Senate Bill 2212

AN ACT TO CREATE NEW SECTION 11-11-18, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO ALLOW CHANGE OR TRANSFER OF VENUE FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF PARTIES AND WITNESSES OR IN THE INTEREST OF JUSTICE; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

SECTION 1. The following provision shall be codified as Section 11-11-18, Mississippi Code of 1972:

11-11-18. (1) With respect to civil actions filed in an appropriate venue where venue is not otherwise designated or limited by statute, the court shall, for the convenience of parties and witnesses or in the interest of justice, transfer any civil action or any claim in any civil action to any court in which the action might have been properly filed and the case shall proceed as though originally filed therein.

(2) The right of a party to move for a change or transfer of venue pursuant to this section is cumulative and in addition to the rights of a party to move for a change or transfer of venue pursuant to any other statute or the Mississippi Rules of Civil Procedure.

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