MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2021 Regular Session

To: Judiciary B; Appropriations

By: Representative Bain

House Bill 288

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 25-31-10, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO INCREASE THE SALARY OF CRIMINAL INVESTIGATORS; TO BRING FORWARD SECTIONS 25-31-5, 9-7-5, 9-7-7, 9-7-9, 9-7-11, 9-7-13, 9-7-14, 9-7-15, 9-7-17, 9-7-19, 9-7-20, 9-7-21, 9-7-23, 9-7-25, 9-7-27, 9-7-29, 9-7-30, 9-7-31, 9-7-32, 9-7-33, 9-7-34, 9-7-35, 9-7-37, 9-7-39, 9-7-41, 9-7-42, 9-7-43, 9-7-44, 9-7-45, 9-7-46, 9-7-47, 9-7-49, 9-7-51, 9-7-53, 9-7-54, 9-7-55, 9-7-57, 9-7-63 AND 9-7-64, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, WHICH PROVIDE FOR THE FIRST THROUGH TWENTY-THIRD CIRCUIT COURT JUDICIAL DISTRICTS, FOR THE PURPOSE OF POSSIBLE AMENDMENT; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

SECTION 1. Section 25-31-10, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

[Until January 1, 2023, this section shall read as follows:]

25-31-10. (1) Any district attorney may appoint a full-time criminal investigator.

(2) The district attorneys of the Third, Fifth, Ninth, Tenth, Eleventh, Twelfth, Thirteenth, Fourteenth, Fifteenth, Sixteenth, Seventeenth and Twentieth Circuit Court Districts may appoint one (1) additional full-time criminal investigator for a total of two (2) full-time criminal investigators.

(3) The district attorneys of the First, Second, Fourth, Seventh and Nineteenth Circuit Court Districts may appoint two (2) additional full-time criminal investigators for a total of three (3) full-time criminal investigators.

(4) No district attorney or assistant district attorney shall accept any private employment, civil or criminal, in any matter investigated by such criminal investigators.

(5) The full and complete compensation for all public duties rendered by * * *~~said~~ the criminal investigators shall be not more than * * * Sixty-seven Thousand Dollars ($67,000.00) per annum, to be determined at the discretion of the district attorney based upon the qualifications, education and experience of the criminal investigator, plus necessary travel and other expenses, to be paid in accordance with Section 25-31-8. However, the maximum salary under this subsection for a criminal investigator who has a law degree may be supplemented by the district attorney from other available funds, but not to exceed the maximum salary for a legal assistant to a district attorney.

(6) Any criminal investigator may be designated by the district attorney to attend the Law Enforcement Officers Training Program set forth in Section 45-6-1 et seq., Mississippi Code of 1972. The total expenses associated with attendance by criminal investigators at the Law Enforcement Officers Training Program shall be paid out of the funds of the appropriate district attorney.

(7) The district attorney shall be authorized to assign the duties of criminal investigators regardless of the source of funding for such criminal investigators.

[From and after January 1, 2023, this section shall read as follows:]

25-31-10. (1) Any district attorney may appoint a full-time criminal investigator.

(2) The district attorneys of the Third, Fifth, Ninth, Tenth, Eleventh, Twelfth, Thirteenth, Fourteenth, Fifteenth, Sixteenth, Seventeenth, Twentieth and Twenty-third Circuit Court Districts may appoint one (1) additional full-time criminal investigator for a total of two (2) full-time criminal investigators.

(4) No district attorney or assistant district attorney shall accept any private employment, civil or criminal, in any matter investigated by such criminal investigators.

(5) The full and complete compensation for all public duties rendered by the criminal investigators shall be not more than * * * Sixty-seven Thousand Dollars ($67,000.00) per annum, to be determined at the discretion of the district attorney based upon the qualifications, education and experience of the criminal investigator, plus necessary travel and other expenses, to be paid in accordance with Section 25-31-8. However, the maximum salary under this subsection for a criminal investigator who has a law degree may be supplemented by the district attorney from other available funds, but not to exceed the maximum salary for a legal assistant to a district attorney.

(6) Any criminal investigator may be designated by the district attorney to attend the Law Enforcement Officers Training Program set forth in Section 45-6-1 et seq. The total expenses associated with attendance by criminal investigators at the Law Enforcement Officers Training Program shall be paid out of the funds of the appropriate district attorney.

(7) The district attorney shall be authorized to assign the duties of criminal investigators regardless of the source of funding for such criminal investigators.

SECTION 2. Section 25-31-5, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

[Until January 1, 2023, this section shall read as follows:]

25-31-5. (1) The following number of full-time legal assistants are authorized in the following circuit court districts:

(a) First Circuit Court District........... nine (9)

legal assistants.

(b) Second Circuit Court District.......... ten (10)

legal assistants.

(d) Fourth Circuit Court District.......... six (6)

legal assistants.

(e) Fifth Circuit Court District........... five (5)

legal assistants.

(f) Sixth Circuit Court District........... two (2)

legal assistants.

(g) Seventh Circuit Court District......... eleven (11)

legal assistants.

(h) Eighth Circuit Court District.......... three (3)

legal assistants.

(i) Ninth Circuit Court District............ three (3)

legal assistants.

(j) Tenth Circuit Court District............ four (4)

legal assistants.

(k) Eleventh Circuit Court District......... five (5)

legal assistants.

(l) Twelfth Circuit Court District.......... five (5)

legal assistants.

(m) Thirteenth Circuit Court District....... four (4)

legal assistants.

(n) Fourteenth Circuit Court District....... five (5)

legal assistants.

(o) Fifteenth Circuit Court District........ six (6)

legal assistants.

(p) Sixteenth Circuit Court District ....... five (5)

legal assistants.

(q) Seventeenth Circuit Court District...... seven (7)

legal assistants.

(r) Eighteenth Circuit Court District....... two (2)

legal assistants.

(s) Nineteenth Circuit Court District....... six (6)

legal assistants.

(t) Twentieth Circuit Court District........ six (6)

legal assistants.

(u) Twenty-first Circuit Court District..... three (3)

legal assistants.

(v) Twenty-second Circuit Court District.... three (3)

legal assistants.

(2) In addition to any legal assistants authorized pursuant to subsection (1) of this section, the following number of full-time legal assistants are authorized (i) in the following circuit court districts if funds are appropriated by the Legislature to adequately fund the salaries, expenses and fringe benefits of such legal assistants, or (ii) in any of the following circuit court districts in which the board of supervisors of one or more of the counties in a circuit court district adopts a resolution to pay all of the salaries, supplemental pay, expenses and fringe benefits of legal assistants authorized in such district pursuant to this subsection:

(a) First Circuit Court District............. two (2)

legal assistants.

(b) Second Circuit Court District............ two (2)

legal assistants.

(d) Fourth Circuit Court District............ two (2)

legal assistants.

(e) Fifth Circuit Court District............. two (2)

legal assistants.

(f) Sixth Circuit Court District............. two (2)

legal assistants.

(g) Seventh Circuit Court District........... two (2)

legal assistants.

(h) Eighth Circuit Court District............ two (2)

legal assistants.

(i) Ninth Circuit Court District............. two (2)

legal assistants.

(j) Tenth Circuit Court District............. two (2)

legal assistants.

(k) Eleventh Circuit Court District.......... two (2)

legal assistants.

(l) Twelfth Circuit Court District........... two (2)

legal assistants.

(m) Thirteenth Circuit Court District........ two (2)

legal assistants.

(n) Fourteenth Circuit Court District........ two (2)

legal assistants.

(o) Fifteenth Circuit Court District......... two (2)

legal assistants.

(p) Sixteenth Circuit Court District......... two (2)

legal assistants.

(q) Seventeenth Circuit Court District....... two (2)

legal assistants.

(r) Eighteenth Circuit Court District........ two (2)

legal assistants.

(s) Nineteenth Circuit Court District........ two (2)

legal assistants.

(t) Twentieth Circuit Court District......... two (2)

legal assistants.

(u) Twenty-first Circuit Court District...... two (2)

legal assistants.

(v) Twenty-second Circuit Court District..... two (2)

legal assistants.

(3) The board of supervisors of any county may pay all or a part of the salary, supplemental pay, expenses and fringe benefits of any district attorney or legal assistant authorized in the circuit court district to which such county belongs pursuant to this section.

(4) The district attorney of any circuit court district may employ additional legal assistants or criminal investigators, or both, without regard to any limitation on the number of legal assistants authorized in this section or criminal investigators authorized by other provisions of law to the extent that the district attorney's office receives funds from any source. Any source shall include, but is not limited to, office generated funds, funds from a county, a combination of counties, a municipality, a combination of municipalities, federal funds, private grants or foundations, or by means of an Interlocal Cooperative Agreement authorized by Section 17-13-1 which may be expended for those positions in an amount sufficient to pay all of the salary, supplemental pay, expenses and fringe benefits of the positions. Such funds may either be paid out of district attorney accounts, transferred by the district attorney to the Department of Finance and Administration or to one or more of the separate counties comprising the circuit court district, and said funds shall be disbursed to such employees in the same manner as state-funded criminal investigators and full-time legal assistants. The district attorney shall report to the board of supervisors of each county comprising the circuit court district the amount and source of the supplemental salary, expenses and fringe benefits, and the board in each county shall spread the same on its minutes. The district attorney shall also report such information to the Department of Finance and Administration which shall make such information available to the Legislative Budget Office.

(5) The district attorney shall be authorized to assign the duties of a legal assistant regardless of the source of funding for such legal assistants.

[From and after January 1, 2023, this section shall read as follows:]

25-31-5. (1) The following number of full-time legal assistants are authorized in the following circuit court districts:

(a) First Circuit Court District...............nine (9) legal assistants.

(b) Second Circuit Court District..............ten (10) legal assistants.

(d) Fourth Circuit Court District..............six (6) legal assistants.

(e) Fifth Circuit Court District...............five (5) legal assistants.

(f) Sixth Circuit Court District................two (2) legal assistants.

(g) Seventh Circuit Court District..........eleven (11) legal assistants.

(h) Eighth Circuit Court District.............three (3) legal assistants.

(i) Ninth Circuit Court District..............three (3) legal assistants.

(j) Tenth Circuit Court District...............four (4) legal assistants.

(k) Eleventh Circuit Court District............five (5) legal assistants.

(l) Twelfth Circuit Court District.............five (5) legal assistants.

(m) Thirteenth Circuit Court District..........four (4) legal assistants.

(n) Fourteenth Circuit Court District..........five (5) legal assistants.

(o) Fifteenth Circuit Court District............six (6) legal assistants.

(p) Sixteenth Circuit Court District...........five (5) legal assistants.

(q) Seventeenth Circuit Court District.. three (3) legal assistants.

(r) Eighteenth Circuit Court District...........two (2) legal assistants.

(s) Nineteenth Circuit Court District...........six (6) legal assistants.

(t) Twentieth Circuit Court District............six (6) legal assistants.

(u) Twenty-first Circuit Court District.......three (3) legal assistants.

(v) Twenty-second Circuit Court District......three (3) legal assistants.

(w) Twenty-third Circuit Court District .....four (4)

legal assistants.

(a) First Circuit Court District................two (2) legal assistants.

(b) Second Circuit Court District...............two (2) legal assistants.

(d) Fourth Circuit Court District...............two (2) legal assistants.

(e) Fifth Circuit Court District................two (2) legal assistants.

(f) Sixth Circuit Court District................two (2) legal assistants.

(g) Seventh Circuit Court District..............two (2) legal assistants.

(h) Eighth Circuit Court District...............two (2) legal assistants.

(i) Ninth Circuit Court District................two (2) legal assistants.

(j) Tenth Circuit Court District................two (2) legal assistants.

(k) Eleventh Circuit Court District.............two (2) legal assistants.

(l) Twelfth Circuit Court District..............two (2) legal assistants.

(m) Thirteenth Circuit Court District...........two (2) legal assistants.

(n) Fourteenth Circuit Court District...........two (2) legal assistants.

(o) Fifteenth Circuit Court District............two (2) legal assistants.

(p) Sixteenth Circuit Court District............two (2) legal assistants.

(q) Seventeenth Circuit Court District..........two (2) legal assistants.

(r) Eighteenth Circuit Court District...........two (2) legal assistants.

(s) Nineteenth Circuit Court District...........two (2) legal assistants.

(t) Twentieth Circuit Court District............two (2) legal assistants.

(u) Twenty-first Circuit Court District.........two (2) legal assistants.

(v) Twenty-second Circuit Court District........two (2) legal assistants.

(w) Twenty-third Circuit Court District........two (2) legal assistants.

(4) The district attorney of any circuit court district may employ additional legal assistants or criminal investigators, or both, without regard to any limitation on the number of legal assistants authorized in this section or criminal investigators authorized by other provisions of law to the extent that the district attorney's office receives funds from any source. Any source shall include, but is not limited to, office generated funds, funds from a county, a combination of counties, a municipality, a combination of municipalities, federal funds, private grants or foundations, or by means of an Interlocal Cooperative Agreement authorized by Section 17-13-1 which may be expended for those positions in an amount sufficient to pay all of the salary, supplemental pay, expenses and fringe benefits of the positions. Such funds may either be paid out of district attorney accounts, transferred by the district attorney to the Department of Finance and Administration or to one or more of the separate counties comprising the circuit court district, and the funds shall be disbursed to such employees in the same manner as state-funded criminal investigators and full-time legal assistants. The district attorney shall report to the board of supervisors of each county comprising the circuit court district the amount and source of the supplemental salary, expenses and fringe benefits, and the board in each county shall spread the same on its minutes. The district attorney shall also report such information to the Department of Finance and Administration which shall make such information available to the Legislative Budget Office.

(5) The district attorney shall be authorized to assign the duties of a legal assistant regardless of the source of funding for such legal assistants.

SECTION 3. Section 9-7-5, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

9-7-5. The First Circuit Court District is composed of the following counties:

(a) Alcorn County;

(b) Itawamba County;

(d) Monroe County;

(e) Pontotoc County;

(f) Prentiss County; and

(g) Tishomingo County.

SECTION 4. Section 9-7-7, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

9-7-7. (1) There shall be four (4) judges for the First Circuit Court District.

(2) The four (4) judgeships shall be separate and distinct and denominated for purposes of appointment and election only as "Place One," "Place Two," "Place Three" and "Place Four." The judge to fill Place One must reside in Alcorn, Prentiss or Tishomingo County. The judges to fill Place Two and Place Three must reside in Itawamba, Lee, Monroe or Pontotoc County. The judge to fill Place Four may be a resident of any county in the district. Election of the four (4) offices of judge shall be by election to be held in every county within the First Circuit Court District.

SECTION 5. Section 9-7-9, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

9-7-9. The Second Circuit Court District is composed of the following counties:

(a) Hancock County;

(b) Harrison County; and

SECTION 6. Section 9-7-11, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

9-7-11. (1) There shall be four (4) judges for the Second Circuit Court District.

(2) The four (4) judgeships shall be separate and distinct and denominated for purposes of appointment and election only as "Place One," "Place Two," "Place Three" and "Place Four."

SECTION 7. Section 9-7-13, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

9-7-13. The Third Circuit Court District is composed of the following counties:

(a) Benton County;

(b) Calhoun County;

(d) Lafayette County;

(e) Marshall County;

(f) Tippah County; and

(g) Union County.

SECTION 8. Section 9-7-14, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

9-7-14. (1) There shall be three (3) judges for the Third Circuit Court District.

(2) The three (3) judgeships shall be separate and distinct and denominated for purposes of appointment and election only as "Place One," "Place Two" and "Place Three."

SECTION 9. Section 9-7-15, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

9-7-15. (1) The Fourth Circuit Court District shall be composed of the following counties:

(a) Leflore County;

(b) Sunflower County; and

(2) The Fourth Circuit Court District shall be divided into four (4) subdistricts as follows:

(a) Subdistrict 4-1 shall consist of the following precincts in the following counties:

(i) Leflore County: Minter City, North Greenwood, Money, Northeast Greenwood, Schlater, West Greenwood, Mississippi Valley State University and Southeast Greenwood Precincts; and

(ii) Sunflower County: Ruleville, Rome, Sunflower Plantation, Drew, Doddsville, Boyer-Linn, Fairview-Hale and Ruleville North Precincts.

(b) Subdistrict 4-2 shall consist of the following precincts in the following counties:

(i) Sunflower County: Indianola 1, Sunflower, Indianola 3 North, Indianola 3 South and Indianola 3 Northeast Precincts; and

(ii) Washington County: Extension Building, Faith Lutheran Church, American Legion, Metcalfe City Hall, Elks Club, Leland Health Department Clinic, Leland Light and Water Plant and Greenville Industrial College Precincts.

(i) Leflore County: East Greenwood Sub-A, East Greenwood Sub-B, Central Greenwood, North Itta Bena, South Itta Bena, Southwest Greenwood, Rising Sun, Sidon, Morgan City, Swiftown and South Greenwood Precincts;

(ii) Sunflower County: Moorhead, Inverness, Indianola 2 West and Indianola 2 East Precincts; and

(iii) Washington County: Arcola City Hall, Hollandale City Hall, Darlove Baptist Church and Mangelardi Bourbon Store Precincts.

(d) Subdistrict 4-4 shall consist of the following precincts in Washington County: St. James Episcopal Church, Swiftwater Baptist Church, Glen Allan Health Clinic, Italian Club, Ward's Recreation Center, Buster Brown Community Center, Avon Health Center, Kapco Company, Brent Center, William Percy Library and Grace Methodist Church Precincts.

(3) The local contributions required for the maintenance of the Fourth Circuit Court District shall be paid on a pro rata basis each by Leflore, Sunflower and Washington Counties.

SECTION 10. Section 9-7-17, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

9-7-17. There shall be four (4) circuit judges for the Fourth Circuit Court District. One (1) circuit judge shall be elected from each subdistrict.

SECTION 11. Section 9-7-19, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

9-7-19. The Fifth Circuit Court District is composed of the following counties:

(a) Attala County;

(b) Carroll County;

(d) Grenada County;

(e) Montgomery County;

(f) Webster County; and

(g) Winston County.

SECTION 12. Section 9-7-20, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

9-7-20. (1) There shall be two (2) judges for the Fifth Circuit Court District.

(2) The two (2) judgeships shall be separate and distinct and denominated for purposes of appointment and election only as "Place One" and "Place Two."

SECTION 13. Section 9-7-21, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

9-7-21. (1) The Sixth Circuit Court District is composed of the following counties:

(a) Adams County;

(b) Amite County;

(d) Wilkinson County.

(2) The Sixth Circuit Court District shall be divided into two (2) subdistricts as follows:

(a) Subdistrict 6-1 shall consist of Wilkinson County and the following precincts in the following counties:

(i) Adams County: Airport, By-Pass Fire Station, Carpenter, Concord*, Courthouse*, Duncan Park*, Foster Mound, Maryland*, Northside School, Pine Ridge, Thompson and Washington*; and

(ii) Amite County: Ariel, Berwick, Crosby, East Centreville, East Gloster*, Gloster*, Homochitto, South Liberty* and Street.

(b) Subdistrict 6-2 shall consist of Franklin County and the following precincts in the following counties:

(i) Adams County: Beau Pre, Bellemont, Concord*, Convention Center, Courthouse*, Duncan Park*, Kingston, Liberty Park, Maryland*, Morgantown, Oakland, Palestine and Washington*; and

(ii) Amite County: Amite River, East Fork, East Gloster*, East Liberty, Gloster*, Liberty, New Zion, Oneil, Riceville, Smithdale, South Liberty*, Tangipahoa, Tickfaw, Walls and Zion Hills.

(3) There shall be two (2) judges for the Sixth Circuit Court District. The two (2) judgeships shall be separate and distinct. One (1) judge shall be elected from each subdistrict.

SECTION 14. Section 9-7-23, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

9-7-23. (1) The Seventh Circuit Court District shall be Hinds County.

(2) The Seventh Circuit Court District shall be divided into four (4) subdistricts in Hinds County as follows:

(a) Subdistrict 7-1 shall consist of the following precincts in Hinds County: 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 44, 45, 46, 47, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 92, 93, 96 and 97.

(b) Subdistrict 7-2 shall consist of the following precincts in Hinds County: 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 23, 27, 28, 29, 30, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, Brownsville, Cynthia, Pocahontas and Tinnin.

(c) Subdistrict 7-3 shall consist of the following precincts in Hinds County: 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 24, 25, 26, 31, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 86, 89, and Jackson State.

(d) Subdistrict 7-4 shall consist of the following precincts in Hinds County: 87, 88, 90, 91, 94, 95, Bolton, Byram 1, Byram 2, Cayuga, Chapel Hill, Clinton 1, Clinton 2, Clinton 3, Clinton 4, Clinton 5, Clinton 6, Dry Grove, Edwards, Learned, Old Byram, Pinehaven, Raymond 1, Raymond 2, Spring Ridge, St. Thomas, Terry, Utica 1 and Utica 2.

SECTION 15. Section 9-7-25, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

9-7-25. (1) There shall be four (4) circuit judges for the Seventh Circuit Court District. One (1) judge shall be elected from each subdistrict.

(2) While there shall be no limitation whatsoever upon the powers and duties of the said judges other than as cast upon them by the Constitution and laws of this state, the court in the First Judicial District of Hinds County, in the discretion of the senior circuit judge, may be divided into civil and criminal divisions as a matter of convenience, by the entry of an order upon the minutes of the court.

SECTION 16. Section 9-7-27, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

9-7-27. (1) The Eighth Circuit Court District is composed of the following counties:

(a) Leake County;

(b) Neshoba County;

(d) Scott County.

(2) There shall be two (2) judges for the Eighth Circuit Court District.

(3) The two (2) judgeships shall be separate and distinct and denominated for purposes of appointment and election only as "Place One" and "Place Two."

SECTION 17. Section 9-7-29, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

9-7-29. (1) The Ninth Circuit Court District is composed of the following counties:

(a) Issaquena County;

(b) Sharkey County; and

(2) The Ninth Circuit Court District shall be divided into two (2) subdistricts as follows:

(a) Subdistrict 9-1 shall consist of Issaquena County, Sharkey County and the following precincts in Warren County: 3-61 Store*, American Legion Hall, Auditorium, Brunswick, Cedar Grove*, Kings*, Number 7 Fire Station*, St. Aloysius and Vicksburg Junior High School*.

(b) Subdistrict 9-2 shall consist of the following precincts in Warren County: 3-61 Store*, Beechwood, Bovina, Cedar Grove*, Culkin, Elks Lodge, Goodrum, Jett, Kings*, Moose Lodge, Number 7 Fire Station*, Oak Ridge, Plumbers Hall, Redwood, Tingleville, Vicksburg Junior High School*, YMCA and Yokena.

SECTION 18. Section 9-7-30, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

9-7-30. There shall be two (2) judges for the Ninth Circuit Court District. One (1) judge shall be elected from each subdistrict.

SECTION 19. Section 9-7-31, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

9-7-31. The Tenth Circuit Court District is composed of the following counties:

(a) Clarke County;

(b) Kemper County;

(d) Wayne County.

SECTION 20. Section 9-7-32, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

9-7-32. (1) There shall be two (2) judges for the Tenth Circuit Court District.

(2) The two (2) judgeships shall be separate and distinct and denominated for purposes of appointment and election only as "Place One" and "Place Two."

SECTION 21. Section 9-7-33, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

9-7-33. (1) The Eleventh Circuit Court District is composed of the following counties:

(a) Bolivar County;

(b) Coahoma County;

(d) Tunica County.

(2) The Eleventh Circuit Court District shall be divided into three (3) subdistricts as follows:

(a) Subdistrict 11-1 shall consist of the following precincts from the following counties:

(i) Bolivar County: Benoit, Beulah, Boyle, Choctaw, Cleveland Courthouse, East Central Cleveland*, East Cleveland*, East Rosedale, Gunnison, Longshot, North Cleveland, Northwest Cleveland*, Pace, Scott, Shaw, Skene, South Cleveland*, Stringtown, West Central Cleveland, West Cleveland and West Rosedale; and

(ii) Coahoma County: Bobo, Clarksdale 2-4*, Clarksdale 5-4*, Farrell*, Rena Lara and Sherard*.

(b) Subdistrict 11-2 shall consist of the following precincts from the following counties:

(i) Bolivar County: Cleveland Eastgate, Duncan/Alligator, East Central Cleveland*, East Cleveland*, Merigold, Mound Bayou, Northwest Cleveland*, Renova, Shelby, South Cleveland* and Winstonville;

(ii) Coahoma County: Cagle Crossing, Clarksdale 1-4*, Clarksdale 3-3, Clarksdale 3-4, Clarksdale 4-2, Clarksdale 4-3, Dublin and Roundaway; and

(iii) Quitman County: Belen*, District 3 South*, Lambert, Northwest Marks, Southwest Marks and West Lambert.

(i) Coahoma County: Clarksdale 1-4*, Clarksdale 2-4*, Clarksdale 5-4*, Coahoma, Farrell*, Friar's Point, Jonestown, Lula, Lyon and Sherard*; and

(ii) Quitman County: Belen*, Crenshaw, Crowder, Darling, District 3 North, District 3 South* and Sledge.

SECTION 22. Section 9-7-34, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

9-7-34. There shall be three (3) judges for the Eleventh Circuit Court District. One (1) judge shall be elected from each subdistrict.

SECTION 23. Section 9-7-35, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

9-7-35. (1) The Twelfth Circuit Court District is composed of the following counties:

(a) Forrest County; and

(b) Perry County.

(2) There shall be two (2) judges for the Twelfth Circuit Court District. The two (2) judgeships shall be separate and distinct and denominated for purposes of appointment and election only as "Place One" and "Place Two."

SECTION 24. Section 9-7-37, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

9-7-37. (1) The Thirteenth Circuit Court District is composed of the following counties:

(a) Covington County;

(b) Jasper County;

(d) Smith County.

(2) There shall be two (2) judges for the Thirteenth Circuit Court District. The two (2) judgeships shall be separate and distinct and denominated for purposes of appointment and election only as "Place One" and "Place Two."

SECTION 25. Section 9-7-39, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

9-7-39. (1) The Fourteenth Circuit Court District is composed of the following counties:

(a) Lincoln County;

(b) Pike County; and

(2) (a) There shall be two (2) judges for the Fourteenth Circuit Court District.

(b) The two (2) judgeships shall be separate and distinct and denominated for purposes of appointment and election only as "Place One" and "Place Two."

SECTION 26. Section 9-7-41, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

9-7-41. The Fifteenth Circuit Court District is composed of the following counties:

(a) Jefferson Davis County;

(b) Lamar County;

(d) Marion County; and

(e) Pearl River County.

SECTION 27. Section 9-7-42, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

9-7-42. (1) There shall be three (3) judges for the Fifteenth Circuit Court District.

(2) The three (3) judgeships shall be separate and distinct and denominated for purposes of appointment and election only as "Place One," "Place Two," and "Place Three." The judge to fill Place One must be a resident of Jefferson Davis, Lamar, Lawrence or Marion County. The judge to fill Place Two may be a resident of any county in the district. The judge to fill Place Three must be a resident of Pearl River County.

SECTION 28. Section 9-7-43, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

9-7-43. The Sixteenth Circuit Court District is composed of the following counties:

(a) Clay County;

(b) Lowndes County;

(d) Oktibbeha County.

SECTION 29. Section 9-7-44, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

9-7-44. (1) There shall be three (3) judges for the Sixteenth Circuit Court District.

(2) The three (3) judgeships shall be separate and distinct and denominated for purposes of appointment and election only as "Place One," "Place Two" and "Place Three." The judge to fill Place One must be a resident of Lowndes County. The judge to fill Place Two must be a resident of Oktibbeha County. The judge to fill Place Three must be a resident of either Clay or Noxubee County. Election of the three (3) offices of judge shall be by election to be held in every county within the Sixteenth Circuit Court District.

SECTION 30. Section 9-7-45, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

[Until January 1, 2023, this section shall read as follows:]

9-7-45. The Seventeenth Circuit Court District shall be divided into two (2) subdistricts as follows:

(a) Subdistrict 17-1 shall be composed of DeSoto County; and

(b) Subdistrict 17-2 shall be composed of Panola County, Tallahatchie County, Tate County and Yalobusha County.

[From and after January 1, 2023, this section shall read as follows:]

9-7-45. The Seventeenth Circuit Court District shall be composed of the following counties:

(a) Panola County;

(b) Tallahatchie County;

(d) Yalobusha County.

SECTION 31. Section 9-7-46, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

[Until January 1, 2023, this section shall read as follows:]

9-7-46. (1) There shall be four (4) circuit judges for the Seventeenth Circuit Court District.

(2) For the purpose of appointment and election, the four (4) judgeships shall be separate and distinct, and one (1) judge shall be elected from Subdistrict 17-1, two (2) judges shall be elected from Subdistrict 17-2, and one (1) judge shall be elected from every county in the district. The two (2) judgeships in Subdistrict 17-2 shall be denominated as "Place One" and "Place Two," the judgeship in Subdistrict 17-1 shall be denominated as "Place Three," and the at-large judgeship shall be denominated as "Place Four."

[From and after January 1, 2023, this section shall read as follows:]

9-7-46. (1) There shall be two (2) circuit judges for the Seventeenth Circuit Court District.

(2) For the purpose of appointment and election, the two (2) judgeships shall be separate and distinct, and be denominated as "Place One" and "Place Two."

SECTION 32. Section 9-7-47, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

9-7-47. The Eighteenth Circuit Court District shall be Jones County.

SECTION 33. Section 9-7-49, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

9-7-49. (1) The Nineteenth Circuit Court District is composed of the following counties:

(a) George County;

(b) Greene County; and

(2) The local contribution required for the maintenance of the Nineteenth Circuit Court District shall not exceed, as to George and Greene Counties, the amount of their present local contribution in their present respective circuit court districts, and any excess shall be paid by Jackson County.

SECTION 34. Section 9-7-51, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

9-7-51. (1) There shall be three (3) judges for the Nineteenth Circuit Court District. The three (3) judgeships shall be separate and distinct and denominated for purposes of appointment and election only as "Place One," "Place Two" and "Place Three."

(2) The senior judge of the Nineteenth Circuit Court District may divide the court of any county within the district into civil, criminal and appellate court divisions as a matter of convenience by the entry of an order upon the minutes of the court.

SECTION 35. Section 9-7-53, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

9-7-53. The Twentieth Circuit Court District is composed of the following counties:

(a) Madison County; and

(b) Rankin County.

SECTION 36. Section 9-7-54, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

9-7-54. (1) There shall be three (3) judges for the Twentieth Circuit Court District.

(2) The three (3) judgeships shall be separate and distinct and denominated for purposes of appointment and election only as "Place One," "Place Two", and "Place Three." The judge to fill Place One must reside in Rankin County, the judge to fill Place Two must reside in Madison County, and the judge to fill Place Three may reside in either Madison or Rankin County.

SECTION 37. Section 9-7-55, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

9-7-55. The Twenty-first Circuit Court District is composed of the following counties:

(a) Holmes County;

(b) Humphreys County; and

SECTION 38. Section 9-7-57, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

9-7-57. The Twenty-second Circuit Court District is composed of the following counties:

(a) Claiborne County;

(b) Copiah County; and

SECTION 39. Section 9-7-63, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

9-7-63. The Twenty-third Circuit Court District shall be DeSoto County.

SECTION 40. Section 9-7-64, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows:

9-7-64. (1) There shall be two (2) circuit judges for the Twenty-third Circuit Court District.

(2) For the purposes of appointment and election, the two (2) judgeships shall be separate and distinct and denominated as "Place One" and "Place Two."

SECTION 41. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2021.