House Bill 802

AN ACT TO CREATE A NEW CODE SECTION TO PROVIDE THAT THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF ANY COUNTY MAY LEVY AN ASSESSMENT FOR EACH MISDEMEANOR CONVICTION OBTAINED IN ANY JUSTICE OR COUNTY COURT IN THE COUNTY; TO SPECIFY THE PURPOSES FOR WHICH THE AVAILS OF THE ASSESSMENT MAY BE USED; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

SECTION 1. (1) The board of supervisors of any county in the state is hereby authorized, in its discretion, by resolution duly adopted and entered on its minutes, to levy an assessment, in an amount the board deems reasonable, for each misdemeanor conviction obtained in any justice or county court in the county. Such assessment shall be in addition to any other county assessments and court costs, any monetary fines and penalties imposed by law and any state monetary assessments imposed under Section 99-19-73.

(2) The avails of the additional assessment imposed under this act shall be expended by the board to fund:

(a) The construction, operation, maintenance and related needs of any county office building or convention center, or

(b) The operation of any county law enforcement department or organization having as its primary goal the prevention of crime and drug abuse, drug education and/or procuring information to aid authorities in the capture and conviction of persons committing crimes in the county.

SECTION 2. The provisions of Section 1 of this act shall be codified in Chapter 3, Title 19, Mississippi Code of 1972.

SECTION 3. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after October 1, 2002.