Adopted
SUBSTITUTE NO 1 FOR COMMITTEE AMENDMENT NO 1 PROPOSED TO
House Bill No. 722
BY: Senator(s) Wiggins, McCaughn, Barrett, Sparks, Suber, Tate
Amend by striking all after line 107 and inserting in lieu thereof the following:
WHEREAS, it is the responsibility of the Legislature under Section 152 of the Mississippi Constitution of 1890 to redistrict the circuit and chancery court districts after each federal decennial census; and
WHEREAS, the Legislature has investigated the state of the trial courts and the trial court districts and has considered the needs of the state according to all the criteria imposed by the Constitution and by general law; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:
SECTION 1. Section 9-5-9, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
[Until January 1, 2027, this section shall read as follows:] 9-5-9. The Second Chancery Court District is composed of the following counties:
(a) Jasper County;
(b) Newton County; and
(c) Scott County.
[From and after January 1, 2027, this section shall read as follows:]
9-5-9. (1) The Second Chancery Court District is composed of the following counties:
(a) Covington County;
(b) Jasper County;
(c) Newton County;
(d) Scott County;
(e) Simpson County; and
(f) Smith County.
(2) There shall be two (2) chancellors for the Second Chancery Court District. The two (2) chancellorships shall be separate and distinct and denominated for purposes of appointment and election only as "Place One" and "Place Two." The chancellor to fill Place One must reside in either Jasper County, Newton County or Scott County, and the chancellor to fill Place Two must reside in either Covington County, Simpson County, or Smith County.
SECTION 2. Section 9-5-11, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
[Until January 1, 2027, this section shall read as follows:]
9-5-11. (1) The Third Chancery Court District is composed of the following counties:
(a) DeSoto County;
(b) Grenada County;
(c) Montgomery County;
(d) Panola County;
(e) Tate County; and
(f) Yalobusha County.
(2) The Third Chancery Court District shall be divided into two (2) subdistricts as follows:
(a) Subdistrict 3-1 shall consist of DeSoto County.
(b) Subdistrict 3-2 shall consist of Grenada County, Montgomery County, Panola County, Tate County and Yalobusha County.
[From and after January 1, 2027, this section shall read as follows:]
9-5-11. The Third Chancery Court District is composed of the following counties:
(a) Carroll County;
(b) Grenada County;
(c) Montgomery County;
(d) Panola County;
(e) Tate County; and
(f) Yalobusha County.
SECTION 3. Section 9-5-13, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
[Until January 1, 2027, this section shall read as follows:]
9-5-13. (1) There shall be three (3) chancellors for the Third Chancery Court District.
(2) (a) The chancellor of Subdistrict 3-1 shall be elected from DeSoto County. The two (2) chancellors of Subdistrict 3-2 shall be elected from Grenada County, Montgomery County, Panola County, Tate County and Yalobusha County.
(b) For purposes of appointment and election, the three (3) chancellorships shall be separate and distinct. The chancellorship in Subdistrict 3-1 shall be denominated only as "Place One," and the chancellorships in Subdistrict 3-2 shall be denominated only as "Place Two" and "Place Three."
[From and after January 1, 2027, this section shall read as follows:]
9-5-13. (1) There shall be * * * two (2) chancellors for the
Third Chancery Court District.
(2) * * *
The * * * two (2) chancellorships shall
be separate and distinct and denominated for purposes of appointment and
election only as "Place One * * *" and "Place Two * * *." * * *
SECTION 4. Section 9-5-15, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
[Until January 1, 2027, this section shall read as follows:]
9-5-15. (1) The Fourth Chancery Court District is composed of the following counties:
(a) Amite County;
(b) Franklin County;
(c) Pike County; and
(d) Walthall County.
(2) There shall be two (2) chancellors for the Fourth Chancery Court District. The two (2) chancellorships shall be separate and distinct and denominated for purposes of appointment and election only as "Place One" and "Place Two."
[From and after January 1, 2027, this section shall read as follows:]
9-5-15. (1) The Fourth Chancery Court District is composed of the following counties:
(a) Forrest County;
(b) Perry County; and
(c) Stone County.
(2) There shall be two (2) chancellors for the Fourth Chancery Court District. The two (2) chancellorships shall be separate and distinct and denominated for purposes of appointment and election only as "Place One" and "Place Two."
SECTION 5. Section 9-5-21, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
[Until January 1, 2027, this section shall read as follows:]
9-5-21. The Sixth Chancery Court District is composed of the following counties:
(a) Attala County;
(b) Carroll County;
(c) Choctaw County;
(d) Kemper County;
(e) Neshoba County; and
(f) Winston County.
[From and after January 1, 2027, this section shall read as follows:]
9-5-21. The Sixth Chancery Court District is composed of the following counties:
(a) Attala County;
(b) Choctaw County;
(c) Kemper County;
(d) Neshoba County; and
(e) Winston County.
SECTION 6. Section 9-5-27, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
[Until January 1, 2027, this section shall read as follows:]
9-5-27. The Eighth Chancery Court District is composed of the following counties:
(a) Hancock County;
(b) Harrison County; and
(c) Stone County.
[From and after January 1, 2027, this section shall read as follows:]
9-5-27. The Eighth Chancery Court District is composed of the following counties:
(a) Hancock County; and
(b) Harrison County.
SECTION 7. Section 9-5-35, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
[Until January 1, 2027, this section shall read as follows:]
9-5-35. The Tenth Chancery Court District is composed of the following counties:
(a) Forrest County;
(b) Lamar County;
(c) Marion County;
(d) Pearl River County; and
(e) Perry County.
[From and after January 1, 2027, this section shall read as follows:]
9-5-35. The Tenth Chancery Court District is composed of the following counties:
(a) Jefferson Davis County;
(b) Lamar County;
(c) Marion County;
(d) Pearl River County; and
(e) Walthall County.
SECTION 8. Section 9-5-36, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
[Until January 1, 2027, this section shall read as follows:]
9-5-36. (1) There shall be four (4) chancellors for the Tenth Chancery Court District.
(2) The four (4) chancellorships 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 chancellor to fill Place One and Place Four may be a resident of any county in the district. The chancellor to fill Place Two must be a resident of Lamar, Marion, Pearl River or Perry County. The chancellor to fill Place Three must be a resident of Forrest County. Election of the four (4) offices of chancellor shall be by election to be held in every county within the Tenth Chancery Court District.
[From and after January 1, 2027, this section shall read as follows:]
9-5-36. (1) There shall be four (4) chancellors for the Tenth Chancery Court District.
(2) The four (4) chancellorships 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 chancellor to fill either Place One, Place Three or Place Four may be a resident of any county. The chancellor to fill Place Two must be a resident of Lamar County, Marion County, or Pearl River County.
SECTION 9. Section 9-5-41, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
[Until January 1, 2027, this section shall read as follows:]
9-5-41. (1) The Thirteenth Chancery Court District is composed of the following counties:
(a) Covington County;
(b) Jefferson Davis County;
(c) Lawrence County;
(d) Simpson County; and
(e) Smith County.
(2) There shall be two (2) chancellors for the Thirteenth Chancery Court District. The two (2) chancellorships shall be separate and distinct and denominated for purposes of appointment and election only as "Place One" and "Place Two."
[From and after January 1, 2027, this section shall read as follows:]
9-5-41. (1) The Thirteenth Chancery Court District shall be Desoto County.
(2) There shall be three (3) chancellors for the Thirteenth Chancery Court District. The three (3) chancellorships shall be separate and distinct and denominated for purposes of appointment and election only as "Place One," "Place Two" and "Place Three."
SECTION 10. Section 9-5-47, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
[Until January 1, 2027, this section shall read as follows:]
9-5-47. The Fifteenth Chancery Court District is composed of the following counties:
(a) Copiah County; and
(b) Lincoln County.
[From and after January 1, 2027, this section shall read as follows:]
9-5-47. (1) The Fifteenth Chancery Court District is composed of the following counties:
(a) Copiah County;
(b) Lawrence County; and
(c) Lincoln County.
(2) There shall be two (2) chancellors for the Fifteenth Chancery Court District. The two (2) chancellorships shall be separate and distinct and denominated for purposes of appointment and election only as "Place One" and "Place Two."
SECTION 11. Section 9-5-49, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
[Until January 1, 2027, this section shall read as follows:]
9-5-49. The Sixteenth Chancery Court District is composed of the following counties:
(a) George County;
(b) Greene County; and
(c) Jackson County.
[From and after January 1, 2027, this section shall read as follows:]
9-5-49. The Sixteenth Chancery Court District shall be Jackson County.
SECTION 12. Section 9-5-51, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
[Until January 1, 2027, this section shall read as follows:]
9-5-51. (1) The Seventeenth Chancery Court District is composed of the following counties:
(a) Adams County;
(b) Claiborne County;
(c) Jefferson County; and
(d) Wilkinson County.
(2) The Seventeenth Chancery Court District shall be divided into two (2) subdistricts as follows:
(a) Subdistrict 17-1 shall consist of Claiborne County, Jefferson County, and the following precincts in Adams County: Airport Carpenter*, Convention Center*, Foster Mound, Maryland*, Northside School, Palestine, Pine Ridge, Thompson and Washington*.
(b) Subdistrict 17-2 shall consist of Wilkinson County and the following precincts in Adams County: Beau Pre, Bellemont, By-Pass Fire Station, Carpenter*, Concord, Convention Center*, Courthouse, Duncan Park, Kingston, Liberty Park, Maryland*, Morgantown, Oakland and Washington*.
(3) There shall be two (2) chancellors for the Seventeenth Chancery Court District. One (1) chancellor shall be elected from each subdistrict.
[From and after January 1, 2027, this section shall read as follows:]
9-5-51. (1) The Seventeenth Chancery Court District is composed of the following counties:
(a) Adams County;
(b) Amite County;
(c) Claiborne County;
(d) Franklin County;
(e) Jefferson County;
(f) Pike County; and
(g) Wilkinson County.
(2) The Seventeenth Chancery Court District shall be divided into two (2) subdistricts as follows:
(a) Subdistrict 17-1 shall consist of Adams County, Claiborne County, Jefferson County, and Wilkinson County.
(b) Subdistrict 17-2 shall consist of Amite County, Franklin County, and Pike County.
(3) There shall be two (2) chancellors for the Seventeenth Chancery Court District. One (1) chancellor shall be elected from each subdistrict.
SECTION 13. Section 9-5-55, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
[Until January 1, 2027, this section shall read as follows:] 9-5-55. The Nineteenth Chancery Court District is composed of the following counties:
(a) Jones County; and
(b) Wayne County.
[From and after January 1, 2027, this section shall read as follows:]
9-5-55. (1) The Nineteenth Chancery Court District is composed of the following counties:
(a) George County;
(b) Greene County;
(c) Jones County; and
(d) Wayne County.
(2) There shall be two (2) chancellors for the Nineteenth Chancery Court District. The two (2) chancellorships shall be separate and distinct and denominated for purposes of appointment and election only as "Place One" and "Place Two." The chancellor to fill Place One must reside in Jones County, and the chancellor to fill Place Two must reside in either George County, Greene County, or Wayne County.
SECTION 14. Section 9-7-15, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
[Until January 1, 2027, this section shall read 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
(c) Washington County.
(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.
(c) Subdistrict 4-3 shall consist of the following precincts in the following counties:
(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.
[From and after January 1, 2027, this section shall read as follows:]
9-7-15. The Fourth Circuit Court District shall be Desoto County.
SECTION 15. Section 9-7-17, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
[Until January 1, 2027, this section shall read 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.
[From and after January 1, 2027, this section shall read as follows:]
9-7-17. (1) There shall be three (3) circuit judges for the Fourth Circuit Court District.
(2) For the purposes of appointment and election, the three (3) judgeships shall be separate and distinct and denominated as "Place One," "Place Two" and "Place Three."
SECTION 16. Section 9-7-19, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
[Until January 1, 2027, this section shall read as follows:]
9-7-19. The Fifth Circuit Court District is composed of the following counties:
(a) Attala County;
(b) Carroll County;
(c) Choctaw County;
(d) Grenada County;
(e) Montgomery County;
(f) Webster County; and
(g) Winston County.
[From and after January 1, 2027, this section shall read as follows:]
9-7-19. The Fifth Circuit Court District is composed of the following counties:
(a) Attala County;
(b) Carroll County;
(c) Choctaw County;
(d) Grenada County;
(e) Montgomery County; and
(f) Winston County.
SECTION 17. Section 9-7-21, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
[Until January 1, 2027, this section shall read as follows:]
9-7-21. (1) The Sixth Circuit Court District is composed of the following counties:
(a) Adams County;
(b) Amite County;
(c) Franklin County; and
(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.
[From and after January 1, 2027, this section shall read as follows:]
9-7-21. (1) The Sixth Circuit Court District is composed of the following counties:
(a) Adams County;
(b) Amite County;
(c) Claiborne County;
(d) Franklin County;
(e) Jefferson County;
(f) Pike County; and
(g) Wilkinson County.
(2) The Sixth Circuit Court District shall be divided into two (2) subdistricts as follows:
(a) Subdistrict 6-1 shall consist of Adams County, Claiborne County, Jefferson County and Wilkinson County.
(b) Subdistrict 6-2 shall consist of Amite County, Franklin County, and Pike County.
(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 18. Section 9-7-31, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
[Until January 1, 2027, this section shall read as follows:]
9-7-31. The Tenth Circuit Court District is composed of the following counties:
(a) Clarke County;
(b) Kemper County;
(c) Lauderdale County; and
(d) Wayne County.
[From and after January 1, 2027, this section shall read as follows:]
9-7-31. The Tenth Circuit Court District is composed of the following counties:
(a) Clarke County;
(b) Kemper County; and
(c) Lauderdale County.
SECTION 19. Section 9-7-33, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
[Until January 1, 2027, this section shall read as follows:]
9-7-33. (1) The Eleventh Circuit Court District is composed of the following counties:
(a) Bolivar County;
(b) Coahoma County;
(c) Quitman County; and
(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.
(c) Subdistricts 11-3 shall consist of Tunica County and the following precincts in the following counties:
(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.
[From and after January 1, 2027, this section shall read as follows:]
9-7-33. The Eleventh Circuit Court District is composed of the following counties:
(a) Bolivar County;
(b) Coahoma County;
(c) Leflore County;
(d) Quitman County;
(e) Sunflower County;
(f) Tunica County; and
(g) Washington County.
SECTION 20. Section 9-7-34, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
[Until January 1, 2027, this section shall read 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.
[From and after January 1, 2027, this section shall read as follows:]
9-7-34. There shall be four (4) judges for the Eleventh Circuit Court District. 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 21. Section 9-7-39, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
[Until January 1, 2027, this section shall read as follows:]
9-7-39. (1) The Fourteenth Circuit Court District is composed of the following counties:
(a) Lincoln County;
(b) Pike County; and
(c) Walthall County.
(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."
[From and after January 1, 2027, this section shall read as follows:]
9-7-39. (1) The Fourteenth Circuit Court District is composed of the following counties:
(a) Copiah County;
(b) Lawrence County; and
(c) Lincoln County.
(2) There shall be two (2) judges for the Fourteenth 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 22. Section 9-7-41, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
[Until January 1, 2027, this section shall read as follows:]
9-7-41. The Fifteenth Circuit Court District is composed of the following counties:
(a) Jefferson Davis County;
(b) Lamar County;
(c) Lawrence County;
(d) Marion County; and
(e) Pearl River County.
[From and after January 1, 2027, this section shall read as follows:]
9-7-41. The Fifteenth Circuit Court District is composed of the following counties:
(a) Jefferson Davis County;
(b) Lamar County;
(c) Marion County;
(d) Pearl River County; and
(e) Walthall County.
SECTION 23. Section 9-7-42, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
[Until January 1, 2027, this section shall read 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.
[From and after January 1, 2027, this section shall read 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 County, Lamar County, 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 24. Section 9-7-43, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
[Until January 1, 2027, this section shall read as follows:] 9-7-43. The Sixteenth Circuit Court District is composed of the following counties:
(a) Clay County;
(b) Lowndes County;
(c) Noxubee County; and
(d) Oktibbeha County.
[From and after January 1, 2027, this section shall read as follows:]
9-7-43. The Sixteenth Circuit Court District is composed of the following counties:
(a) Clay County;
(b) Lowndes County;
(c) Noxubee County;
(d) Oktibbeha County; and
(e) Webster County.
SECTION 25. Section 9-7-44, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
[Until January 1, 2027, this section shall read 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.
[From and after January 1, 2027, this section shall read 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 County, Noxubee County, or Webster County.
SECTION 26. Section 9-7-47, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended follows:
[Until January 1, 2027, this section shall read as follows:]
9-7-47. The Eighteenth Circuit Court District shall be Jones County.
[From and after January 1, 2027, this section shall read as follows:]
9-7-47. (1) The Eighteenth Circuit Court District shall be composed of the following counties:
(a) George County;
(b) Greene County;
(c) Jones County; and
(d) Wayne County.
(2) There shall be two (2) circuit judges for the Eighteenth Circuit Court District. The two (2) judgeships shall be separate and distinct and be denominated for the purpose of appointment and election as "Place One" and "Place Two." The judge to fill Place One must reside in Jones County, and the judge to fill Place Two must reside in either George County, Greene County, or Wayne County.
SECTION 27. Section 9-7-49, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
[Until January 1, 2027, this section shall read as follows:]
9-7-49. * * * The Nineteenth Circuit Court District is
composed of the following counties:
(a) George County;
(b) Greene County; and
(c) Jackson County.
* * *
[From and after January 1, 2027, this section shall read as follows:]
9-7-49. The Nineteenth Circuit Court District shall be Jackson County.
SECTION 28. Section 9-7-57, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
9-7-57. (1) The Twenty-second Circuit Court District is composed of the following counties:
(a) Claiborne County;
(b) Copiah County; and
(c) Jefferson County.
(2) This section shall stand repealed on January 1, 2027.
SECTION 29. Section 9-7-63, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
9-7-63. The Twenty-third Circuit Court District shall be DeSoto County. This section shall stand repealed on January 1, 2027.
SECTION 30. Section 9-7-64, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended 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."
(3) This section shall stand repealed on January 1, 2027.
SECTION 31. Section 25-31-5, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
[Until January 1, 2027, 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.............. ten (10) legal assistants.
(b) Second Circuit Court District.......... eleven (11) legal assistants.
(c) Third Circuit Court District............... six (6) 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............. three (3) legal assistants.
(g) Seventh Circuit Court
District......... * * * fourteen (14) legal assistants. Effective July 1, 2023,
through July 1, 2025, the Seventh Circuit Court District shall have * * * sixteen (16) 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.............. five (5) 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.......... six (6) legal assistants.
(o) Fifteenth Circuit Court District......... seven (7) legal assistants.
(p) Sixteenth Circuit Court District........... six (6) legal assistants.
(q) Seventeenth Circuit Court District........ four (4) legal assistants.
(r) Eighteenth Circuit Court District...........two (2) legal assistants.
(s) Nineteenth Circuit Court District........ seven (7) legal assistants.
(t) Twentieth Circuit Court District......... seven (7) legal assistants.
(u) Twenty-first Circuit Court District....... * * * five (5) legal assistants.
(v) Twenty-second Circuit Court District..... three (3) legal assistants.
(w) Twenty-third Circuit Court District ..... five (5) 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.
(c) Third 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.
(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 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.
[From and after January 1, 2027, 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.............. ten (10) legal assistants.
(b) Second Circuit Court District.......... eleven (11) legal assistants.
(c) Third Circuit Court District............... six (6) legal assistants.
(d) Fourth Circuit Court District..............five (5) legal assistants.
(e) Fifth Circuit Court District...............five (5) legal assistants.
(f) Sixth Circuit Court District............. three (3) legal assistants.
(g) Seventh Circuit Court District......... fourteen (14) legal assistants. Effective July 1, 2023, through July 1, 2025, the Seventh Circuit Court District shall have sixteen (16) 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.............. five (5) 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.......... six (6) legal assistants.
(o) Fifteenth Circuit Court District......... seven (7) legal assistants.
(p) Sixteenth Circuit Court District........... six (6) legal assistants.
(q) Seventeenth Circuit Court District........ four (4) legal assistants.
(r) Eighteenth Circuit Court District...........two (2) legal assistants.
(s) Nineteenth Circuit Court District........ seven (7) legal assistants.
(t) Twentieth Circuit Court District......... seven (7) legal assistants.
(u) Twenty-first Circuit Court District....... five (5) 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.
(c) Third 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.
(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 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 32. Section 25-31-10, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
[Until January 1, 2027, 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 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, Third, Fourth, Nineteenth, Twenty-first and Twenty-third Circuit Court Districts may appoint two (2) additional full-time criminal investigators for a total of three (3) full-time criminal investigators.
(4) The district attorney of
the Seventh Circuit Court District may appoint * * * four (4) additional full-time criminal
investigator for a total of * * * five (5) full-time criminal investigators.
(5) No district attorney or assistant district attorney shall accept any private employment, civil or criminal, in any matter investigated by such criminal investigators.
(6) The full and complete compensation for all public duties rendered by the criminal investigators shall be not more than Sixty-three Thousand Dollars ($63,000.00) 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.
(7) 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.
(8) 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, 2027, 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 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, Third, Fourth, Nineteenth and Twenty-first Circuit Court Districts may appoint two (2) additional full-time criminal investigators for a total of three (3) full-time criminal investigators.
(4) The district attorney of the Seventh Circuit Court District may appoint four (4) additional full-time criminal investigator for a total of five (5) full-time criminal investigators.
(5) No district attorney or assistant district attorney shall accept any private employment, civil or criminal, in any matter investigated by such criminal investigators.
(6) The full and complete compensation for all public duties rendered by the criminal investigators shall be not more than Sixty-three Thousand Dollars ($63,000.00) 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.
(7) 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.
(8) The district attorney shall be authorized to assign the duties of criminal investigators regardless of the source of funding for such criminal investigators.
SECTION 33. The boundaries of the precincts described in Section 9-5-17 (Fifth Chancery Court District), Section 9-5-31, (Ninth Chancery Court District), Section 9-5-37 (Eleventh Chancery District), Section 9-5-43 (Fourteenth Chancery Court District), Section 9-5-51 (Seventeenth Chancery Court District), Section 9-7-21 (Sixth Circuit Court District), Section 9-7-23 (Seventh Circuit Court District), Section 9-7-29 (Ninth Circuit Court District) and Section 9-7-33 (Eleventh Circuit Court District), Mississippi Code of 1972, shall be the boundaries of the precincts as those boundaries are contained in the Census Bureau's 2010 TIGER/Line Shapefiles released in November 2010. Partial or split precincts are identified by an asterisk (*).
SECTION 34. (1) The Standing Joint Legislative Committee on Reapportionment is directed to provide the counties census block equivalency files and maps necessary to assist the counties in identifying the boundaries of any subdistricts within a chancery or circuit court district.
(2) The Split Precinct Block List developed in conjunction with House Bill No. 703, 2015 Regular Session, that details the portions of the partial or split precincts that are contained within a judicial subdistrict by census block number as that list is utilized to detail partial or split precincts for judicial subdistricts in this act is hereby incorporated into and shall be construed to be an integral part of this act. A partial or split precinct contained in this act is identified by an asterisk (*) following its designation within any judicial subdistrict. The Standing Joint Legislative Committee on Reapportionment shall file the Split Precinct Block List with the Secretary of State.
(3) (a) This act shall be liberally construed to effectuate the purposes hereof and to redistrict the trial courts of this state in compliance with constitutional requirements.
(b) It is intended that this act and the districts and subdistricts described herein completely encompass all the area within the state and all the voters in this state. It is also intended that no district shall include any of the area included within the description of any other district, and that no subdistrict shall include any of the area included within the description of any other subdistrict.
(c) (i) If the districts or subdistricts described in this act do not carry out the purposes hereof because of: omissions; duplication; overlapping areas; erroneous nomenclature; lack of adequate maps or descriptions of political subdivisions, wards or other divisions thereof, or of their boundary lines; then the Secretary of State, at the joint request of the Lieutenant Governor and the Speaker of the House, by order, shall correct any omissions, overlaps, erroneous nomenclature or other defects in the description of the districts and subdistricts so as to accomplish the purposes and objectives of this act.
(ii) In promulgating any order under this subsection (3), the Secretary of State, in addition to insuring that all areas of the state are completely and accurately encompassed in the districts and subdistricts, shall be guided by the following standards:
1. Gaps in the description of any district or subdistrict shall be completed in a manner that results in a total description of the district or subdistrict that is consonant with the description of adjacent districts or subdistricts and results in complete contiguity of districts and subdistricts;
2. In any allocation of area or correction of descriptions made pursuant to this subsection, the Secretary of State shall, consistent with the foregoing standards, preserve the contiguity and compactness of districts and subdistricts and avoid the unnecessary division of political subdivisions.
(d) A copy of any order issued under this subsection shall be filed by the Secretary of State in his own office and in the offices of the affected commissioners of election and registrars. The Secretary of State may adopt reasonable rules regulating the procedure for applications for orders under this act and the manner of serving and filing any notice or copy of orders. Upon the filing of an order, the description of any affected district or subdistrict shall be deemed to have been corrected to the full extent as if the correction had been contained in the original description set forth in this act.
(e) The redistricting contained in this act supersedes any prior redistricting.
(4) The Joint Legislative Committee on Compilation, Revision and Publication of Legislation shall direct that subsections (1) through (3) of this section are placed in the editor's notes that follow Sections 9-5-1 and 9-7-1, Mississippi Code of 1972.
SECTION 35. (1) From January 1, 2027, to December 31, 2027:
(a) The person who held the Office of District Attorney in the Fourth Circuit Court District on December 31, 2026, shall be the senior full-time legal assistant in the Eleventh Circuit Court District; and
(b) The person who held the Office of District Attorney in the Twenty-second Circuit Court District on December 31, 2026, shall be the senior full-time legal assistant in the Sixth Circuit Court District.
(2) The annual salary of the senior full-time legal assistants shall be as provided for a full-time district attorney in Section 25-3-35(6).
(3) This section shall stand repealed on January 1, 2028.
SECTION 36. On January 1, 2027, the Office of District Attorney for the Fourth Circuit Court District created by this act shall be filled by the person who holds the Office of District Attorney for the Twenty-third Circuit Court District on December 31, 2026. Such person shall serve as the District Attorney for the Fourth Circuit Court District until a successor for such office, elected in the November 2027 general election, assumes the office on January 1, 2028.
SECTION 37. On January 1, 2027, the Office of District Attorney for the Fifth Circuit Court District, Sixth Circuit Court District, Tenth Circuit Court District, Eleventh Circuit Court District, Fourteenth Circuit Court District, Fifteenth Circuit Court District, Sixteenth Circuit Court District, Seventeenth Circuit Court District, Eighteenth Circuit Court District, and Nineteenth Circuit Court District created by this act shall be filled by the person who holds the office of district attorney for each respective circuit court district on December 31, 2026. Such person shall serve as the district attorney for the circuit court district created by this act until a successor for such office, elected in the November 2027 general election, assumes the office on January 1, 2028.
SECTION 38. Candidates for the offices of district attorney created by this act shall run for office in the general election to be conducted November 2027. Candidates shall file as is otherwise provided by law for district attorneys. The district attorney elected shall serve a four-year term to begin January 1, 2028, and the term of the office shall thereafter be as is provided for district attorneys generally.
SECTION 39. Candidates for the chancellorships and the circuit judgeships created by this act shall run for those offices in the general election for judicial officers to be conducted in November 2026. Candidates shall file as is provided in Section 23-15-977, and shall run for office and be elected as provided in Sections 23-15-974 through 23-15-985, which constitute the Nonpartisan Judicial Election Act. The judges elected shall serve four-year terms to begin January 1, 2027, and the terms of those offices shall thereafter be as provided for chancellors and circuit judges generally.
SECTION 40. Section 25-31-37, Mississippi Code of 1972, which authorizes the appointment of two (2) full-time assistant district attorneys and one (1) full-time criminal investigator for the Seventh Circuit Court District, shall stand repealed.
SECTION 41. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2024, and shall stand repealed on June 30, 2024.
Further, amend by striking the title in its entirety and inserting in lieu thereof the following:
AN ACT TO REDISTRICT THE CIRCUIT AND CHANCERY COURT DISTRICTS PURSUANT TO SECTION 152 OF THE MISSISSIPPI CONSTITUTION OF 1890; TO AMEND SECTION 9-5-9, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO ADD COVINGTON COUNTY, SIMPSON COUNTY, AND SMITH COUNTY TO THE SECOND CHANCERY COURT DISTRICT; TO PROVIDE TWO CHANCELLORS WITH RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE SECOND CHANCERY COURT DISTRICT; TO AMEND SECTION 9-5-11, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO ADD CARROLL COUNTY TO THE THIRD CHANCERY COURT DISTRICT; TO REMOVE DESOTO COUNTY FROM THE THIRD CHANCERY COURT DISTRICT; TO DELETE THE SUBDISTRICTS FROM THE THIRD CHANCERY COURT DISTRICT; TO AMEND SECTION 9-5-13, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE THAT THERE SHALL BE TWO CHANCELLORS FOR THE THIRD CHANCERY COURT DISTRICT; TO AMEND SECTION 9-5-15, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REMOVE THE CURRENT COUNTIES FROM THE FOURTH CHANCERY COURT DISTRICT; TO ADD FORREST COUNTY, PERRY COUNTY, AND STONE COUNTY TO THE FOURTH CHANCERY COURT DISTRICT; TO AMEND SECTION 9-5-21, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REMOVE CARROLL COUNTY FROM THE SIXTH CHANCERY COURT DISTRICT; TO AMEND SECTION 9-5-27, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REMOVE STONE COUNTY FROM THE EIGHTH CHANCERY COURT DISTRICT; TO AMEND SECTION 9-5-35, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO ADD JEFFERSON DAVIS COUNTY AND WALTHALL COUNTY TO THE TENTH CHANCERY COURT DISTRICT; TO REMOVE FORREST COUNTY AND PERRY COUNTY FROM THE TENTH CHANCERY COURT DISTRICT; TO AMEND SECTION 9-5-36, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REVISE THE RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS OF THE CHANCELLORS ELECTED FROM THE TENTH CHANCERY COURT DISTRICT; TO AMEND SECTION 9-5-41, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO ADD DESOTO COUNTY TO THE THIRTEENTH CHANCERY COURT DISTRICT; TO PROVIDE THAT THERE SHALL BE THREE CHANCELLORS FOR THE THIRTEENTH CHANCERY COURT DISTRICT; TO AMEND SECTION 9-5-47, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO ADD LAWRENCE COUNTY TO THE FIFTEENTH CHANCERY COURT DISTRICT; TO PROVIDE THAT THERE SHALL BE TWO CHANCELLORS FOR THE FIFTEENTH CHANCERY COURT DISTRICT; TO AMEND SECTION 9-5-49, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REMOVE GEORGE COUNTY AND GREENE COUNTY FROM THE SIXTEENTH CHANCERY COURT DISTRICT; TO AMEND SECTION 9-5-51, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO ADD AMITE COUNTY, FRANKLIN COUNTY AND PIKE COUNTY TO THE SEVENTEENTH CHANCERY COURT DISTRICT; TO REVISE THE SUBDISTRICTS IN THE SEVENTEENTH CHANCERY COURT DISTRICT; TO AMEND SECTION 9-5-55, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO ADD GEORGE COUNTY AND GREENE COUNTY TO THE NINETEENTH CHANCERY COURT DISTRICT; TO PROVIDE THAT THERE SHALL BE TWO CHANCELLORS FOR THE NINETEENTH CHANCERY COURT DISTRICT; TO PROVIDE RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE ELECTION OF CHANCELLORS FOR THE NINETEENTH CHANCERY COURT DISTRICT; TO AMEND SECTION 9-7-15, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REMOVE THE CURRENT COUNTIES AND SUBDISTRICTS FROM THE FOURTH CIRCUIT COURT DISTRICT; TO ADD DESOTO COUNTY TO THE FOURTH CIRCUIT COURT DISTRICT; TO AMEND SECTION 9-7-17, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE THAT THERE SHALL BE THREE CIRCUIT JUDGES FOR THE FOURTH CIRCUIT COURT DISTRICT; TO AMEND SECTION 9-7-19, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REMOVE WEBSTER COUNTY FROM THE FIFTH CIRCUIT COURT DISTRICT; TO AMEND SECTION 9-7-21, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO ADD CLAIBORNE COUNTY, JEFFERSON COUNTY AND PIKE COUNTY TO THE SIXTH CIRCUIT COURT DISTRICT; TO REVISE THE SUBDISTRICTS IN THE SIXTH CIRCUIT COURT DISTRICT; TO AMEND SECTION 9-7-31, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REMOVE WAYNE COUNTY FROM THE TENTH CIRCUIT COURT DISTRICT; TO AMEND SECTION 9-7-33, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO ADD LEFLORE COUNTY, SUNFLOWER COUNTY, AND WASHINGTON COUNTY TO THE ELEVENTH CIRCUIT COURT DISTRICT; TO DELETE THE SUBDISTRICTS FROM THE ELEVENTH CIRCUIT COURT DISTRICT; TO AMEND SECTION 9-7-34, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE THAT THERE SHALL BE FOUR JUDGES FOR THE ELEVENTH CIRCUIT COURT DISTRICT; TO AMEND SECTION 9-7-39, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REMOVE PIKE COUNTY AND WALTHALL COUNTY FROM THE FOURTEENTH CIRCUIT COURT DISTRICT; TO ADD COPIAH COUNTY AND LAWRENCE COUNTY TO THE FOURTEENTH CIRCUIT COURT DISTRICT; TO AMEND SECTION 9-7-41, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO ADD WALTHALL COUNTY TO THE FIFTEENTH CIRCUIT COURT DISTRICT; TO REMOVE LAWRENCE COUNTY FROM THE FIFTEENTH CIRCUIT COURT DISTRICT; TO AMEND SECTION 9-7-42, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REVISE THE RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE JUDGES ELECTED FROM THE FIFTEENTH CIRCUIT COURT DISTRICT TO CONFORM TO THE REMOVAL OF LAWRENCE COUNTY; TO AMEND SECTION 9-7-43, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO ADD WEBSTER COUNTY TO THE SIXTEENTH CIRCUIT COURT DISTRICT; TO AMEND SECTION 9-7-44, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REVISE THE RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT FOR THE ELECTION OF CIRCUIT JUDGES IN THE SIXTEENTH CIRCUIT COURT DISTRICT IN CONFORMITY TO THE ADDITION OF WEBSTER COUNTY; TO AMEND SECTION 9-7-47, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO ADD GEORGE COUNTY, GREENE COUNTY, AND WAYNE COUNTY TO THE EIGHTEENTH CIRCUIT COURT DISTRICT; TO PROVIDE THAT THERE SHALL BE TWO CIRCUIT JUDGES IN THE EIGHTEENTH CIRCUIT COURT DISTRICT; TO PROVIDE RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE JUDGES ELECTED FOR THE EIGHTEENTH CIRCUIT COURT DISTRICT; TO AMEND SECTION 9-7-49, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REMOVE GEORGE COUNTY AND GREENE COUNTY FROM THE NINETEENTH CIRCUIT COURT DISTRICT; TO DELETE LANGUAGE GOVERNING THE AMOUNT OF LOCAL CONTRIBUTION TO SUPPORT THE NINETEENTH CIRCUIT COURT DISTRICT; TO AMEND SECTIONS 9-7-57, 9-7-63 AND 9-7-64, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, WHICH PROVIDE FOR THE TWENTY-FIRST AND TWENTY-THIRD CIRCUIT COURT DISTRICTS, TO PROVIDE THAT THE SECTIONS SHALL REPEAL ON A CERTAIN DATE; TO PROVIDE THAT REVISED PRECINCTS ARE FROM THE 2010 CENSUS; TO REQUIRE THE STANDING JOINT LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE ON REAPPORTIONMENT TO ASSIST THE COUNTIES IN IDENTIFYING THE BOUNDARIES OF SUBDISTRICTS; TO AMEND SECTION 25-31-5, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE AN ADDITIONAL ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEY TO THE TWENTY-FIRST CIRCUIT COURT DISTRICT; TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEYS TO THE SEVENTH CIRCUIT COURT DISTRICT ALREADY PROVIDED IN SECTION 25-31-37 WHICH IS REPEALED BY THIS ACT; TO AMEND SECTION 25-31-10, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE THE TWENTY-FIRST CIRCUIT COURT DISTRICT WITH AN ADDITIONAL CRIMINAL INVESTIGATOR; TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL CRIMINAL INVESTIGATORS TO THE SEVENTH CIRCUIT COURT DISTRICT ALREADY PROVIDED IN SECTION 25-31-37 WHICH IS REPEALED BY THIS ACT; TO REPEAL SECTION 25-31-37, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, WHICH AUTHORIZES THE APPOINTMENT OF ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEYS AND A CRIMINAL INVESTIGATOR FOR THE SEVENTH CIRCUIT COURT DISTRICT; TO PROVIDE SENIOR FULL-TIME LEGAL ASSISTANTS IN THE ELEVENTH AND SIXTH CIRCUIT COURT DISTRICTS FOR A ONE-YEAR PERIOD; TO PROVIDE THE PROCEDURE TO FILL THE OFFICES OF DISTRICT ATTORNEY AND THE JUDICIAL OFFICES CREATED BY VIRTUE OF THIS ACT; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.