. The judge to fill
Place Two * * *
shall be a resident of * * * a county in the district. The
judge to fill Place Three * * * must shall be a resident of Pearl River County.
SECTION 27. 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 28. Section 9-7-44, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended 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 29. Section 9-7-45, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward 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 30. Section 9-7-46, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended 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 31. Section 9-7-47, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
[Until January 1, 2027, this section shall read as follows:]
9-7-47. The Eighteenth Circuit Court District shall be Jones County.
[From and after January 1, 2027, this section shall read as follows:]
9-7-47. (1) The
Eighteenth Circuit Court District * * * is composed of the following
counties:
(a) George County;
(b) Greene County;
(c) Jones County; and
(d) Wayne County.
(2) There shall be two (2) judges for the Eighteenth 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". The judge to fill Place One shall be a resident of Jones County. The judge to fill Place Two shall be a resident of George, Greene or Wayne County.
SECTION 32. Section 9-7-49, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
[Until January 1, 2027, this section shall read 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.
[From and after January 1, 2027, this section shall read as follows:]
9-7-49. * * * The Nineteenth Circuit Court District * * * shall be composed of * * * Jackson County.
* * *
SECTION 33. Section 9-7-51, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
[Until January 1, 2027, this section shall read 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.
[From and after January 1, 2027, this section shall read as follows:]
9-7-51. (1) There shall be * * * four (4) judges for the
Nineteenth Circuit Court District. 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" with one
of the four (4) places, to be dedicated to intervention court and to have at
least seventy-five percent (75%) of the cases on its docket drug court eligible
cases.
(2) The senior judge of the
Nineteenth Circuit Court District may divide the court * * * into civil,
criminal and appellate court divisions as a matter of convenience by the entry
of an order upon the minutes of the court. The senior judge shall designate
which place is to operate as intervention court and assign the court's cases
accordingly to ensure its operation.
SECTION 34. 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 35. Section 9-7-54, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended 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 36. Section 9-7-55, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
[Until January 1, 2031, this section shall read as follows:]
9-7-55. The * * * Twenty-second Circuit
Court District is composed of the following counties:
(a) Holmes County;
(b) Humphreys County; and
(c) Yazoo County.
[From and after January 1, 2031, this section shall read as follows:]
Section 9-7-55, Mississippi Code of 1972, which provides for the Twenty-second Circuit Court District shall stand repealed on and after January 1, 2031.
SECTION 37. Section 9-7-57, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
[Until January 1, 2027, this section shall read as follows:]
9-7-57. The * * * Twenty-third
Court District is composed of the following counties:
(a) Claiborne County;
(b) Copiah County; and
(c) Jefferson County.
[From and after January 1, 2027, this section shall read as follows:]
Section 9-7-57, which creates the Twenty-third Circuit Court District shall stand repealed on and after January 1, 2027.
SECTION 38. Section 9-7-63, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
9-7-63. The * * * Twenty-first Circuit Court
District shall be composed of DeSoto County.
SECTION 39. Section 9-7-64, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
[Until January 1, 2027, this section shall read as follows:]
9-7-64. (1) There shall be * * * three (3) circuit judges for the * * * Twenty-first Circuit Court
District.
(2) For the purposes of
appointment and election, the * * * three (3) judgeships shall be
separate and distinct and denominated as "Place One" * * *, "Place Two * * *" and "Place Three". The
judges to fill Place One, Place Two and Place Three shall be residents of
DeSoto County.
[From and after January 1, 2027, this section shall read as follows:]
9-7-64. (1) There shall be * * * four (4) circuit judges for the * * * Twenty-first Circuit Court
District.
(2) For the purposes of
appointment and election, the * * * four (4) judgeships shall be
separate and distinct and denominated as "Place One" * * *, "Place Two * * *", "Place Three" and
"Place Four". The judges to fill Place One, Place Two and Place
Three shall be elected from within the district. Place Four shall be a subdistrict denominated as 21-1.
The judge to fill Place Four shall be elected from the following
precincts in DeSoto County: Horn Lake Central, Horn Lake East, Horn
Lake High School*, Horn Lake Intermediate School, Horn Lake North, Horn Lake
West, Northwest Community College*, Southhaven South and Southhaven West*.
SECTION 40. Section 25-31-5, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended forward as follows:
25-31-5. (1) The following number of full-time legal assistants are authorized in the following circuit court districts:
(a) First Circuit Court District.............. ten (10) legal assistants.
(b) Second Circuit Court District.......... eleven (11) legal assistants.
(c) Third Circuit Court District............... six (6) legal assistants.
(d) Fourth Circuit Court District..............six (6) legal assistants.
(e) Fifth Circuit Court District...............five (5) legal assistants.
(f) Sixth Circuit Court District............. three (3) legal assistants.
(g) Seventh Circuit
Court District......... * * * twelve (12) fourteen (14) legal assistants. * * *
(h) Eighth Circuit Court District.............three (3) legal assistants.
(i) Ninth Circuit Court District..............three (3) legal assistants. Effective January 1, 2027, the Ninth Circuit Court District shall have four (4) legal assistants.
(j) Tenth Circuit Court District.............. five (5) legal assistants.
(k) Eleventh Circuit Court District............five (5) legal assistants.
(l) Twelfth Circuit Court District.............five (5) legal assistants.
(m) Thirteenth Circuit Court District..........four (4) legal assistants.
(n) Fourteenth Circuit
Court District.......... * * * six (6) five (5) legal assistants.
(o) Fifteenth Circuit Court District......... seven (7) legal assistants.
(p) Sixteenth Circuit Court District........... six (6) legal assistants.
(q) Seventeenth Circuit Court District........ four (4) legal assistants.
(r) Eighteenth Circuit Court District...........two (2) legal assistants. Effective January 1, 2027, the Eighteenth Circuit Court District shall have four (4) legal assistants.
(s) Nineteenth Circuit Court District........ seven (7) legal assistants.
(t) Twentieth Circuit Court District......... seven (7) legal assistants. Effective January 1, 2027, the Twentieth Circuit Court District shall have ten (10) legal assistants.
(u) Twenty-first Circuit Court District....... four (4) legal assistants. Effective January 1, 2027, the Twenty-first Circuit Court District shall have seven (7) legal assistants.
(v) Twenty-second Circuit Court District..... three (3) legal assistants. Effective January 1, 2027, the Twenty-second Circuit Court District shall have four (4) legal assistants. From and after January 1, 2031, this paragraph (v) shall stand repealed.
(w) Twenty-third Circuit Court District ..... five (5) legal assistants. Effective January 1, 2027, this paragraph (w) shall stand repealed.
(2) In addition to any legal assistants authorized pursuant to subsection (1) of this section, the following number of full-time legal assistants are authorized (i) in the following circuit court districts if funds are appropriated by the Legislature to adequately fund the salaries, expenses and fringe benefits of such legal assistants, or (ii) in any of the following circuit court districts in which the board of supervisors of one or more of the counties in a circuit court district adopts a resolution to pay all of the salaries, supplemental pay, expenses and fringe benefits of legal assistants authorized in such district pursuant to this subsection:
(a) First Circuit Court District................two (2) legal assistants.
(b) Second Circuit Court District...............two (2) legal assistants.
(c) Third Circuit Court District................two (2) legal assistants.
(d) Fourth Circuit Court District...............two (2) legal assistants.
(e) Fifth Circuit Court District................two (2) legal assistants.
(f) Sixth Circuit Court District................two (2) legal assistants.
(g) Seventh Circuit Court District..............two (2) legal assistants.
(h) Eighth Circuit Court District...............two (2) legal assistants.
(i) Ninth Circuit Court District................two (2) legal assistants.
(j) Tenth Circuit Court District................two (2) legal assistants.
(k) Eleventh Circuit Court District.............two (2) legal assistants.
(l) Twelfth Circuit Court District..............two (2) legal assistants.
(m) Thirteenth Circuit Court District...........two (2) legal assistants.
(n) Fourteenth Circuit Court District...........two (2) legal assistants.
(o) Fifteenth Circuit Court District............two (2) legal assistants.
(p) Sixteenth Circuit Court District............two (2) legal assistants.
(q) Seventeenth Circuit Court District..........two (2) legal assistants.
(r) Eighteenth Circuit Court District...........two (2) legal assistants.
(s) Nineteenth Circuit Court District...........two (2) legal assistants.
(t) Twentieth Circuit
Court District............ * * * five (5) legal assistants.
(u) Twenty-first Circuit Court District.........two (2) legal assistants.
(v) Twenty-second Circuit Court District........two (2) legal assistants. From and after January 1, 2031, this paragraph (v) shall stand repealed.
(w) Twenty-third Circuit Court District........two (2) legal assistants. From and after January 1, 2027, this paragraph (w) shall stand repealed.
(3) The board of supervisors of any county may pay all or a part of the salary, supplemental pay, expenses and fringe benefits of any district attorney or legal assistant authorized in the circuit court district to which such county belongs pursuant to this section.
(4) The district attorney of any circuit court district may employ additional legal assistants or criminal investigators, or both, without regard to any limitation on the number of legal assistants authorized in this section or criminal investigators authorized by other provisions of law to the extent that the district attorney's office receives funds from any source. Any source shall include, but is not limited to, office generated funds, funds from a county, a combination of counties, a municipality, a combination of municipalities, federal funds, private grants or foundations, or by means of an Interlocal Cooperative Agreement authorized by Section 17-13-1 which may be expended for those positions in an amount sufficient to pay all of the salary, supplemental pay, expenses and fringe benefits of the positions. Such funds may either be paid out of district attorney accounts, transferred by the district attorney to the Department of Finance and Administration or to one or more of the separate counties comprising the circuit court district, and the funds shall be disbursed to such employees in the same manner as state-funded criminal investigators and full-time legal assistants. The district attorney shall report to the board of supervisors of each county comprising the circuit court district the amount and source of the supplemental salary, expenses and fringe benefits, and the board in each county shall spread the same on its minutes. The district attorney shall also report such information to the Department of Finance and Administration which shall make such information available to the Legislative Budget Office.
(5) The district attorney shall be authorized to assign the duties of a legal assistant regardless of the source of funding for such legal assistants.
SECTION 41. Section 25-31-10, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
[Until January 1, 2027, this section shall read as follows:]
25-31-10. (1) Any district attorney may appoint a full-time criminal investigator.
(2) The district attorneys
of the Fifth, Ninth, Tenth, Eleventh, Twelfth, Thirteenth, Fourteenth,
Fifteenth, Sixteenth, Seventeenth, Twentieth and * * * Twenty-third 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, Third, Fourth, Nineteenth and * * * Twenty-first Circuit Court
Districts may appoint two (2) additional full-time criminal investigators for a
total of three (3) full-time criminal investigators.
(4) The district attorney of the Seventh Circuit Court District may appoint one (1) additional full-time criminal investigator for a total of four (4) full-time criminal investigators.
(5) No district attorney or assistant district attorney shall accept any private employment, civil or criminal, in any matter investigated by such criminal investigators.
(6) The full and complete compensation for all public duties rendered by the criminal investigators shall be not more than Sixty-three Thousand Dollars ($63,000.00) 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.
(7) 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. 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.
(8) The district attorney shall be authorized to assign the duties of criminal investigators regardless of the source of funding for such criminal investigators.
[From and after January 1, 2027, this section shall read as follows:]
25-31-10. (1) Any district attorney may appoint a full-time criminal investigator.
(2) The district attorneys
of the Fifth, Ninth, Tenth, Eleventh, Twelfth, Thirteenth, Fourteenth,
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, Third, Fourth * * *, Nineteenth and * * * Twenty-first Circuit Court
Districts may appoint two (2) additional full-time criminal investigators for a
total of three (3) full-time criminal investigators.
(4) The district attorney of the Seventh Circuit Court District may appoint one (1) additional full-time criminal investigator for a total of four (4) full-time criminal investigators.
(5) No district attorney or assistant district attorney shall accept any private employment, civil or criminal, in any matter investigated by such criminal investigators.
(6) The full and complete compensation for all public duties rendered by the criminal investigators shall be not more than Sixty-three Thousand Dollars ($63,000.00) 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.
(7) 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. 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.
(8) The district attorney shall be authorized to assign the duties of criminal investigators regardless of the source of funding for such criminal investigators.
SECTION 42. Section 99-36-7, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:
99-36-7. (1) (a) In addition to the full-time legal assistants to the district attorney authorized by Section 25-31-5, the district attorney in each circuit court district in this state shall, subject to the approval of and upon the order of the senior circuit court judge of the district, employ one (1) person to serve at the will and pleasure of the district attorney as a "victim assistance coordinator" who shall not be considered to be a state employee.
(b) The District Attorney of the First Circuit Court District may appoint one (1) additional victim assistance coordinator, and the District Attorney of the Fourteenth Circuit Court District, upon the approval of the boards of supervisors, may appoint one (1) additional victim assistance coordinator, subject to the approval of and upon the order of the senior circuit court judge of the applicable district for a total of two (2) victim assistance coordinators per district.
(2) The duty of the victim assistance coordinator is to ensure that a victim, guardian of a victim, or close relative of a deceased victim is afforded the rights granted victims, guardians and relatives by Section 99-36-5. The victim assistance coordinator shall work closely with appropriate law enforcement agencies, prosecuting attorneys, the state and the judiciary in fulfilling that duty.
(3) The salary of the victim assistance coordinator shall not exceed the salary authorized for criminal investigators in Section 25-31-10, and shall be paid jointly by the counties comprising the circuit court district, with each county paying a pro rata share of the salary as determined by the senior circuit court judge.
(4) The board of supervisors of any county, with the approval of and upon the order of the senior circuit court judge of the district wherein such county lies, may, in addition to any victim assistance coordinator provided for in subsection (1) of this section, create the position of county victim assistance coordinator. The duty of the county victim assistance coordinator shall be to cooperate with local law enforcement agencies, the county attorney and the district attorney in assuring that a victim, guardian or close relative is afforded the rights granted by Section 99-36-5. Two (2) or more counties, by action of their respective boards of supervisors, with the approval of and upon the order of the senior circuit court judge of the district wherein such counties lie, may join in establishing and maintaining the position of victim assistance coordinator to serve these counties. Any municipality, by action of its governing authority, may participate in the establishment and maintenance of a county victim assistance coordinator's office located within the municipality.
(5) Any district attorney, county board of supervisors or governing authority of a municipality which has established or is participating in the maintenance of an office of victim assistance coordinator may apply through the Governor's Office of State and Federal Programs for a grant under the federal "Victims of Crimes Act of 1984" (Public Law 98-473) to be used in the continued operation of the victim assistance program.
SECTION 43. (1) (a) A special election shall be held to fill the office of circuit judge created in Subdistrict 7-5 in the Seventh Circuit Court District. The special election shall be held on the first Tuesday in November, 2025. Candidates shall file as provided in Section 23-15-977, and shall run for office and be elected as provided in Sections 23-15-974 through 23-15-985, which constitute the Nonpartisan Judicial Election Act. The judge elected shall serve until January 1, 2027, unless such person is re-elected to fill the office during the November, 2026, election for judicial offices. The terms of those offices shall thereafter be as provided by law for circuit judges generally.
(b) A special election shall be held to fill the office of circuit judge for the Twenty-first Circuit Court District. The special election shall be held on the first Tuesday in November, 2025. Candidates shall file as provided in Section 23-15-977, and shall run for office and be elected as provided in Sections 23-15-974 through 23-15-985, which constitute the Nonpartisan Judicial Election Act. The judge elected shall serve until January 1, 2027, unless the person is re-elected to fill such office in the November, 2026, election for judicial offices. The terms of those offices shall thereafter be as provided by law for circuit judges generally.
(2) Candidates for the chancellorships and the circuit judgeships that begin January 1, 2027, shall run for those offices in the general election for judicial officers to be conducted in November 2026. Candidates for the chancellorships and the circuit judgeships that begin January 1, 2031, shall run for those offices in the general election for judicial officers to be conducted in November 2030. Candidates shall file as provided in Section 23-15-977, and shall run for office and be elected as provided in Sections 23-15-974 through 23-15-985, which constitute the Nonpartisan Judicial Election Act. The judges elected shall serve four-year terms to begin January 1, 2027, and/or January 1, 2031, as applicable and the terms of those offices shall thereafter be as provided for chancellors and circuit judges generally.
(3) (a) From January 1, 2027, until January 1, 2028, the District Attorney for the Twenty-third District shall become the Chief Assistant District Attorney for the Seventh Circuit Court District. In addition to the responsibilities of the District Attorney as otherwise provided by law, the Chief Assistant District Attorney shall be responsible for ensuring the orderly transition of all administrative and prosecutorial functions of the former Twenty-third Circuit Court District. The salary of the Chief Assistant District Attorney shall be the same as the District Attorney for the Seventh Circuit Court District.
(b) The term of office for the District Attorney for the Twenty-second Circuit Court District elected in the November 2027, general election for statewide officers shall be three (3) years, beginning January 1, 2028, and ending January 1, 2031, upon the dissolution of the Twenty-second Circuit Court District.
(4) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary regarding the residency requirements for the Office of District Attorney, the person serving as district attorney for any circuit court district in which the composition of the counties within the district is changed by virtue of this act, shall remain the district attorney for the same numerical district that he or she represented before the revision of the district by virtue of this act. Such person shall serve as district attorney until the next general election for the Office of District Attorney occurs, at which time, he or she may qualify as a candidate for the judicial district for which he or she otherwise meets the residency requirements and all other statutory requirements to qualify for such office. For purposes of this section, the phrase "next general election" means the general election that occurs immediately after the effective date of a revision to the composition.
SECTION 44. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage.