***Adopted***

AMENDMENT No. 1 PROPOSED TO

                             Senate Bill NO. 2583

                             By Representative(s) Committee

     Amend by striking all after the enacting clause and inserting in lieu thereof the following:

 

     SECTION 1.  Section 25-41-15, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

     25-41-15.  The chancery courts of this state shall have the authority to enforce the provisions of this chapter upon application of any citizen of the state, and shall have the authority to issue injunctions or writs of mandamus to accomplish that purpose.  If a court finds that a public body has willfully and knowingly violated the provisions of this chapter, the individual members of that public body shall be liable civilly in a sum not to exceed One Hundred Dollars ($100.00), plus all reasonable expenses incurred by such person or persons bringing the lawsuit.

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

     Further, amend by striking the title in its entirety and inserting in lieu thereof the following:

 

     AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 25-41-15, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE A CIVIL PENALTY FOR VIOLATIONS OF THE OPEN MEETINGS LAW; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.