MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1999 Regular Session

To: Judiciary A

By: Representatives Wallace, Thornton

AN ACT TO PROVIDE THAT THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF EVERY COUNTY AND THE GOVERNING AUTHORITIES OF EVERY MUNICIPALITY SHALL PURCHASE AND MAINTAIN LIABILITY INSURANCE OR BOND TO INSURE ITS ELECTED AND APPOINTED PUBLIC OFFICIALS AGAINST LIABILITY FOR SUITS AND ACTIONS MAINTAINED AGAINST SUCH PUBLIC OFFICIALS IN THEIR OFFICIAL CAPACITY AND FOR WHICH SUCH PUBLIC OFFICIALS ARE NOT IMMUNE; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

SECTION 1. The board of supervisors of every county and the governing authorities of every municipality shall purchase and maintain liability insurance or bond in such amount as the board or governing authorities deems necessary to insure its elected and appointed public officials against liability that may arise out of suits brought and actions maintained against such public officials in their official capacity and for which such public officials are not immune, including suits based upon federal civil rights violations and other federal and state laws.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after October 1, 1999.