MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2015 Regular Session
To: Judiciary A
By: Representatives Baker, Mims
AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 9-5-3, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO COMPLY WITH THE CONSTITUTIONAL MANDATE TO REDISTRICT THE TRIAL COURTS FOLLOWING THE FEDERAL DECENNIAL CENSUS; TO AMEND SECTIONS 9-5-5, 9-5-7, 9-5-9 AND 9-5-11, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO MAKE TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 9-5-15, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO ADD A CHANCELLOR TO THE FOURTH CHANCERY DISTRICT; TO AMEND SECTION 9-5-17, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO UPDATE PRECINCTS IN THE FIFTH CHANCERY DISTRICT; TO AMEND SECTIONS 9-5-21, 9-5-22, 9-5-23, 9-5-27 AND 9-5-29, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO MAKE TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 9-5-31, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO UPDATE PRECINCTS IN THE NINTH CHANCERY DISTRICT; TO AMEND SECTIONS 9-5-35 AND 9-5-36, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO MAKE TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 9-5-37, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO UPDATE PRECINCTS IN THE ELEVENTH CHANCERY DISTRICT; TO AMEND SECTION 9-5-38, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO ADD A CHANCELLOR TO THE ELEVENTH CHANCERY DISTRICT; TO AMEND SECTIONS 9-5-39, 9-5-40 AND 9-5-41, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO MAKE TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 9-5-43, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO UPDATE PRECINCTS IN THE FOURTEENTH CHANCERY DISTRICT; TO AMEND SECTIONS 9-5-47, 9-5-49 AND 9-5-50, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO MAKE TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 9-5-51, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO UPDATE PRECINCTS IN THE SEVENTEENTH CHANCERY DISTRICT; TO AMEND SECTIONS 9-5-53, 9-5-54, 9-5-55 AND 9-5-57, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO MAKE TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 9-5-58, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO ADD A CHANCELLOR TO THE TWENTIETH CHANCERY DISTRICT; TO AMEND SECTION 9-7-3, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO COMPLY WITH THE CONSTITUTIONAL MANDATE TO REDISTRICT THE TRIAL COURTS FOLLOWING THE FEDERAL DECENNIAL CENSUS; TO AMEND SECTIONS 9-7-5, 9-7-7, 9-7-9, 9-7-11, 9-7-13, 9-7-14, 9-7-19 AND 9-7-20, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO MAKE TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 9-7-21, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO UPDATE PRECINCTS IN THE SIXTH CIRCUIT DISTRICT; TO AMEND SECTION 9-7-23, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO UPDATE PRECINCTS IN THE SEVENTH CIRCUIT DISTRICT; TO AMEND SECTION 9-7-27, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO MAKE TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 9-7-29, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO UPDATE PRECINCTS IN THE NINTH CIRCUIT DISTRICT; TO AMEND SECTIONS 9-7-31 AND 9-7-32, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO MAKE TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 9-7-33, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO UPDATE PRECINCTS IN THE ELEVENTH CIRCUIT DISTRICT; TO AMEND SECTION 9-7-35, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO ADD A JUDGE TO THE TWELFTH CIRCUIT DISTRICT; TO AMEND SECTION 9-7-37, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO ADD A JUDGE TO THE THIRTEENTH CIRCUIT DISTRICT; TO AMEND SECTIONS 9-7-39 AND 9-7-41, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO MAKE TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 9-7-42, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO ADD A JUDGE TO THE FIFTEENTH CIRCUIT DISTRICT; TO AMEND SECTIONS 9-7-43, 9-7-44, 9-7-45, 9-7-49, 9-7-51 AND 9-7-53, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO MAKE TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 9-7-54, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO ADD A JUDGE TO THE TWENTIETH CIRCUIT DISTRICT; TO AMEND SECTIONS 9-7-55 AND 9-7-57, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO MAKE TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS; TO AMEND SECTION 99-36-7, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO ALLOW AN ADDITIONAL VICTIM ASSISTANCE COORDINATOR IN THE FOURTEENTH CIRCUIT COURT DISTRICT; 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 PROVIDE FOR A SHORTENED INITIAL TERM OF OFFICE FOR NEW JUDGESHIPS CREATED UNDER THIS ACT; TO SPECIFY QUALIFICATION OF CANDIDATES FOR NEW JUDGESHIPS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
WHEREAS, it is the responsibility of the Legislature under Section 152 of the Mississippi Constitution of 1890 to divide the state into an appropriate number of circuit and chancery court districts; 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 9-5-3, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
9-5-3. (1) The state shall
be divided into an appropriate number of chancery court districts, severally
numbered and * * *
composed of the counties as set forth in the sections which follow. A
court to be styled "The Chancery Court of the County of ____" shall
be held in each county, and within each judicial district of a county having
two (2) judicial districts, at least twice a year. * * *
Court shall be held in chancery court districts consisting of a single county * * * on the same dates state
agencies and political subdivisions are open for business excluding legal
holidays. The dates upon which terms shall commence and the number of days for
which terms shall continue in chancery court districts consisting of more than
one (1) county shall be set by order of the chancellor in accordance with the
provisions of subsection (2) of this section. A matter in court may extend
past * * *
a term if the interest of justice so requires.
(2) An order establishing
the commencement and continuation of terms of court for each of the counties
within a chancery court district consisting of more than one (1) county shall
be entered annually and not later than October 1 of the year immediately
preceding the calendar year for which * * * the terms of court are to become
effective. Notice of the dates upon which * * * terms of court shall commence and the
number of days for which * * *such the terms shall continue in each of the counties
within a chancery court district shall be posted in the office of the chancery
clerk of each county within the district and mailed to the office of the
Secretary of State for publication and distribution to all Mississippi Bar
members. * * * If an order is not
timely entered * * *, the terms of court for each of the counties within * * * the chancery court district
shall remain unchanged for the next calendar year.
(3) The number of chancellorships for each chancery court district shall be determined by the Legislature based upon the following criteria:
(a) The population of the district;
(b) The number of cases filed in the district;
(c) The caseload of each chancellor in the district;
(d) The geographic area of the district;
(e) An analysis of the needs of the district by the court personnel of the district; and
(f) Any other appropriate criteria.
(4) The Judicial College of the University of Mississippi Law Center and the Administrative Office of Courts shall determine the appropriate:
(a) Specific data to be collected as a basis for applying the above criteria;
(b) Method of collecting and maintaining the specified data; and
(c) Method of assimilating the specified data.
(5) In a district having
more than one (1) office of chancellor, there shall be no distinction
whatsoever in the powers, duties and emoluments of those offices except that
the chancellor who has been for the longest time continuously a chancellor of
that court or, should no chancellor have served longer in office than the
others, the chancellor who has been for the longest time a member of The
Mississippi Bar * * *
shall be the senior chancellor. The senior chancellor shall have the right to
assign causes and dockets and to set terms in districts consisting of more than
one (1) county.
SECTION 2. Section 9-5-5, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
9-5-5. The First Chancery
Court District * * * is composed of the following counties:
(a) Alcorn County;
(b) Itawamba County;
(c) Lee County;
(d) Monroe County;
(e) Pontotoc County;
(f) Prentiss County;
(g) Tishomingo County; and
(h) Union County.
SECTION 3. Section 9-5-7, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
9-5-7. (1) There shall be four (4) chancellors for the First 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 * * *
must be a resident of Alcorn, Prentiss or Tishomingo County. The
chancellors to fill Place Two and Place Three * * * must reside in
Itawamba, Lee, Monroe, Pontotoc or Union County. The chancellor to fill Place
Four * * * may
be a resident of any county in the district. Election of the four (4) offices
of chancellor shall be by election to be held in every county within the First
Chancery Court District * * * of Mississippi.
SECTION 4. Section 9-5-9, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended 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.
SECTION 5. Section 9-5-11, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
9-5-11. (1) The Third
Chancery Court District * * * shall be comprised 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.
SECTION 6. Section 9-5-15, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
[Until January 1, 2016, this section shall read as follows:]
9-5-15. The Fourth Chancery
Court District * * * is composed of the following counties:
(a) Amite County;
(b) Franklin County;
(c) Pike County; and
(d) Walthall County.
[From and after January 1, 2016, 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."
SECTION 7. Section 9-5-17, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
9-5-17. (1) The
Fifth Chancery Court District * * * is composed of Hinds
County.
(2) The Fifth Chancery Court District shall be divided into the following four (4) subdistricts:
(a) Subdistrict 5-1
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 5-2
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 5-3
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 5-4
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 8. Section 9-5-21, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended 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.
SECTION 9. Section 9-5-22, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
9-5-22. (1) There shall be two (2) chancellors for the Sixth 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 10. Section 9-5-23, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
9-5-23. (1) The Seventh
Chancery Court District * * * shall be comprised is composed of the following
counties:
(a) Bolivar County;
(b) Coahoma County;
(c) Leflore County;
(d) Quitman County;
(e) Tallahatchie County; and
(f) Tunica County.
(2) The Seventh Chancery Court District shall be divided into two (2) subdistricts as follows:
(a) Subdistrict 7-1 shall consist of Bolivar County and Coahoma County;
(b) Subdistrict 7-2 shall consist of Leflore County, Quitman County, Tallahatchie County and Tunica County.
SECTION 11. Section 9-5-27, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended 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.
SECTION 12. Section 9-5-29, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
9-5-29. (1) There shall be four (4) chancellors for the Eighth 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."
(3) While there shall be no
limitation whatsoever upon the powers and duties of * * * the chancellors other than as cast
upon them by the Constitution and laws of this state, the court in the Eighth
Chancery Court District, in the discretion of the senior chancellor, may be
divided into four (4) divisions as a matter of convenience by the entry of an
order upon the minutes of the court.
SECTION 13. Section 9-5-31, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
9-5-31. (1) The Ninth
Chancery Court District * * * shall be comprised is composed of the following
counties:
(a) Humphreys County;
(b) Issaquena County;
(c) Sharkey County;
(d) Sunflower County;
(e) Warren County; and
(f) Washington County.
(2) The Ninth Chancery Court District shall be divided into three (3) subdistricts as follows:
(a) Subdistrict 9-1 shall consist of the following precincts in the following counties:
(i) Sunflower
County: Boyer-Linn, Drew, Fairview-Hale, Indianola 2 East*,
Indianola 3 North*, Indianola 3 Northeast*, Indianola 3 South*,
Rome, Ruleville, Ruleville North and Sunflower Plantation * * *; and
(ii) Washington
County: American Legion, Brent Center, Buster Brown Community Center, Darlove
Baptist Church*, Elks Club, Extension Building, * * * Grace
Methodist Church*, Greenville Industrial College, Leland Health
Department Clinic, Leland * * * Light and Water Plant Rotary Club, Metcalf City Hall and
Potter House Church * * * Precincts.
(b) Subdistrict 9-2 shall consist of Humphreys County and the following precincts in the following counties:
(i) Sunflower
County: Doddsville, * * * Indianola 2 East*,
Indianola 2 West, Indianola 3 North*, Indianola 3 Northeast*,
Indianola 3 South*, Indianola Southeast, Inverness, Moorhead, Sunflower 3
and Sunflower 4 * * *; and
(ii) Washington
County: * * * Arcola City Hall, * * * Christ Wesleyan Methodist Church,
Darlove Baptist Church*, * * * Glen Allan Health
Clinic, * * *
Grace Methodist Church*, Hollandale City Hall, St. James Episcopal
Church, Swiftwater Baptist Church, Tampa Drive and Ward's Recreation
Center * * *.
(c) Subdistrict 9-3 shall consist of Issaquena County, Sharkey County and Warren County.
SECTION 14. Section 9-5-35, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended 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.
SECTION 15. Section 9-5-36, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended 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 * * *.
SECTION 16. Section 9-5-37, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
9-5-37. (1) The Eleventh
Chancery Court District * * * shall be
is composed of the following counties:
(a) Holmes County;
(b) Leake County;
(c) Madison County; and
(d) Yazoo County.
(2) The Eleventh Chancery Court District shall be divided into two (2) subdistricts as follows:
(a) Subdistrict 11-1
shall consist of Holmes County, Yazoo County and the following precincts in
Madison County: Bible Church, Canton * * * 4, Canton * * * 5, Flora, Madison County Baptist
Family Life Center, Magnolia Heights and Smith School * * *;
(b) Subdistrict 11-2
shall consist of Leake County and the following precincts in Madison County:
Bear Creek, Camden, Cameron, * * * Canton * * * 1, Canton * * * 2, Canton * * * 3, Canton * * * 7, Cedar Grove,
Cobblestone, Couparle, * * * Gluckstadt, Highland Colony
Baptist Church, Liberty, Lorman/Cavalier, Luther Branson School,
Madison 1, * * * Madison 2, Madison 3, Main Harbor, New Industrial
Park, North Bay, Ratliff Ferry, Ridgeland 1, Ridgeland 3,
Ridgeland 4, Ridgeland First Methodist Church, Ridgeland Tennis Center,
Sharon, Sunnybrook, Tougaloo, Trace Harbor, Victory Baptist Church,
Virlilia, Whisper Lake and Yandell Road * * *.
SECTION 17. Section 9-5-38, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
[Until January 1, 2016, this section shall read as follows:]
9-5-38. There shall be two (2) chancellors for the Eleventh Chancery Court District. One (1) chancellor shall be elected from each subdistrict.
[From and after January 1, 2016, this section shall read as follows:]
9-5-38. There shall be * * * three (3) chancellors for the
Eleventh Chancery Court District. The three (3) chancellorships shall be
separate and distinct. One (1) chancellor shall be elected from * * * Subdistrict 11-1 and denominated for
purposes of appointment and election only as "Place One," one (1)
chancellor shall be elected from Subdistrict 11-2 and denominated for purposes
of appointment and election only as "Place Two," and one (1)
chancellor shall be elected at large from the entire Eleventh Chancery Court
District and denominated for purposes of appointment and election only as
"Place Three."
SECTION 18. Section 9-5-39, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
9-5-39. The Twelfth
Chancery Court District * * * shall be comprised is composed of the following
counties:
(a) Clarke County; and
(b) Lauderdale County.
SECTION 19. Section 9-5-40, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
9-5-40. (1) There shall be two (2) judges for the Twelfth 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 20. Section 9-5-41, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
9-5-41. (1) The Thirteenth
Chancery Court District * * * shall be comprised 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."
SECTION 21. Section 9-5-43, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
9-5-43. (1) The Fourteenth
Chancery Court District * * * shall be comprised is composed of the following
counties:
(a) Chickasaw County;
(b) Clay County;
(c) Lowndes County;
(d) Noxubee County;
(e) Oktibbeha County; and
(f) Webster County.
(2) The Fourteenth Chancery Court District shall be divided into three (3) subdistricts as follows:
(a) Subdistrict 14-1
shall consist of Chickasaw County, Webster County and the following precincts
in Oktibbeha County: Bell Schoolhouse*, Bradley, Center Grove,
Central Starkville*, Craig Springs, Double Springs, East Starkville*,
Gillespie Street Center*, Maben, North Adaton, North Longview,
North Starkville 2*, North Starkville 3, Northeast Starkville, Self
Creek, South Adaton, South Longview, South Starkville*,
Sturgis * * *
and West Starkville*.
(b) Subdistrict 14-2 shall consist of the following precincts in the following counties:
(i) Clay County:
Cedar Bluff, Central West Point, East West Point, Siloam, South West
Point and Vinton * * *; and
(ii) Lowndes
County: Air Base A, Air Base B, Air Base C, Air Base D, Air Base E,
Brandon A, Brandon B, Brandon C, Brandon D, Caledonia, Columbus High
School A, Columbus High School B, Columbus High School C, Columbus High School
D, Dowdle Gas Training Center B, Fairgrounds C, Fairgrounds E, Fairgrounds F,
Hunt C, Lee * * *
Middle School, Mitchell A, New Hope A, New Hope B, New Hope C,
New Hope D, New Hope E, Rural Hill A, Rural Hill B, Rural Hill C,
Sale A, Sale B, Sale C, Steens A, Steens B, Steens C, * * * Trinity
B, Union Academy * * *
B, Union Academy C and University A * * *.
(c) Subdistrict 14-3 shall consist of Noxubee County and the following precincts in the following counties:
(i) Clay County:
Cairo, Caradine, * * *
North West Point, Pheba, Pine Bluff, Tibbee, Union Star and
West West Point * * *;
(ii) Lowndes
County: * * * Artesia, * * *Mayhew, Crawford B, Crawford C, Coleman A, Coleman B,
Crawford A, Fairgrounds A, Fairgrounds B, Fairgrounds D, Fairgrounds G,
Hunt A, Hunt B, Mitchell B, New Hope * * * F, Plum Grove A, Plum Grove B,
Plum Grove C, Propst Park Community Hut, Trinity A, Union Academy * * * A, University B, West Lowndes A
and West Lowndes B * * *; and
(iii) Oktibbeha
County: Bell Schoolhouse*, Central Starkville*, East Starkville*,
Gillespie Street Center*, Hickory Grove, North Starkville 2*,
Oktoc, Osborn, Sessums * * *, South Starkville*, Southeast
Oktibbeha and West Starkville*.
SECTION 22. Section 9-5-47, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
9-5-47. The Fifteenth
Chancery Court District * * * shall be comprised is composed of the following
counties:
(a) Copiah County; and
(b) Lincoln County.
SECTION 23. Section 9-5-49, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
9-5-49. The Sixteenth
Chancery Court District * * * shall be comprised is composed of the following
counties:
(a) George County;
(b) Greene County; and
(c) Jackson County.
SECTION 24. Section 9-5-50, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
9-5-50. (1) There shall be three (3) chancellors for the Sixteenth Chancery Court District.
(2) * * *
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 25. Section 9-5-51, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended 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.
SECTION 26. Section 9-5-53, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
9-5-53. The Eighteenth
Chancery Court District * * * shall be comprised is composed of the following
counties:
(a) Benton County;
(b) Calhoun County;
(c) Lafayette County;
(d) Marshall County; and
(e) Tippah County.
SECTION 27. Section 9-5-54, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
9-5-54. (1) There shall be two (2) chancellors for the Eighteenth 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 28. Section 9-5-55, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
9-5-55. The Nineteenth
Chancery Court District * * * shall be comprised is composed of the following
counties:
(a) Jones County; and
(b) Wayne County.
SECTION 29. Section 9-5-57, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
9-5-57. The Twentieth
Chancery Court District shall be * * * Rankin County.
SECTION 30. Section 9-5-58, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
[Until January 1, 2016, this section shall read as follows:]
9-5-58. There shall be two (2) chancellors for the Twentieth Chancery Court District. For purposes of appointment and election 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, 2016, this section shall read as follows:]
9-5-58. There shall be * * * three (3) chancellors for the
Twentieth Chancery Court District. For purposes of appointment and election
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 31. Section 9-7-3, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
9-7-3. (1) The state is
divided into an appropriate number of circuit court districts severally
numbered and * * *
composed of the counties as set forth in the sections which follow. A
court to be styled "The Circuit Court of the County of ____" shall be
held in each county, and within each judicial district of a county having two
(2) judicial districts, at least twice a year. * * *
Court shall be held in circuit court districts consisting of a single county * * * on the same dates state
agencies and political subdivisions are open for business excluding legal
holidays. The dates upon which terms shall commence and the number of days for
which * * * the
terms shall continue in circuit court districts consisting of more than one (1)
county shall be set by order of the circuit court judge in accordance with the
provisions of subsection (2) of this section. A matter in court may extend
past * * *
a term if the interest of justice so requires.
(2) An order establishing
the commencement and continuation of terms of court for each of the counties
within a circuit court district consisting of more than one (1) county shall be
entered annually and not later than October 1 of the year immediately preceding
the calendar year for which * * * the terms of court are to become
effective. Notice of the dates upon which the terms of court shall commence
and the number of days for which * * * the terms shall continue in each of
the counties within a circuit court district shall be posted in the office of
the circuit clerk of each county within the district and mailed to the office
of the Secretary of State for publication and distribution to all Mississippi
Bar members. * * * of The Mississippi Bar. In the event that If an
order is not timely entered * * *, the terms of court for
each of the counties within any * * * circuit court district shall remain
unchanged for the next calendar year. A certified copy of any order entered
under the provisions of this subsection shall, immediately upon the entry
thereof, be delivered to the clerk of the board of supervisors in each of the
counties within the circuit court district.
(3) The number of judges in each circuit court district shall be determined by the Legislature based upon the following criteria:
(a) The population of the district;
(b) The number of cases filed in the district;
(c) The case load of each judge in the district;
(d) The geographic area of the district;
(e) An analysis of the needs of the district by the court personnel of the district; and
(f) Any other appropriate criteria.
(4) The Judicial College of the University of Mississippi Law Center and the Administrative Office of Courts shall determine the appropriate:
(a) Specific data to be collected as a basis for applying the above criteria;
(b) Method of collecting and maintaining the specified data; and
(c) Method of assimilating the specified data.
(5) In a district having more than one (1) office of circuit judge, there shall be no distinction whatsoever in the powers, duties and emoluments of those offices except that the judge who has been for the longest time continuously a judge of that court or, should no judge have served longer in office than the others, the judge who has been for the longest time a member of The Mississippi Bar, shall be the senior judge. The senior judge shall have the right to assign causes and dockets and to set terms in districts consisting of more than one (1) county. A circuit court judge shall have the right to assign criminal matters to county court as provided in Section 9-9-21.
SECTION 32. Section 9-7-5, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
9-7-5. The First Circuit
Court District * * * is composed of the following counties:
(a) Alcorn County;
(b) Itawamba County;
(c) Lee County;
(d) Monroe County;
(e) Pontotoc County;
(f) Prentiss County; and
(g) Tishomingo County.
SECTION 33. Section 9-7-7, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended 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 34. Section 9-7-9, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
9-7-9. The Second Circuit
Court District * * * is composed of the following counties:
(a) Hancock County;
(b) Harrison County; and
(c) Stone County.
SECTION 35. Section 9-7-11, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended 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 36. Section 9-7-13, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
9-7-13. The Third Circuit
Court District * * * is composed of the following counties:
(a) Benton County;
(b) Calhoun County;
(c) Chickasaw County;
(d) Lafayette County;
(e) Marshall County;
(f) Tippah County; and
(g) Union County.
SECTION 37. Section 9-7-14, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended 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." The judge to fill "Place One" * * * must be a resident of Calhoun,
Chickasaw, Lafayette or Union * * * County. The judge to fill
"Place Two" * * *
must be a resident of Benton, Marshall or Tippah County. The judge to
fill "Place Three" * * * may be a resident of any county in
the district.
SECTION 38. Section 9-7-19, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended 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.
SECTION 39. Section 9-7-20, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended 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 40. Section 9-7-21, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended 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.
SECTION 41. Section 9-7-23, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended 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 42. Section 9-7-27, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
9-7-27. (1) The Eighth
Circuit Court District * * * is composed of the following counties:
(a) Leake County;
(b) Neshoba County;
(c) Newton County; and
(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 43. Section 9-7-29, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
9-7-29. (1) The Ninth
Circuit Court District * * * is composed of the following counties:
(a) Issaquena County;
(b) Sharkey County; and
(c) Warren County.
(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 44. Section 9-7-31, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended 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.
SECTION 45. Section 9-7-32, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended 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 46. Section 9-7-33, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended 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, * * * Mattson, 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*, * * * Marks, Crenshaw, Crowder, Darling, District 3
North, District 3 South* and Sledge * * *.
SECTION 47. Section 9-7-35, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
[Until January 1, 2016, this section shall read as follows:]
9-7-35. The Twelfth Circuit
Court District * * * is composed of the following counties:
(a) Forrest County; and
(b) Perry County.
[From and after January 1, 2016, this section shall read 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 48. Section 9-7-37, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
[Until January 1, 2016, this section shall read as follows:]
9-7-37. The Thirteenth
Circuit Court District * * * is composed of the following counties:
(a) Covington County;
(b) Jasper County;
(c) Simpson County; and
(d) Smith County.
[From and after January 1, 2016, this section shall read as follows:]
9-7-37. (1) The
Thirteenth Circuit Court District * * * is composed of the
following counties:
(a) Covington County;
(b) Jasper County;
(c) Simpson County; and
(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 49. Section 9-7-39, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended 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."
SECTION 50. Section 9-7-41, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended 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.
SECTION 51. Section 9-7-42, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
[Until January 1, 2016, this section shall read as follows:]
9-7-42. (1) There shall be two (2) judges for the Fifteenth Circuit Court District.
(2) For purposes of appointment and election, 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, 2016, 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.
SECTION 52. Section 9-7-43, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended 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.
SECTION 53. Section 9-7-44, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended 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 54. Section 9-7-45, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended 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.
SECTION 55. Section 9-7-49, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
9-7-49. (1) The Nineteenth
Circuit Court District * * * is composed of the following counties:
(a) George County;
(b) Greene County; and
(c) Jackson County.
(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 56. Section 9-7-51, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended 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 57. Section 9-7-53, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
9-7-53. The Twentieth
Circuit Court District * * * is composed of the following counties:
(a) Madison County; and
(b) Rankin County.
SECTION 58. Section 9-7-54, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
[Until January 1, 2016, this section shall read as follows:]
9-7-54. (1) There shall be two (2) judges for the Twentieth Circuit Court District.
(2) For purposes of appointment and election, 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, 2016, this section shall read 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 59. Section 9-7-55, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
9-7-55. The Twenty-first
Circuit Court District * * * is composed of the following counties:
(a) Holmes County;
(b) Humphreys County; and
(c) Yazoo County.
SECTION 60. Section 9-7-57, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
9-7-57. The Twenty-second
Circuit Court District * * * is composed of the following counties:
(a) Claiborne County;
(b) Copiah County; and
(c) Jefferson County.
SECTION 61. Section 99-36-7, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
99-36-7. (1) (a) In addition to the full-time legal assistants to the district attorney authorized by Section 25-31-5, the district attorney in each circuit court district in this state shall, subject to the approval of and upon the order of the senior circuit court judge of the district, employ one (1) person to serve at the will and pleasure of the district attorney as a "victim assistance coordinator" who shall not be considered to be a state employee.
(b) The District Attorney of the First Circuit Court District may appoint one (1) additional victim assistance coordinator, and the District Attorney of the Fourteenth Circuit Court District, upon the approval of the boards of supervisors, may appoint one (1) additional victim assistance coordinator, subject to the approval of and upon the order of the senior circuit court judge of the applicable district for a total of two (2) victim assistance coordinators per district.
(2) The duty of the victim assistance coordinator is to ensure that a victim, guardian of a victim, or close relative of a deceased victim is afforded the rights granted victims, guardians and relatives by Section 99-36-5. The victim assistance coordinator shall work closely with appropriate law enforcement agencies, prosecuting attorneys, the state and the judiciary in fulfilling that duty.
(3) The salary of the victim assistance coordinator shall not exceed the salary authorized for criminal investigators in Section 25-31-10, and shall be paid jointly by the counties comprising the circuit court district, with each county paying a pro rata share of the salary as determined by the senior circuit court judge.
(4) The board of supervisors of any county, with the approval of and upon the order of the senior circuit court judge of the district wherein such county lies, may, in addition to any victim assistance coordinator provided for in subsection (1) of this section, create the position of county victim assistance coordinator. The duty of the county victim assistance coordinator shall be to cooperate with local law enforcement agencies, the county attorney and the district attorney in assuring that a victim, guardian or close relative is afforded the rights granted by Section 99-36-5. Two (2) or more counties, by action of their respective boards of supervisors, with the approval of and upon the order of the senior circuit court judge of the district wherein such counties lie, may join in establishing and maintaining the position of victim assistance coordinator to serve these counties. Any municipality, by action of its governing authority, may participate in the establishment and maintenance of a county victim assistance coordinator's office located within the municipality.
(5) Any district attorney, county board of supervisors or governing authority of a municipality which has established or is participating in the maintenance of an office of victim assistance coordinator may apply through the Governor's Office of State and Federal Programs for a grant under the federal "Victims of Crimes Act of 1984" (Public Law 98-473) to be used in the continued operation of the victim assistance program.
SECTION 62. The boundaries of the precincts described in Sections 9-5-17 (Fifth Chancery Court District), 9-5-31, (Ninth Chancery Court District), 95-5-37 (Eleventh Chancery District), 9-5-43 (Fourteenth Chancery Court District), 9-5-51 (Seventeenth Chancery Court District), 9-7-21 (Sixth Circuit Court District), 9-7-23 (Seventh Circuit Court District), 9-7-29 (Ninth Circuit Court District) and 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 63. (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) (a) 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 64. Candidates for new chancellorships and circuit judgeships created by this act shall run for those offices in a special election to be conducted in conjunction with the general election of November 2015. Candidates shall file the intent to be a candidate not later than 5:00 p.m. on June 1, 2015, and otherwise shall qualify as provided by Section 23-15-977, and shall run for office and be elected as provided in Sections 23-15-974 through 23-15-985 (Nonpartisan Judicial Election Act). The judges elected shall serve a three-year term to begin January 1, 2016, and the terms of those offices shall thereafter be as is provided for chancellors and circuit judges generally.
SECTION 65. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage.