House Bill 1021

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 21-3-21, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE THAT THE GOVERNING AUTHORITIES OF ANY MUNICIPALITY OPERATING UNDER A CODE CHARTER MAY CALL A SPECIAL MEETING BY POSTING A WRITTEN NOTICE IN A PUBLIC PLACE WITHIN FIVE DAYS FROM THE TIME THE SPECIAL MEETING IS TO BE HELD; TO PROVIDE THAT THE MAYOR AND ALDERMEN HAVE SUFFICIENT NOTICE OF A SPECIAL MEETING BY THE POSTING OF A WRITTEN NOTICE IN A PUBLIC PLACE; TO PROVIDE THAT THE MAYOR AND ALDERMEN MUST ACKNOWLEDGE OR CONSENT UPON THE MINUTES OF A SPECIAL MEETING THAT WRITTEN NOTICE WAS RECEIVED BY THE POSTING OF A NOTICE IN A PUBLIC PLACE; TO ABOLISH THE REQUIREMENT THAT WRITTEN NOTICE OF A SPECIAL MEETING BE DELIVERED TO THE MAYOR AND ALDERMEN BY A MARSHAL OR POLICE OFFICER; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

SECTION 1. Section 21-3-21, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

21-3-21. The mayor or any two aldermen may, by written notice, call a special meeting of the mayor and board of aldermen for the transaction of important business. The notice must be signed by the officer or officers calling the special meeting and posted in a public place five (5) days before the time fixed for the special meeting and must state the time of meeting and distinctly specify the subject matters of business to be acted upon. * * * The notice * * * shall be entered on the minutes of the special meeting, and the mayor and aldermen must acknowledge upon the minutes that written notice was received or, when appropriate, the aldermen who are present at the special meeting must acknowledge or consent upon the minutes of the efforts attempted to reach any absent member. Any business not specified in the notice shall not be transacted at the meeting. A member of the board shall not receive pay for attending a special meeting.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2004.