House Bill 1251

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTIONS 11-27-19 AND 11-27-85, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE THAT IN EMINENT DOMAIN PROCEEDINGS WHEN PROPERTY IS TAKEN AND IS TO BE SUBSEQUENTLY LEASED, THE DEFENDANT SHALL BE THE FIRST PARTY TO WHOM A LEASE SHALL BE OFFERED; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

SECTION 1. Section 11-27-19, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

11-27-19. Evidence may be introduced by either party, and the jury may, in the sound discretion of the judge, go to the premises, under the charge of the court as to conduct, conversation and actions as may be proper in the premises. Evidence of fair market value shall be established as of the date of the filing of the complaint. Any judgment finally entered in payment for property to be taken shall provide legal interest on the award of the jury from the date of the filing of the complaint until payment is actually made; provided, however, that interest need not be paid on any funds deposited by the plaintiff and withdrawn by the defendants prior to judgment. Such judgment shall provide that if the property is to be leased, the defendant shall be the first party to whom a lease shall be offered. At the conclusion of the trial, the court shall instruct the jury in accordance with the Mississippi Rules of Civil Procedure.

SECTION 2. Section 11-27-85, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

11-27-85. (1) Upon the filing of the report of the appraiser, the clerk shall within three (3) days mail notice to the parties and the court that the report has been filed. The court shall review the report of the appraiser and shall, after not less than five (5) days' notice thereof to the defendants, enter an order granting to the plaintiff title to the property, less and except all oil, gas and other minerals which may be produced through a well bore, and the right to immediate entry unless, for other cause shown or for uncertainty concerning the immediate public need for such property pursuant to Section 11-27-83, the judge shall determine that such passing of title, and right of entry should be denied. Such order shall also provide that if the property is to be leased, the defendant shall be the first party to whom a lease shall be offered. However, no person lawfully occupying real property shall be required to move from a dwelling or to move his business or farm operation without at least ninety (90) days' written notice prior to the date by which such move is required.

(2) Upon entry of said order, the plaintiff may deposit not less than eighty-five percent (85%) of the amount of the compensation and damages as determined by the appraiser with the clerk of the court, and upon so doing, the plaintiff shall be granted title to the property, less and except all oil, gas and other minerals which may be produced through a well bore, and shall have the right to immediate entry to said property. The defendant, or defendants, shall be entitled to receive the amount so paid to the clerk of the court, which shall be disbursed as their interest may appear, pursuant to order of the court.

(3) Notwithstanding any provisions of subsections (1) and (2) of this section to the contrary, title and immediate possession to real property, including oil, gas and other mineral interests, may be granted under this section to (a) any county authorized to exercise the power of eminent domain under Section 19-7-41 for the purpose of acquiring land for construction of a federal correctional facility or other federal penal institution, and (b) the Mississippi Major Economic Impact Authority for the purpose of acquiring land, property and rights-of-way for a project as defined in Section 57-75-5(f)(iv)1 and any facility related to such project.

SECTION 3. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage.