MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1997 Regular Session

To: Constitution

By: Representative Moore

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO SECTION 24, MISSISSIPPI CONSTITUTION OF 1890, TO AUTHORIZE THE LEGISLATURE, BY GENERAL LAW, IN SUCH CASES AS IT DEEMS PROPER, TO RESTRICT, LIMIT OR DENY TO PERSONS A REMEDY FOR RELIGIOUS ISSUES EXCEPT IN THE EVENT OF DANGER TO LIFE OR PROPERTY; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.  

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That the following amendment to the Mississippi Constitution of 1890 is proposed to the qualified electors of the state:

Amend Section 24, Mississippi Constitution of 1890, to read as follows:

"Section 24. (1) All courts shall be open; and every person for an injury done him in his lands, goods, person, or reputation, shall have remedy by due course of law, and right and justice shall be administered without sale, denial, or delay.

(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (1) of this section, the Legislature, by general law, may restrict, limit or deny to persons a remedy for religious issues except in the event of danger to life or property; however, no such law may restrict, limit, deny or otherwise affect any remedy existing in favor of any person at the time this amendment becomes effective, and any such law may not be construed by implication to restrict, limit or deny to any person any right or remedy provided under subsection (1) of this section, but any restriction, limitation or denial of such right or remedy must be stated explicitly in the law."

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this proposed amendment shall be submitted by the Secretary of State to the qualified electors at an election to be held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday of November 1997, as provided by Section 273 of the Constitution and by general law.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the explanation of this proposed amendment for the ballot shall read as follows: "This proposed constitutional amendment authorizes the Legislature to enact general laws, restricting, limiting or denying persons a remedy for religious issues except in the event of danger to life or property."