Mississippi House Bill HB21

Mississippi 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/4/22
• Refer: 1/4/22
• Failed: 2/1/22

Caption

Attorneys; provide for 6 hours of continuing legal education for those employed by Legislature.

Impact

The enactment of this bill is set to impact the professional development of attorneys within the Mississippi legislative system. By providing CLE credits for legislative employment, it encourages ongoing legal education and professional responsibilities among attorneys who serve in government roles. This aligns with the broader goals of ensuring competent legal representation and informed decision-making within the legislative framework of the state.

Summary

House Bill 21, introduced by Representative Yancey, amends Section 73-3-120 of the Mississippi Code of 1972 to enhance the continuing education requirements for attorneys employed by the Mississippi Legislature. The bill mandates that the Continuing Legal Education Commission of the Mississippi Bar award six hours of continuing legal education (CLE) credit annually to attorneys who certify their employment with either the Mississippi Senate or the House of Representatives. This change aims to ensure that legislative attorneys maintain essential legal knowledge and skills pertinent to their roles in state governance.

Contention

While the bill may largely be uncontroversial, notable discussions may arise regarding the implications for the overall structure of continuing education in the legal profession. If passed, it requires the Mississippi Bar to regulate and implement these new CLE requirements, potentially influencing the workload and administrative duties of the commission. Additionally, it raises questions about equitable access to continuing education resources for all attorneys, especially those in public service roles versus those in private practice.