Mississippi 2022 Regular Session

Mississippi Senate Bill SB2354

Introduced
1/17/22  
Refer
1/17/22  

Caption

Public Defenders Education Fund; establish education and training cost.

Impact

The proposed changes will have a direct impact on state laws governing the funding and education of legal professionals involved in the state’s justice system. By revising the fee structure established in Section 37-26-3, the bill ensures that a portion of court fees from civil cases will be earmarked specifically for the education of public defenders and related personnel. This funding strategy aims to enhance the quality of legal defense available to low-income individuals who rely on public defenders, thereby improving overall legal representation in Mississippi.

Summary

Senate Bill 2354 aims to enhance the funding and educational support for public defenders in the state of Mississippi. The bill proposes amendments to various sections of the Mississippi Code to allocate funds specifically for the education and training of public defenders, district attorneys, and related court personnel. Key provisions include the establishment of additional fees for civil cases, which will be used to support these educational programs. This initiative seeks to address the growing need for skilled public defenders in the state's judicial system, ensuring they receive adequate training and resources to effectively represent their clients.

Contention

Despite its intentions, SB2354 may face contention from various stakeholders. Critics might argue that the increase in court fees could impose an additional burden on litigants, particularly those already facing financial difficulties. Furthermore, there may be concerns about the allocation of funds and whether they will be adequately distributed among the various educational programs for public defenders, district attorneys, and judges. Ensuring that these funds are used effectively and transparently will be crucial to addressing any opposition to the bill.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MS SB2430

Educational Facilities Revolving Loan Fund Program; create for purpose of improving educational facilities.

MS HB258

Educational Facilities Revolving Loan Fund; extend repealers on statutes relating to sales tax distribution and state public school building fund.

MS HB1283

County public defenders; require salary of all to be the same as district attorneys.

MS HB947

County public defenders; require salary of all to be the same as district attorneys.

MS SB1057

Providing for the Educational Freedom Act Program; and establishing the Educational Freedom Act Fund and educational freedom accounts.

MS HB2869

Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training; public funds; exemption; motor vehicles; hiring; effective date.

MS HB2869

Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training; public funds; exemption; motor vehicles; hiring; effective date.

MS HB564

MS Workforce Training and Education Act; extend repealer and codify repealers on conforming statutes.

MS HB1483

Educational Facilities Construction, Infrastructure and Capital Improvements Grant Program; create for purpose of improving educational facilities.

MS HB1252

MEC; require free access to public defenders.

Similar Bills

MS HB170

Domestic abuse court program; establish.

MS HB435

Domestic abuse court program; establish.

MS HB454

Domestic abuse court program; establish.

MS HB342

Domestic abuse court program; establish.

MS HB1757

Appropriation; Attorney General.

MS HB1641

Appropriation; Attorney General.

MS HB1629

Appropriation; Attorney General.

MS HB615

Officer-involved deaths; require investigation by Mississippi Bureau of Investigations.