MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2003 Regular Session

To: Judiciary B; Appropriations

By: Representative Jennings

House Bill 1137

AN ACT TO PROVIDE A FULL-TIME PUBLIC DEFENDER FOR DESOTO COUNTY JUSTICE COURT; TO PROVIDE FOR COMPENSATION; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

     SECTION 1.  There shall be one (1) full-time public defender for DeSoto County Justice Court appointed by the board of supervisors.  The public defender must be a member of the Mississippi Bar.  The salary and benefits of the public defender shall be paid by the state and shall be the maximum allowed for a legal assistant to a district attorney as provided in Section 25-3-35(6).

     SECTION 2.  This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2003.