| 1 | | - | MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE 2025 Regular Session To: Judiciary B By: Representative Horan House Bill 1544 (As Sent to Governor) AN ACT TO AMEND SECTIONS 9-7-1, 9-7-3, 9-7-7, 9-7-11, 9-7-14, 9-7-15, 9-7-17, 9-7-21, 9-7-23, 9-7-25, 9-7-29, 9-7-31, 9-7-33, 9-7-35, 9-7-37, 9-7-39, 9-7-41, 9-7-42, 9-7-44, 9-7-46, 9-7-47, 9-7-49, 9-7-51, 9-7-54, 9-7-55, 9-7-57, 9-7-63 AND 9-7-64, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REVISE THE NUMBER OF JUDGES AND RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE FIRST, SECOND, THIRD, FOURTH, SIXTH, SEVENTH, NINTH, TENTH, ELEVENTH, FOURTEENTH, FIFTEENTH, SIXTEENTH, SEVENTEENTH, EIGHTEENTH, NINETEENTH, TWENTIETH, TWENTY-FIRST, TWENTY-SECOND CIRCUIT COURT DISTRICTS; TO BRING FORWARD SECTIONS 9-7-5, 9-7-9, 9-7-13, 9-7-19, 9-7-20, 9-7-27, 9-7-32, 9-7-34, 9-7-43, 9-7-45 AND 9-7-53, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, WHICH PROVIDE FOR THE NUMBER OF JUDGES AND TERMS FOR CIRCUIT COURTS FOR THE FIRST, THIRD, FIFTH, EIGHTH, TENTH, TWELFTH AND THIRTEENTH CIRCUIT COURT DISTRICTS, FOR PURPOSES OF AMENDMENT; TO AMEND SECTIONS 25-31-5 AND 25-31-10, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM THE NUMBER OF ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEYS AND CRIMINAL INVESTIGATORS; TO BRING FORWARD SECTION 99-36-7, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, WHICH PROVIDES FOR VICTIM ASSISTANCE COORDINATORS, FOR PURPOSES OF AMENDMENT; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI: SECTION 1. Section 9-7-1, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows: 9-7-1. A circuit judge shall be elected for and from each circuit court district and the listing of individual counties and precincts shall be those counties and precincts as they existed on * * * October July 1, * * * 1990 2025. He may hold court in any other district with the consent of the judge thereof, when in their opinion the public interest may require. The terms of all circuit judges hereafter elected shall begin on the first day of January 1931 and their terms of office shall continue for four (4) years. A circuit judge shall be a resident of the district in which he or she serves * * * but shall not be required to be a resident of a subdistrict if the district is divided into subdistricts by the date on which the person qualifies as a candidate for the judicial office. A circuit judge elected from a subdistrict shall not be required to be a resident of that subdistrict but shall be a resident of the circuit court district in which he or she seeks to serve by the date on which the person qualifies as a candidate for the judicial office. SECTION 2. 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. There shall be no less than four (4) weeks between terms of court in any one county. 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. 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 as determined by the Legislature. (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 3. Section 9-7-5, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows: 9-7-5. The First Circuit Court District is composed of the following counties: (a) Alcorn County; (b) Itawamba County; (c) Lee County; (d) Monroe County; (e) Pontotoc County; (f) Prentiss County; and (g) Tishomingo County. SECTION 4. Section 9-7-7, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows: [Until January 1, 2027, this section shall read 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. [From and after January 1, 2027, this section shall read 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 shall be a resident of Alcorn, Prentiss or Tishomingo County. The judges to fill Place Two and Place Three * * *must reside in Itawamba, Lee, Monroe or Pontotoc County shall be residents of a county in the district. The judge to fill Place Four * * *may be a resident of any county in the district shall be a resident of Itawamba, Monroe or Pontotoc County. Election of the four (4) offices of judge shall be by election to be held in every county within the First Circuit Court District. SECTION 5. Section 9-7-9, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows: 9-7-9. The Second Circuit Court District is composed of the following counties: (a) Hancock County; (b) Harrison County; and (c) Stone County. SECTION 6. 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 7. Section 9-7-13, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows: 9-7-13. The Third Circuit Court District is composed of the following counties: (a) Benton County; (b) Calhoun County; (c) Chickasaw County; (d) Lafayette County; (e) Marshall County; (f) Tippah County; and (g) Union County. SECTION 8. Section 9-7-14, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows: [Until January 1, 2031, this section shall read 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." [From and after January 1, 2031, this section shall read as follows:] 9-7-14. (1) There shall be * * *three (3) four (4) judges for the Third Circuit Court District. (2) The * * *three (3) four (4) judgeships shall be separate and distinct and denominated for purposes of appointment and election only as "Place One," "Place Two" * * * and, "Place Three * * *." and "Place Four". The judges to fill Place One and Place Two shall be residents of a county in the district. The judge to fill Place Three shall be a resident of a county in the district, except for Lafayette County. The judge to fill Place Four shall be a resident of Lafayette County. SECTION 9. Section 9-7-15, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows: [Until January 1, 2031, 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: Central Greenwood* Minter City, Money, 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) Leflore County: Central Greenwood*, East Greenwood, Morgan City/Swiftown, North Itta Bena, Rising Sun, Sidon, South Greenwood, South Itta Bena, Southwest Greenwood and West Greenwood*; ( * * *iii) Sunflower County: * * * Indianola 1, Sunflower, Indianola 3 North, Indianola 3 South, Indianola Southeast and Indianola 3 Northeast Precincts; and ( * * *iiiii) Washington County: Darlove Baptist Church*, Extension Building, * * * Faith Lutheran Church American Legion, Lake Vista Masonic Lodge, Metcalfe City Hall, Elks Club, Leland Rotary 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; ( * * *iii) Sunflower County: Moorhead, Inverness, Indianola 2 West and Indianola 2 East Precincts; and ( * * *iiiii) Washington County: Arcola * * * City Hall Technology Center*, Hollandale City Hall * * *, and Darlove Baptist Church* * * * and Mangelardi Bourbon Store Precincts. (d) Subdistrict 4-4 shall consist of the following precincts in Washington County: Arcola Technology Center*, St. James Episcopal Church*, Swiftwater Baptist Church, Glen Allan Health Clinic, * * * Italian Club Elks Club*, Ward's Recreation Center, Buster Brown Community Center, * * * Avon Health Center, Kapco Company, Covenant Presbyterian, Jakes Chapel M.B. Church*, Brent Center, * * * William Percy Library Tampa Drive and * * * Grace Methodist Church Precincts Washington County Convention Center 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, 2031, this section shall read as follows:] 9-7-15. (1) The Fourth Circuit Court District shall be composed of the following counties: (a) Holmes County; (b) Humphreys County; ( * * *ac) Leflore County; ( * * *bd) Sunflower County; and ( * * *ce) 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 Washington and Sunflower Counties. (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 Leflore, Holmes and Humphreys Counties. * * * (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. SECTION 10. Section 9-7-17, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows: [Until January 1, 2031, 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, 2031, this section shall read as follows:] 9-7-17. There shall be four (4) circuit judges for the Fourth Circuit Court District. * * *One (1) Two (2) circuit judges shall be elected from each subdistrict. The judgeships shall be separate and distinct and denominated only as "Subdistrict 4-1, Place One", "Subdistrict 4-1, Place Two", "Subdistrict 4-2, Place Three" and "Subdistrict 4-2, Place Four". SECTION 11. Section 9-7-19, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows: 9-7-19. The Fifth Circuit Court District is composed of the following counties: (a) Attala County; (b) Carroll County; (c) Choctaw County; (d) Grenada County; (e) Montgomery County; (f) Webster County; and (g) Winston County. SECTION 12. Section 9-7-20, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows: 9-7-20. (1) There shall be two (2) judges for the Fifth Circuit Court District. (2) The two (2) judgeships shall be separate and distinct and denominated for purposes of appointment and election only as "Place One" and "Place Two." SECTION 13. Section 9-7-21, Mississippi Code of 1972, is 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) Franklin County; * * * and (d) Pike County; and ( * * *de) Wilkinson County. (2) The Sixth Circuit Court District shall be divided into * * * two (2) three (3) subdistricts as follows: (a) Subdistrict 6-1 shall consist of Wilkinson County and the following precincts in the following counties: (i) Adams County: Airport, Bellemont*, By-Pass Fire Station, Carpenter, Concord*, Courthouse*, Duncan Park*, Foster Mound, * * *Maryland*, Northside School, Pine Ridge * * *, Thompson and Washington*; and (ii) Amite County: Amite River*, Ariel, Berwick*, Crosby, East Centreville, East Gloster*, Gloster*, Homochitto * * *, South Liberty* and Street and Vance Park*. (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*, Berwick*, East Fork, East Gloster*, East Liberty, Gloster*, Liberty, New Zion, Oneil, Riceville, Smithdale, South Liberty*, Tangipahoa, Tickfaw, Vance Park*, Walls and Zion Hills. (c) Subdistrict 6-3 shall consist of Pike County. (3) There shall be * * * two (2) three (3) judges for the Sixth Circuit Court District. The * * * two (2) three (3) judgeships shall be separate and distinct. One (1) judge shall be elected from each subdistrict. SECTION 14. Section 9-7-23, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows: [Until January 1, 2027, this section shall read 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, 49*, 50, 51*, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58*, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63*, 64*, * * *66, 67, 68, 69, 70*, 71, 86 * * *, and 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, Byram 3, Cayuga, Chapel Hill, Clinton 1, Clinton 2, Clinton 3, Clinton 4, Clinton 5, Clinton 6, Clinton 7, Dry Grove, Edwards, Learned, Old Byram, Pinehaven, Raymond 1, Raymond 2, Spring Ridge, St. Thomas, Terry 1, Terry 2, Utica 1 and Utica 2. (e) Subdistrict 7-5 shall consist of all precincts located within the boundaries of the Capitol Complex Improvement District as described by Section 29-5-203. [From January 1, 2027, until January 1, 2031, this section shall read as follows:] 9-7-23. (1) The Seventh Circuit Court District shall be Claiborne, Hinds * * * County and Jefferson County. (2) The Seventh Circuit Court District shall be divided into * * *four (4) six (6) 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, 49*, 50, 51*, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58*, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63*, 64*, * * *66, 67, 68, 69, 70*, 71, 86 * * *, and 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, Byram 3, Cayuga, Chapel Hill, Clinton 1, Clinton 2, Clinton 3, Clinton 4, Clinton 5, Clinton 6, Clinton 7, Dry Grove, Edwards, Learned, Old Byram, Pinehaven, Raymond 1, Raymond 2, Spring Ridge, St. Thomas, Terry 1, Terry 2, Utica 1 and Utica 2. (e) Subdistrict 7-5 shall consist of Claiborne and Jefferson County. (f) Subdistrict 7-6 shall consist of all precincts located within the boundaries of the Capitol Complex Improvement District as the lines are described in Section 29-5-203 on July 1, 2025. [From and after January 1, 2031, this section shall read as follows:] 9-7-23. * * * (1) The Seventh Circuit Court District * * * shall be is composed of the following counties: (a) Claiborne County; (b) Hinds County; and (c) Jefferson County. * * *(2) The Seventh Circuit Court District shall be divided into four (4) subdistricts in Hinds County as follows: (a) Subdistrict 7-1 shall consist of the following precincts in Hinds County: 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 44, 45, 46, 47, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 92, 93, 96 and 97. (b) Subdistrict 7-2 shall consist of the following precincts in Hinds County: 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 23, 27, 28, 29, 30, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, Brownsville, Cynthia, Pocahontas and Tinnin. (c) Subdistrict 7-3 shall consist of the following precincts in Hinds County: 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 24, 25, 26, 31, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 86, 89, and Jackson State. (d) Subdistrict 7-4 shall consist of the following precincts in Hinds County: 87, 88, 90, 91, 94, 95, Bolton, Byram 1, Byram 2, Cayuga, Chapel Hill, Clinton 1, Clinton 2, Clinton 3, Clinton 4, Clinton 5, Clinton 6, Dry Grove, Edwards, Learned, Old Byram, Pinehaven, Raymond 1, Raymond 2, Spring Ridge, St. Thomas, Terry, Utica 1 and Utica 2. SECTION 15. Section 9-7-25, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows: [Until January 1, 2027, this section shall read as follows:] 9-7-25. (1) There shall be * * * four (4) five (5) circuit judges for the Seventh Circuit Court District. One (1) judge shall be elected from each subdistrict. (2) While there shall be no limitation whatsoever upon the powers and duties of the said judges other than as cast upon them by the Constitution and laws of this state, the court in the First Judicial District of Hinds County, in the discretion of the senior circuit judge, may be divided into civil and criminal divisions as a matter of convenience, by the entry of an order upon the minutes of the court. [From January 1, 2027, until January 1, 2031, this section shall read as follows:] 9-7-25. * * * (1) There shall be * * *four (4) six (6) circuit judges for the Seventh Circuit Court District. The judgeships shall be separate and distinct. One (1) judge shall be elected from each subdistrict. * * * (2) While there shall be no limitation whatsoever upon the powers and duties of the said judges other than as cast upon them by the Constitution and laws of this state, the court in the First Judicial District of Hinds County, in the discretion of the senior circuit judge, may be divided into civil and criminal divisions as a matter of convenience, by the entry of an order upon the minutes of the court. [From January 1, 2031, until January 1, 2035, this section shall read as follows:] 9-7-25. (1) There shall be * * *four (4) six (6) circuit judges for the Seventh Circuit Court District. * * *One (1) judge shall be elected from each subdistrict. The judgeships shall be separate and distinct. (2) * * * While there shall be no limitation whatsoever upon the powers and duties of the said judges other than as cast upon them by the Constitution and laws of this state, the court in the First Judicial District of Hinds County, in the discretion of the senior circuit judge, may be divided into civil and criminal divisions as a matter of convenience, by the entry of an order upon the minutes of the court. The Seventh Circuit Court District shall be divided into three (3) subdistricts as follows: (a) Subdistrict 7-1 shall consist of Hinds County; (b) Subdistrict 7-2 shall consist of Claiborne and Jefferson Counties; and (c) Subdistrict 7-3 shall consist of all precincts located within the boundaries of the Capitol Complex Improvement District as described in Section 29-5-203. (3) Four (4) judges shall be elected from subdistrict 7-1. The judgeships for subdistrict 7-1 shall be separate and distinct and denominated for purposes of appointment and election only as "Subdistrict 7-1, Place One", "Subdistrict 7-1, Place Two", "Subdistrict 7-1, Place Three", and "Subdistrict 7-1, Place Four". For subdistricts 7-2 and 7-3, one (1) judge shall be elected from each subdistrict. [From and after January 1, 2035, this section shall read as follows:] 9-7-25. (1) There shall be * * *four (4) five (5) circuit judges for the Seventh Circuit Court District. * * *One (1) judge shall be elected from each subdistrict. The judgeships shall be separate and distinct. (2) * * * While there shall be no limitation whatsoever upon the powers and duties of the said judges other than as cast upon them by the Constitution and laws of this state, the court in the First Judicial District of Hinds County, in the discretion of the senior circuit judge, may be divided into civil and criminal divisions as a matter of convenience, by the entry of an order upon the minutes of the court. The Seventh Circuit Court District shall be divided into two (2) subdistricts as follows: (a) Subdistrict 7-1 shall consist of Hinds County; and (b) Subdistrict 7-2 shall consist of Claiborne and Jefferson Counties. (3) Four (4) judges shall be elected from subdistrict 7-1. The judgeships for subdistrict 7-1 shall be separate and distinct and denominated for purposes of appointment and election only as "Subdistrict 7-1, Place One", "Subdistrict 7-1, Place Two", "Subdistrict 7-1, Place Three", and "Subdistrict 7-1, Place Four". One (1) judge shall be elected from subdistrict 7-2. SECTION 16. Section 9-7-27, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows: 9-7-27. (1) The Eighth Circuit Court District is composed of the following counties: (a) Leake County; (b) Neshoba County; (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 17. Section 9-7-29, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows: [Until January 1, 2031, this section shall read 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. [From and after January 1, 2031, this section shall read as follows:] 9-7-29. (1) The Ninth Circuit Court District is composed of the following counties: (a) Issaquena County; (b) Sharkey County; (c) Warren County; and (d) Yazoo 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 and Sharkey County, and the following precincts in the following counties: (i) Warren County: American Legion Hall, Auditorium, Brunswick, Cedar Grove, Cherry Street, Jett, Kings, Number 7 Fire Station and St. Aloysius; and (ii) Yazoo County: 3-1 West, 3-2 East, 3-3 Jonestown, Holly Bluff, Lake City, Ward 4, and Ward 5. (b) Subdistrict 9-2 shall consist of: (i) The following precincts in Warren County: 3-61 Store, Beechwood, Bovina, Culkin, Elks Lodge, Goodrum, Lee Road, Moose Lodge, Oakland, Plumbers Hall, Redwood, Tingleville, YMCA and Yokena; and (ii) The following precincts in Yazoo County: 3-4 South, Benton, Carter, Center Ridge, Deasonville, District 4 Ward 2, Dover, East Bentonia, East Midway, Eden, Fairview, Free Run, Fugates, Harttown, Mechanicsburg, Robinette, Satartia, Tinsley, Valley, Ward 2, West Bentonia, West Midway and Zion. 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 * * *; and. * * *(d) Wayne County. SECTION 19. Section 9-7-32, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows: 9-7-32. (1) There shall be two (2) judges for the Tenth Circuit Court District. (2) The two (2) judgeships shall be separate and distinct and denominated for purposes of appointment and election only as "Place One" and "Place Two." SECTION 20. Section 9-7-33, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows: [Until January 1, 2031, 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*, Round Lake Gunnison Deeson, 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* * * *, and Rena Lara * * *and Sherard*. (b) Subdistrict 11-2 shall consist of the following precincts from the following counties: (i) Bolivar County: Boyle*, Cleveland Eastgate, Duncan/Alligator, East Central Cleveland*, East Cleveland*, Merigold, Mound Bayou, Northwest Cleveland*, Pace*, Renova, Round Lake Gunnison Deeson*, Shelby, * * *South Cleveland* and Winstonville; (ii) Coahoma County: Bobo*, Cagle Crossing, Clarksdale * * *1-4* 3, Clarksdale * * *3-3 4, Clarksdale * * *3-4 4 North, Clarksdale * * * 4-2 5*, Clarksdale * * *4-3 Courthouse*, Dublin * * *and, Roundaway and Sasse St. Fire Station; and (iii) Quitman County: * * *Belen*, District 3 South* Crowder*, 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* 2*, Clarksdale * * *2-4* 5*, * * *Clarksdale 5-4* Clarksdale Courthouse*, Coahoma, Farrell*, Friar's Point, Jonestown, Lula * * *, and Lyons * * *and Sherard*; and (ii) Quitman County: * * * Belen*, Crenshaw, Crowder*, Darling, District 3 North, District 3 South * * **, Northwest Marks, * * *and Sledge and Southwest Marks. [From and after January 1, 2031, 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) two (2) 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*. Bolivar County. (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. Coahoma, Quitman and Tunica Counties. SECTION 21. Section 9-7-34, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows: 9-7-34. There shall be three (3) judges for the Eleventh Circuit Court District. One (1) judge shall be elected from each subdistrict. SECTION 22. Section 9-7-35, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended 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 23. Section 9-7-37, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended 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 24. 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) * * * Lincoln Copiah County; (b) * * * Pike Jefferson Davis County; * * * and (c) * * * Walthall Lawrence County * * *.; and (d) Lincoln 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 25. 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; ( * * *ba) Lamar County; * * * (c) Lawrence County County; ( * * *db) Marion County; * * * and ( * * *ec) Pearl River County * * *.; and (d) Walthall County. SECTION 26. 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 shall be a resident of * * *Jefferson Davis, Lamar * * *, Lawrence or Marion County. The judge to fill Place Two * * * may shall be a resident of * * * any a county in the district. The judge to fill Place Three * * * must shall be a resident of Pearl River County. SECTION 27. Section 9-7-43, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows: 9-7-43. The Sixteenth Circuit Court District is composed of the following counties: (a) Clay County; (b) Lowndes County; (c) Noxubee County; and (d) Oktibbeha County. SECTION 28. 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 29. Section 9-7-45, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows: 9-7-45. The Seventeenth Circuit Court District shall be composed of the following counties: (a) Panola County; (b) Tallahatchie County; (c) Tate County; and (d) Yalobusha County. SECTION 30. Section 9-7-46, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows: 9-7-46. (1) There shall be two (2) circuit judges for the Seventeenth Circuit Court District. (2) For the purpose of appointment and election, the two (2) judgeships shall be separate and distinct, and be denominated as "Place One" and "Place Two * * *.". SECTION 31. Section 9-7-47, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as 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 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) judges for the Eighteenth 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". The judge to fill Place One shall be a resident of Jones County. The judge to fill Place Two shall be a resident of George, Greene or Wayne County. SECTION 32. 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. (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. [From and after January 1, 2027, this section shall read as follows:] 9-7-49. * * * (1) The Nineteenth Circuit Court District * * * is shall be composed of * * * the following counties: Jackson County. * * * (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 33. Section 9-7-51, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows: [Until January 1, 2027, this section shall read 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. [From and after January 1, 2027, this section shall read as follows:] 9-7-51. (1) There shall be * * *three (3) four (4) judges for the Nineteenth Circuit Court District. The * * *three (3) four (4) judgeships shall be separate and distinct and denominated for purposes of appointment and election only as "Place One," "Place Two" * * *and, "Place Three * * *." and "Place Four" with one of the four (4) places, to be dedicated to intervention court and to have at least seventy-five percent (75%) of the cases on its docket drug court eligible cases. (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. The senior judge shall designate which place is to operate as intervention court and assign the court's cases accordingly to ensure its operation. SECTION 34. Section 9-7-53, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows: 9-7-53. The Twentieth Circuit Court District is composed of the following counties: (a) Madison County; and (b) Rankin County. SECTION 35. Section 9-7-54, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended 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 36. Section 9-7-55, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows: [Until January 1, 2031, this section shall read as follows:] 9-7-55. The * * * Twenty-first Twenty-second Circuit Court District is composed of the following counties: (a) Holmes County; (b) Humphreys County; and (c) Yazoo County. [From and after January 1, 2031, this section shall read as follows:] Section 9-7-55, Mississippi Code of 1972, which provides for the Twenty-second Circuit Court District shall stand repealed on and after January 1, 2031. SECTION 37. Section 9-7-57, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows: [Until January 1, 2027, this section shall read as follows:] 9-7-57. The * * * Twenty-second Circuit Twenty-third Court District is composed of the following counties: (a) Claiborne County; (b) Copiah County; and (c) Jefferson County. [From and after January 1, 2027, this section shall read as follows:] Section 9-7-57, which creates the Twenty-third Circuit Court District shall stand repealed on and after January 1, 2027. SECTION 38. Section 9-7-63, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows: 9-7-63. The * * * Twenty-third Twenty-first Circuit Court District shall be composed of DeSoto County. SECTION 39. Section 9-7-64, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows: [Until January 1, 2027, this section shall read as follows:] 9-7-64. (1) There shall be * * *two (2) three (3) circuit judges for the * * * Twenty-third Twenty-first Circuit Court District. (2) For the purposes of appointment and election, the * * *two (2) three (3) judgeships shall be separate and distinct and denominated as "Place One" * * * and, "Place Two * * *." and "Place Three". The judges to fill Place One, Place Two and Place Three shall be residents of DeSoto County. [From and after January 1, 2027, this section shall read as follows:] 9-7-64. (1) There shall be * * *two (2) four (4) circuit judges for the * * * Twenty-third Twenty-first Circuit Court District. (2) For the purposes of appointment and election, the * * *two (2) four (4) judgeships shall be separate and distinct and denominated as "Place One" * * *and, "Place Two * * *.", "Place Three" and "Place Four". The judges to fill Place One, Place Two and Place Three shall be elected from within the district. Place Four shall be a subdistrict denominated as 21-1. The judge to fill Place Four shall be elected from the following precincts in DeSoto County: Horn Lake Central, Horn Lake East, Horn Lake High School*, Horn Lake Intermediate School, Horn Lake North, Horn Lake West, Northwest Community College*, Southhaven South and Southhaven West*. SECTION 40. Section 25-31-5, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended forward 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......... * * * twelve (12) fourteen (14) legal assistants. * * * Effective July 1, 2023, through July 1, 2025, the Seventh Circuit Court District shall have fourteen (14) legal assistants. (h) Eighth Circuit Court District.............three (3) legal assistants. (i) Ninth Circuit Court District..............three (3) legal assistants. Effective January 1, 2027, the Ninth Circuit Court District shall have four (4) 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) five (5) 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. Effective January 1, 2027, the Eighteenth Circuit Court District shall have four (4) legal assistants. (s) Nineteenth Circuit Court District........ seven (7) legal assistants. (t) Twentieth Circuit Court District......... seven (7) legal assistants. Effective January 1, 2027, the Twentieth Circuit Court District shall have ten (10) legal assistants. (u) Twenty-first Circuit Court District....... four (4) legal assistants. Effective January 1, 2027, the Twenty-first Circuit Court District shall have seven (7) legal assistants. (v) Twenty-second Circuit Court District..... three (3) legal assistants. Effective January 1, 2027, the Twenty-second Circuit Court District shall have four (4) legal assistants. From and after January 1, 2031, this paragraph (v) shall stand repealed. (w) Twenty-third Circuit Court District ..... five (5) legal assistants. Effective January 1, 2027, this paragraph (w) shall stand repealed. (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) five (5) legal assistants. (u) Twenty-first Circuit Court District.........two (2) legal assistants. (v) Twenty-second Circuit Court District........two (2) legal assistants. From and after January 1, 2031, this paragraph (v) shall stand repealed. (w) Twenty-third Circuit Court District........two (2) legal assistants. From and after January 1, 2027, this paragraph (w) shall stand repealed. (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 41. 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, Twentieth and * * * Twenty-first Twenty-third 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-third 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 one (1) additional full-time criminal investigator for a total of four (4) 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 * * * and Twenty-first 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 * * * and, Nineteenth and * * * Twenty-third 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 one (1) additional full-time criminal investigator for a total of four (4) 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 42. Section 99-36-7, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward 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 43. (1) (a) A special election shall be held to fill the office of circuit judge created in Subdistrict 7-5 in the Seventh Circuit Court District. The special election shall be held on the first Tuesday in November, 2025. Candidates shall file as 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 judge elected shall serve until January 1, 2027, unless such person is re-elected to fill the office during the November, 2026, election for judicial offices. The terms of those offices shall thereafter be as provided by law for circuit judges generally. (b) A special election shall be held to fill the office of circuit judge for the Twenty-first Circuit Court District. The special election shall be held on the first Tuesday in November, 2025. Candidates shall file as 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 judge elected shall serve until January 1, 2027, unless the person is re-elected to fill such office in the November, 2026, election for judicial offices. The terms of those offices shall thereafter be as provided by law for circuit judges generally. (2) Candidates for the chancellorships and the circuit judgeships that begin January 1, 2027, shall run for those offices in the general election for judicial officers to be conducted in November 2026. Candidates for the chancellorships and the circuit judgeships that begin January 1, 2031, shall run for those offices in the general election for judicial officers to be conducted in November 2030. Candidates shall file as 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/or January 1, 2031, as applicable and the terms of those offices shall thereafter be as provided for chancellors and circuit judges generally. (3) (a) From January 1, 2027, until January 1, 2028, the District Attorney for the Twenty-third District shall become the Chief Assistant District Attorney for the Seventh Circuit Court District. In addition to the responsibilities of the District Attorney as otherwise provided by law, the Chief Assistant District Attorney shall be responsible for ensuring the orderly transition of all administrative and prosecutorial functions of the former Twenty-third Circuit Court District. The salary of the Chief Assistant District Attorney shall be the same as the District Attorney for the Seventh Circuit Court District. (b) The term of office for the District Attorney for the Twenty-second Circuit Court District elected in the November 2027, general election for statewide officers shall be three (3) years, beginning January 1, 2028, and ending January 1, 2031, upon the dissolution of the Twenty-second Circuit Court District. (4) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary regarding the residency requirements for the Office of District Attorney, the person serving as district attorney for any circuit court district in which the composition of the counties within the district is changed by virtue of this act, shall remain the district attorney for the same numerical district that he or she represented before the revision of the district by virtue of this act. Such person shall serve as district attorney until the next general election for the Office of District Attorney occurs, at which time, he or she may qualify as a candidate for the judicial district for which he or she otherwise meets the residency requirements and all other statutory requirements to qualify for such office. For purposes of this section, the phrase "next general election" means the general election that occurs immediately after the effective date of a revision to the composition. SECTION 44. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage. |
|---|
| 1 | + | MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE 2025 Regular Session To: Judiciary B By: Representative Horan House Bill 1544 (As Passed the House) AN ACT TO AMEND SECTIONS 9-7-7, 9-7-14, 9-7-15, 9-7-21, 9-7-23, 9-7-25, 9-7-29, 9-7-31, 9-7-33, 9-7-34, 9-7-35, 9-7-37, 9-7-39, 9-7-41, 9-7-42, 9-7-47, 9-7-49, 9-7-51, 9-7-55, 9-7-57, 9-7-63 AND 9-7-64, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REVISE THE NUMBER OF JUDGES AND RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE FIRST, THIRD, FOURTH, SIXTH, SEVENTH, NINTH, TENTH, ELEVENTH, FOURTEENTH, FIFTEENTH, SIXTEENTH, EIGHTEENTH, NINETEENTH, TWENTY-FIRST, TWENTY-SECOND CIRCUIT COURT DISTRICTS; TO BRING FORWARD SECTIONS 9-7-1, 9-7-3, 9-7-5, 9-7-9, 9-7-11, 9-7-13, 9-7-17, 9-7-19, 9-7-20, 9-7-27, 9-7-30, 9-7-32, 9-7-37, 9-7-44, 9-7-45, 9-7-46, 9-7-53 AND 9-7-54, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, WHICH PROVIDE FOR THE NUMBER OF JUDGES AND TERMS FOR CIRCUIT COURTS FOR THE SECOND, FIFTH, EIGHTH, TWELFTH, THIRTEENTH, SEVENTEENTH AND TWENTIETH DISTRICTS, FOR PURPOSES OF AMENDMENT; TO AMEND SECTIONS 9-5-9, 9-5-11, 9-5-15, 9-5-17, 9-5-21, 9-5-22, 9-5-23, 9-5-25, 9-5-27, 9-5-31, 9-5-35, 9-5-36, 9-5-41, 9-5-43, 9-5-45, 9-5-47, 9-5-49, 9-5-50, 9-5-51 AND 9-5-55, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REVISE THE NUMBER OF JUDGES AND RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE SECOND, THIRD, FOURTH, FIFTH, SIXTH, SEVENTH, EIGHTH, NINTH, TENTH, ELEVENTH, THIRTEENTH, FOURTEENTH, FIFTEENTH, SIXTEENTH, SEVENTEENTH AND NINETEENTH CIRCUIT COURT DISTRICTS; TO BRING FORWARD SECTIONS 9-5-1, 9-5-3, 9-5-5, 9-5-7, 9-5-19, 9-5-29, 9-5-33, 9-5-37, 9-5-38, 9-5-39, 9-5-40, 9-5-45, 9-5-53, 9-5-54, 9-5-57 AND 9-5-58, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, WHICH PROVIDE FOR THE NUMBER OF JUDGES, DISTRICTS AND TERMS OF CHANCERY COURTS FOR THE FIRST, THIRD, EIGHTH, NINTH, ELEVENTH, TWELFTH, FOURTEENTH, EIGHTEENTH, TWENTIETH, FOR PURPOSES OF AMENDMENT; TO AMEND SECTIONS 9-5-9, 9-5-11, 9-5-13, 9-5-15, 9-5-17, 9-5-19, 9-5-21, 9-5-22, 9-5-25, 9-5-27, 9-5-31, 9-5-33, 9-5-35, 9-5-36, 9-5-38, 9-5-41, 9-5-43, 9-5-47, 9-5-49, 9-5-50, 9-5-51 AND 9-5-55, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REVISE THE NUMBER OF JUDGES AND RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE SECOND, THIRD, FOURTH, FIFTH, SIXTH, SEVENTH, EIGHTH, NINTH, TENTH, THIRTEENTH, FOURTEENTH, FIFTEENTH, SIXTEENTH, SEVENTEENTH AND NINETEENTH CHANCERY COURT DISTRICTS; TO BRING FORWARD SECTIONS 25-31-5 AND 25-31-10, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, WHICH PROVIDE FOR ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEYS AND CRIMINAL INVESTIGATORS, FOR PURPOSES OF POSSIBLE AMENDMENT; TO BRING FORWARD SECTION 99-36-7, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, WHICH PROVIDES FOR VICTIM ASSISTANCE COORDINATORS, FOR PURPOSES OF AMENDMENT; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI: SECTION 1. Section 9-7-1, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows: 9-7-1. A circuit judge shall be elected for and from each circuit court district and the listing of individual precincts shall be those precincts as they existed on October 1, 1990. He may hold court in any other district with the consent of the judge thereof, when in their opinion the public interest may require. The terms of all circuit judges hereafter elected shall begin on the first day of January 1931 and their terms of office shall continue for four (4) years. A circuit judge shall be a resident of the district in which he or she serves but shall not be required to be a resident of a subdistrict if the district is divided into subdistricts. SECTION 2. Section 9-7-3, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward 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. 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 3. Section 9-7-5, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows: 9-7-5. The First Circuit Court District is composed of the following counties: (a) Alcorn County; (b) Itawamba County; (c) Lee County; (d) Monroe County; (e) Pontotoc County; (f) Prentiss County; and (g) Tishomingo County. SECTION 4. Section 9-7-7, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows: [Until January 1, 2027, this section shall read 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. [From January 1, 2027, until January 1, 2031, this section shall read 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 may be a resident of any county in this district. The judge to fill Place Four * * *may be a resident of any county in the district shall be a resident of Itawamba, Monroe or Pontotoc County. Election of the four (4) offices of judge shall be by election to be held in every county within the First Circuit Court District. [From and after January 1, 2031, this section shall read as follows:] 9-7-7. (1) There shall be * * *four (4) five (5) judges for the First Circuit Court District. (2) The * * *four (4) five (5) 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 * * *." and "Place Five". 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 may be a resident of any county. The judge to fill Place Four * * *may be a resident of any county in the district shall be a resident of Itawamba, Monroe or Pontotoc County. Election of the four (4) offices of judge shall be by election to be held in every county within the First Circuit Court District. The judge to fill Place Five must reside and be elected from any of the following precincts in Lee County: Auburn, Baldwin, Beech Springs, Belden, Birmingham Ridge, Bissell, Cedar Hill, Eggville, Euclautubba, Fellowship, Friendship, Gilvo, Guntown, Hebron, Kedron, Mooreville, Nettleton, Petersburg, Plantersville, Pratts, Richmond, Saltillo, Tupelo 1, Tupelo 2, Tupelo 3, Tupelo 4 North, Tupelo 4 South, Tupelo 5, Unity and Veteran's Park. SECTION 5. Section 9-7-9, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows: 9-7-9. The Second Circuit Court District is composed of the following counties: (a) Hancock County; (b) Harrison County; and (c) Stone County. SECTION 6. 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 7. Section 9-7-13, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows: 9-7-13. The Third Circuit Court District is composed of the following counties: (a) Benton County; (b) Calhoun County; (c) Chickasaw County; (d) Lafayette County; (e) Marshall County; (f) Tippah County; and (g) Union County. SECTION 8. Section 9-7-14, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows: [Until January 1, 2031, this section shall read 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." [From and after January 1, 2031, this section shall read as follows:] 9-7-14. (1) There shall be * * *three (3) four (4) judges for the Third Circuit Court District. (2) The * * *three (3) four (4) judgeships shall be separate and distinct and denominated for purposes of appointment and election only as "Place One," "Place Two" * * * and, "Place Three * * *." and "Place Four". The judges to fill Place One and Place Two may be a resident of any county in the district. The judge to fill Place Three may be a resident of any county in the district, except for Lafayette County. The judge to fill Place Four shall be a resident of Lafayette County. SECTION 9. Section 9-7-15, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows: [Until January 1, 2031, 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, Money, North Greenwood, Money, Northeast Greenwood, Schlater, West Greenwood, Mississippi Valley State University * * *and , Southeast Greenwood and West 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, 2031, this section shall read as follows:] 9-7-15. * * * (1) The Fourth Circuit Court District shall be composed of the following counties: (a) Holmes County; (b) Humphreys County; ( * * *ac) Leflore County; ( * * *bd) Sunflower County; and ( * * *ce) 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. SECTION 10. Section 9-7-17, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows: [Until January 1, 2031, 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, 2031, this section shall read as follows:] 9-7-17. (1) There shall be * * *four (4) three (3) circuit judges for the Fourth Circuit Court District. One (1) circuit judge shall be elected from each subdistrict. (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 shall be a resident of Washington County. The judge to fill Place Two shall be a resident of Leflore, Holmes or Humphreys County. The judge to fill Place Three may be a resident of any county in the district. SECTION 11. Section 9-7-19, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows: 9-7-19. The Fifth Circuit Court District is composed of the following counties: (a) Attala County; (b) Carroll County; (c) Choctaw County; (d) Grenada County; (e) Montgomery County; (f) Webster County; and (g) Winston County. SECTION 12. Section 9-7-20, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows: 9-7-20. (1) There shall be two (2) judges for the Fifth Circuit Court District. (2) The two (2) judgeships shall be separate and distinct and denominated for purposes of appointment and election only as "Place One" and "Place Two." SECTION 13. Section 9-7-21, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows: [Until January 1, 2031, 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, Bellemont*, By-Pass Fire Station, Carpenter, Concord*, Courthouse*, Duncan Park*, Foster Mound, * * *Maryland*, Northside School, Pine Ridge * * *, Thompson and Washington*; and (ii) Amite County: Amite River*, Ariel, Berwick*, Crosby, East Centreville, East Gloster*, Gloster*, Homochitto * * *, South Liberty* and Street and Vance Park*. (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*, Berwick*, East Fork, East Gloster*, East Liberty, Gloster*, Liberty, New Zion, Oneil, Riceville, Smithdale, South Liberty*, Tangipahoa, Tickfaw, Vance Park*, 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, 2031, 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) three (3) judges for the Sixth Circuit Court District. The * * *two (2) three (3) judgeships shall be separate and distinct. One (1) judge shall be elected from each subdistrict and denominated for purposes of appointment and election only as "Place One", "Place Two" and "Place Three". The judge to fill Place One shall be a resident of Adams County. The judge to fill Place Two shall be a resident of any county, except Adams County. The judge to fill Place Three may be a resident of any county in the district. SECTION 14. Section 9-7-23, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows: [Until January 1, 2027, this section shall read 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, 49*, 50, 51*, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58*, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63*, 64*, * * *66, 67, 68, 69, 70*, 71, 86 * * *, and 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, Byram 3, Cayuga, Chapel Hill, Clinton 1, Clinton 2, Clinton 3, Clinton 4, Clinton 5, Clinton 6, Clinton 7, Dry Grove, Edwards, Learned, Old Byram, Pinehaven, Raymond 1, Raymond 2, Spring Ridge, St. Thomas, Terry 1, Terry 2, Utica 1 and Utica 2. (e) Subdistrict 7-5 shall consist of all precincts located within the boundaries of the Capitol Complex Improvement District as described by Section 29-5-203. [From January 1, 2027, until January 1, 2031, this section shall read as follows:] 9-7-23. (1) The Seventh Circuit Court District shall be Claiborne County, Hinds County and Jefferson County. (2) The Seventh Circuit Court District shall be divided into * * *four (4) six (6) 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, 49, 50, 51*, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58*, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63*, 64*, * * *66, 67, 68, 69, 70*, 71, 86 * * *, and 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, Byram 3, Cayuga, Chapel Hill, Clinton 1, Clinton 2, Clinton 3, Clinton 4, Clinton 5, Clinton 6, Clinton 7, Dry Grove, Edwards, Learned, Old Byram, Pinehaven, Raymond 1, Raymond 2, Spring Ridge, St. Thomas, Terry 1, Terry 2, Utica 1 and Utica 2. (e) Subdistrict 7-5 shall consist of Claiborne County and Jefferson County. (f) Subdistrict 7-6 shall consist of all precincts located within the boundaries of the Capitol Complex Improvement District as described in Section 29-5-203. [From and after January 1, 2031, this section shall read as follows:] 9-7-23. (1) The Seventh Circuit Court District shall be Claiborne County, Hinds County and Jefferson County. * * *(2) The Seventh Circuit Court District shall be divided into four (4) subdistricts in Hinds County as follows: (a) Subdistrict 7‑1 shall consist of the following precincts in Hinds County: 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 44, 45, 46, 47, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 92, 93, 96 and 97. (b) Subdistrict 7‑2 shall consist of the following precincts in Hinds County: 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 23, 27, 28, 29, 30, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, Brownsville, Cynthia, Pocahontas and Tinnin. (c) Subdistrict 7‑3 shall consist of the following precincts in Hinds County: 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 24, 25, 26, 31, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 86, 89, and Jackson State. (d) Subdistrict 7‑4 shall consist of the following precincts in Hinds County: 87, 88, 90, 91, 94, 95, Bolton, Byram 1, Byram 2, Cayuga, Chapel Hill, Clinton 1, Clinton 2, Clinton 3, Clinton 4, Clinton 5, Clinton 6, Dry Grove, Edwards, Learned, Old Byram, Pinehaven, Raymond 1, Raymond 2, Spring Ridge, St. Thomas, Terry, Utica 1 and Utica 2. SECTION 15. Section 9-7-25, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows: [Until January 1, 2027, this section shall read as follows:] 9-7-25. (1) There shall be * * * four (4) five (5) circuit judges for the Seventh Circuit Court District. One (1) judge shall be elected from each subdistrict. (2) While there shall be no limitation whatsoever upon the powers and duties of the said judges other than as cast upon them by the Constitution and laws of this state, the court in the First Judicial District of Hinds County, in the discretion of the senior circuit judge, may be divided into civil and criminal divisions as a matter of convenience, by the entry of an order upon the minutes of the court. [From January 1, 2027, until January 1, 2031, this section shall read as follows:] 9-7-25. (1) There shall be * * *four (4) six (6) circuit judges for the Seventh Circuit Court District. The judgeships shall be separate and distinct. For subdistricts 7-1 to 7-4, one (1) judge shall be elected from each subdistrict. The judge to fill subdistrict 7-5 shall be a resident of Claiborne County or Jefferson County. The judge to fill subdistrict 7-6 shall be a resident within the boundaries of the Capitol Complex Improvement District as described by Section 29-5-203. (2) While there shall be no limitation whatsoever upon the powers and duties of the said judges other than as cast upon them by the Constitution and laws of this state, the court in the First Judicial District of Hinds County, in the discretion of the senior circuit judge, may be divided into civil and criminal divisions as a matter of convenience, by the entry of an order upon the minutes of the court. [From January 1, 2031, until January 1, 2035, this section shall read as follows:] 9-7-25. (1) There shall be * * *four (4) six (6) circuit judges for the Seventh Circuit Court District. * * *One (1) judge shall be elected from each subdistrict. The judgeships shall be separate and distinct and denominated for purposes of appointment and elections only as "Place One", "Place Two", "Place Three", "Place Four", "Place Five" and "Place Six". The judges to fill Place One, Place Two, Place Three and Place Four may reside in any precinct within the district. The judge to fill Place Five must reside in Claiborne County or Jefferson County. The judge to fill Place Six must reside within the boundaries of the Capitol Complex Improvement District. (2) While there shall be no limitation whatsoever upon the powers and duties of the said judges other than as cast upon them by the Constitution and laws of this state, the court in the First Judicial District of Hinds County, in the discretion of the senior circuit judge, may be divided into civil and criminal divisions as a matter of convenience, by the entry of an order upon the minutes of the court. [From and after January 1, 2035, this section shall read as follows:] 9-7-25. (1) There shall be * * *four (4) five (5) circuit judges for the Seventh Circuit Court District. * * *One (1) judge shall be elected from each subdistrict. The judgeships shall be separate and distinct and denominated for purposes of appointment and elections only as "Place One", "Place Two", "Place Three", "Place Four" and "Place Five". The judges to fill Place One, Place Two, Place Three and Place Four may reside in any precinct within the district. The judge to fill Place Five must reside in Claiborne County or Jefferson County. (2) While there shall be no limitation whatsoever upon the powers and duties of the said judges other than as cast upon them by the Constitution and laws of this state, the court in the First Judicial District of Hinds County, in the discretion of the senior circuit judge, may be divided into civil and criminal divisions as a matter of convenience, by the entry of an order upon the minutes of the court. SECTION 16. A special election shall be held to fill the office of circuit judge for the Seventh Circuit Court District. The special election shall be held on the first Tuesday in November, 2025. Candidates shall file as 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 judge elected shall serve until January 1, 2027, unless the person is re elected to fill such office in the November, 2026, election for judicial offices. The terms of those offices shall thereafter be as provided by law for circuit judges generally. SECTION 17. Section 9-7-27, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows: 9-7-27. (1) The Eighth Circuit Court District is composed of the following counties: (a) Leake County; (b) Neshoba County; (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 18. Section 9-7-29, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows: [Until January 1, 2031, this section shall read 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*, Cherry Grove, Cherry Street*, Kings*, * * *Number 7 Fire Station*, and 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*, Cherry Street*, Culkin, Elks Lodge, Goodrum, Jett, Kings*, Lee Road, Moose Lodge, Number 7 Fire Station*, * * *Oak Ridge, Oakland, Plumbers Hall, Redwood, Tingleville, * * *Vicksburg Junior High School*, YMCA and Yokena. [From and after January 1, 2031, this section shall read 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 * * *.; and (d) Yazoo 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 19. Section 9-7-30, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows: [Until January 1, 2031, this section shall read as follows:] 9-7-30. There shall be two (2) judges for the Ninth Circuit Court District. One (1) judge shall be elected from each subdistrict. [From and after January 1, 2031, this section shall read as follows:] 9-7-30. There shall be two (2) judges for the Ninth Circuit Court District. * * * One (1) judge shall be elected from each subdistrict. The two (2) judgeships shall be separate and distinct. One (1) judge shall be elected from each subdistrict and denominated for purposes of appointment and election only as "Place One" and "Place Two". The judge to fill Place One shall be a resident of Warren County. The judge to fill Place Two may be a resident of any county in the district. SECTION 20. Section 9-7-31, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows: [Until January 1, 2031, 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, 2031, 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 * * *; and. * * *(d) Wayne County. SECTION 21. Section 9-7-32, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows: 9-7-32. (1) There shall be two (2) judges for the Tenth Circuit Court District. (2) The two (2) judgeships shall be separate and distinct and denominated for purposes of appointment and election only as "Place One" and "Place Two." SECTION 22. Section 9-7-33, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows: [Until January 1, 2031, 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*, Round Lake Gunnison Deeson, 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* * * *, and Rena Lara * * *and Sherard*. (b) Subdistrict 11-2 shall consist of the following precincts from the following counties: (i) Bolivar County: Boyle*, Cleveland Eastgate, Duncan/Alligator, East Central Cleveland*, East Cleveland*, Merigold, Mound Bayou, Northwest Cleveland*, Pace*, Renova, Round Lake Gunnison Deeson*, Shelby, * * *South Cleveland* and Winstonville; (ii) Coahoma County: Bobo*, Cagle Crossing, Clarksdale * * *1‑4* 3, Clarksdale * * *3‑3 4, Clarksdale * * *3‑4 4 North, Clarksdale * * * 4‑2 5*, Clarksdale * * *4‑3 Courthouse*, Dublin * * *and Roundaway and Sasse St. Fire Station; and (iii) Quitman County: * * *Belen* Crowder*, 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* 2*, Clarksdale * * *2‑4* 5*, * * *Clarksdale 5‑4* Clarksdale Courthouse*, Coahoma, Farrell*, Friar's Point, Jonestown, Lula * * *, and Lyons * * *and Sherard*; and (ii) Quitman County: * * * Belen*, Crenshaw, Crowder*, Darling, District 3 North, District 3 South*, Northwest Marks*, * * *and Sledge and Southwest Marks*. [From and after January 1, 2031, 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. SECTION 23. Section 9-7-34, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows: [Until January 1, 2031, 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, 2031, this section shall read as follows:] 9-7-34. There shall be * * *three (3) two (2) judges for the Eleventh Circuit Court District. * * *One (1) judge shall be elected from each subdistrict. The two (2) judgeships shall be separate and distinct and denominated for purposes of appointment and election only as "Place One" and "Place Two". The judge to fill Place One shall be a resident of Bolivar County. The judge to fill Place Two may be a resident of any county in the district, except Bolivar County. SECTION 24. Section 9-7-35, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows: [Until January 1, 2027, 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 * * *.". [From and after January 1, 2027, 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) Greene County; and ( * * *bc) Perry County. (2) There shall be * * *two (2) three (3) judges for the Twelfth Circuit Court District. The * * *two (2) three (3) judgeships shall be separate and distinct and denominated for purposes of appointment and election only as "Place One" * * *and, "Place Two * * *." and "Place Three". The judges to fill Place One and Place Two may reside in any county in the district. The judge to fill Place Three must reside and be elected from the following precincts in Forrest County: Camp School, Court Street, Dixie Pine-Central, Eatonville, Eureka School, Glendale, Hardy Street, Hattiesburg Cultural Center, Highland Park, Lillie Burney School, North Heights, Pinecrest, Rawls Springs, Rowan School, Sigler Center, Thames School, Train Depot, West Hills and Westside. SECTION 25. Section 9-7-37, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended 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 26. 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) * * * Lincoln Copiah County; (b) * * * Pike Jefferson Davis County; * * * and (c) * * * Walthall Lawrence County * * *.; and (d) Lincoln 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." The judge to fill Place One must be a resident of Lincoln County. The judge to fill Place Two must be a resident of either Lawerence, Copiah or Jefferson County. SECTION 27. 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 Pike County; (b) Lamar County; (c) * * *Lawrence County Walthall County; (d) Marion County; and (e) Pearl River County. SECTION 28. 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, 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 29. Section 9-7-43, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows: 9-7-43. The Sixteenth Circuit Court District is composed of the following counties: (a) Clay County; (b) Lowndes County; (c) Noxubee County; and (d) Oktibbeha County. SECTION 30. 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 31. Section 9-7-45, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows: 9-7-45. The Seventeenth Circuit Court District shall be composed of the following counties: (a) Panola County; (b) Tallahatchie County; (c) Tate County; and (d) Yalobusha County. SECTION 32. Section 9-7-46, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows: [Until January 1, 2027, this section shall read as follows:] 9-7-46. (1) There shall be two (2) circuit judges for the Seventeenth Circuit Court District. (2) For the purpose of appointment and election, the two (2) judgeships shall be separate and distinct, and be denominated as "Place One" and "Place Two * * *.". [From and after January 1, 2027, this section shall read as follows:] 9-7-46. (1) There shall be two (2) circuit judges for the Seventeenth Circuit Court District. (2) For the purpose of appointment and election, the two (2) judgeships shall be separate and distinct, and be denominated as "Place One" and "Place Two * * *.". SECTION 33. Section 9-7-47, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as 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 is composed of the following counties: (a) Jones County; and (b) Wayne County. (2) There shall be two (2) judges for the Eighteenth 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". The judge to fill Place One must reside in Jones County. The judge to fill Place Two must reside in Wayne County. SECTION 34. 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. (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. [From and after January 1, 2027, this section shall read as follows:] 9-7-49. (1) The Nineteenth Circuit Court District is composed of the following counties: (a) George County; and * * *(b) Greene County; and ( * * *cb) 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 County, the amount of * * * their its present local contribution in their present respective circuit court districts, and any excess shall be paid by Jackson County. SECTION 35. Section 9-7-51, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows: [Until January 1, 2027, this section shall read 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. [From and after January 1, 2027, this section shall read 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 36. Section 9-7-53, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows: 9-7-53. The Twentieth Circuit Court District is composed of the following counties: (a) Madison County; and (b) Rankin County. SECTION 37. Section 9-7-54, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended 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 38. Section 9-7-55, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows: [Until January 1, 2027, this section shall read as follows:] 9-7-55. The * * * Twenty‑first Twenty-second Circuit Court District is composed of the following counties: (a) Holmes County; (b) Humphreys County; and (c) Yazoo County. [From January 1, 2027, until January 1, 2031, this section shall read as follows:] 9-7-55. The * * * Twenty‑first Twenty-second Circuit Court District is composed of the following counties: (a) Holmes County; (b) Humphreys County; and (c) Yazoo County. [From and after January 1, 2031, this section shall read as follows:] Section 9-7-55, Mississippi Code of 1972, which provides for the Twenty-second Circuit Court District shall stand repealed on and after January 1, 2031. SECTION 39. Section 9-7-57, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows: [Until January 1, 2027, this section shall read as follows:] 9-7-57. The * * * Twenty‑second Circuit Twenty-third Court District is composed of the following counties: (a) Claiborne County; (b) Copiah County; and (c) Jefferson County. [From and after January 1, 2027, this section shall read 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 9-7-57, which creates the Twenty-second Circuit Court District shall stand repealed on and after January 1, 2027. SECTION 40. Section 9-7-63, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows: [Until January 1, 2027, this section shall read as follows:] 9-7-63. The * * * Twenty‑third Twenty-first Circuit Court District shall be DeSoto County. [From and after January 1, 2027, this section shall read as follows:] 9-7-63. The * * *Twenty‑third Twenty-first Circuit Court District shall be DeSoto County. SECTION 41. Section 9-7-64, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows: [Until January 1, 2027, this section shall read as follows:] 9-7-64. (1) There shall be * * *two (2) three (3) circuit judges for the * * * Twenty‑third Twenty-first Circuit Court District. (2) For the purposes of appointment and election, the * * *two (2) three (3) judgeships shall be separate and distinct and denominated as "Place One" * * * and, "Place Two * * *." and "Place Three". The judges to fill Place One and Place Two may reside in any precinct in the county. The judge to fill Place Three must reside and be elected from the following precincts in DeSoto County: Horn Lake Central, Horn Lake East, Horn Lake High School*, Horn Lake Intermediate School, Horn Lake North, Horn Lake West, Northwest Community College*, Southhaven South and Southhaven West*. [From and after January 1, 2027, this section shall read as follows:] 9-7-64. (1) There shall be * * *two (2) four (4) circuit judges for the * * * Twenty‑third Twenty-first Circuit Court District. (2) For the purposes of appointment and election, the * * *two (2) four (4) judgeships shall be separate and distinct and denominated as "Place One" * * *and, "Place Two * * *.", "Place Three" and "Place Four". The judges to fill Place One, Place Two and Place Four may reside in any precinct in the county. The judge to fill Place Three must reside in and be elected from the following precincts in DeSoto County: Horn Lake Central, Horn Lake East, Horn Lake High School*, Horn Lake Intermediate School, Horn Lake North, Horn Lake West, Northwest Community College*, Southhaven South and Southhaven West*. SECTION 42. Section 9-5-1, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows: 9-5-1. A chancellor shall be elected for and from each of the chancery court districts as provided in this chapter and the listing of individual precincts shall be those precincts as they existed on October 1, 1990. He shall hold court in any other district with the consent of the chancellor thereof when in their opinion the public interest may be thereby promoted. The terms of all chancellors elected at the regular election for the year 1930 shall begin on the first day of January, 1931, and their terms of office shall continue for four (4) years. A chancellor shall be a resident of the district in which he serves but shall not be required to be a resident of a subdistrict if the district is divided into subdistricts. SECTION 43. Section 9-5-3, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward 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 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 44. Section 9-5-5, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward 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 45. 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. SECTION 46. 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; ( * * *ab) Jasper County; (c) Jefferson Davis County; ( * * *bd) Newton County; * * * and (e) Simpson County; ( * * *ef) Scott County * * *.; and (g) Smith County. (2) There shall be three (3) chancellors for the Second 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". Place One chancellor may reside in Scott County, Newton County or Jasper County. Place Two chancellor may reside in Simpson, Smith, Covington or Jefferson Davis County. Place Three chancellor may reside in any county in the district. SECTION 47. 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. * * * (1) The Third Chancery Court District is composed of the following counties: (a) * * *DeSoto Carroll 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 48. 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 * * * four (4) two (2) chancellors for the Third Chancery Court District. For purposes of appointment and election, the two (2) chancellorships shall be separate and distinct and denominated as "Place One" and "Place Two". (2) * * * (a) The * * *two (2) chancellors chancellor of * * * Subdistrict 3‑1 Place One shall * * * be elected from DeSoto County reside in Tate County, Panola County or Yalobusha County. The * * *two (2) chancellors chancellor of * * * Subdistrict 3‑2 Place Two shall * * * be elected from Grenada County, reside in Carroll County, Grenada County or Montgomery County * * *, Panola County, Tate County and Yalobusha County. * * * (b) For purposes of appointment and election, the four (4) chancellorships shall be separate and distinct and denominated as "Place One," "Place Two," "Place Three" and "Place Four". The chancellorships in Subdistrict 3‑1 shall be denominated only as "Place One" and "Place Four" and the chancellorships in Subdistrict 3‑2 shall be denominated only as "Place Two" and "Place Three." SECTION 49. 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) Adams County; ( * * *ab) Amite County; ( * * *bc) Franklin County; (d) Jefferson County; ( * * *ce) Pike County; and ( * * *df) * * * Walthall Wilkinson County. (2) There shall be * * * two (2) three (3) chancellors for the Fourth Chancery Court District. The * * *two (2) three (3) chancellorships shall be separate and distinct and denominated for purposes of appointment and election only as "Place One" * * *and "Place Two * * *." and "Place Three". The chancellor for Place One must reside in Adams County or Jefferson County. The chancellor for Place Two must reside in Amite County or Wilkinson County. The chancellor for Place Three must reside in Franklin County or Pike County. SECTION 50. Section 9-5-17, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows: [Until January 1, 2031, this section shall read 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. [From and after January 1, 2031, this section shall read 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 51. Section 9-5-19, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows: [Until January 1, 2031, this section shall read as follows:] 9-5-19. (1) There shall be four (4) chancellors for the Fifth Chancery Court District. One (1) chancellor shall be elected from each subdistrict. (2) While there shall be no limitation whatsoever upon the powers and duties of the said chancellors other than as cast upon them by the Constitution and laws of this state, the court in the First Judicial District of Hinds County, in the discretion of the senior 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. [From and after January 1, 2031, this section shall read as follows:] 9-5-19. (1) There shall be four (4) chancellors for the Fifth Chancery Court District. * * * One (1) chancellor shall be elected from each subdistrict. 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". (2) While there shall be no limitation whatsoever upon the powers and duties of the said chancellors other than as cast upon them by the Constitution and laws of this state, the court in the First Judicial District of Hinds County, in the discretion of the senior 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 52. 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) Carroll County; ( * * *cb) Choctaw County; ( * * *dc) Kemper County; ( * * *ed) Neshoba County; * * *and (e) Webster County; and (f) Winston County. SECTION 53. Section 9-5-22, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows: [Until January 1, 2027, this section shall read 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." [From and after January 1, 2027, this section shall read 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." The chancellor for "Place One" must reside in Attala County, Choctaw County or Webster County. The chancellor for "Place Two" must reside in Winston County, Neshoba County or Kemper County. SECTION 54. Section 9-5-23, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows: [Until January 1, 2031, this section shall read as follows:] 9-5-23. (1) The Seventh Chancery Court District 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. [From and after January 1, 2031, this section shall read as follows:] 9-5-23. * * * (1) The Seventh Chancery Court District 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 55. Section 9-5-25, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows: [Until January 1, 2031, this section shall read as follows:] 9-5-25. There shall be three (3) chancellors for the Seventh Chancery Court District. The three (3) chancellorships shall be separate and distinct. One (1) chancellor shall be elected from Subdistrict 7-1 and shall be denominated for purposes of appointment and election only as "Place One * * *,", and two (2) chancellors shall be elected from Subdistrict 7-2 and shall be denominated for purposes of appointment and election only as "Place Two" and "Place Three * * *.". [From and after January 1, 2031, this section shall read as follows:] 9-5-25. There shall be * * *three (3) two (2) chancellors for the Seventh Chancery Court District. The * * *three (3) two (2) chancellorships shall be separate and distinct * * *. One (1) chancellor shall be elected from Subdistrict 7‑1, and shall be denominated for purposes of appointment and election only as "Place One * * *,", and * * *two (2) chancellors shall be elected from Subdistrict 7‑2 and shall be denominated for purposes of appointment and election only as "Place Two" * * *and "Place Three * * *.". The chancellor for Place One must reside in Bolivar County or Coahoma County. The chancellor for Place Two must reside in Leflore County, Quitman County, Tallahatchie County or Tunica County. SECTION 56. 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 * * *; and. * * *(c) Stone County. SECTION 57. 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 58. Section 9-5-31, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows: [Until January 1, 2031, this section shall read as follows:] 9-5-31. (1) The Ninth Chancery Court District 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 Rotary Club, Metcalf City Hall and Potter House Church. (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. [From and after January 1, 2031, this section shall read as follows:] 9-5-31. * * *(1) The Ninth Chancery Court District 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 Rotary Club, Metcalf City Hall and Potter House Church. (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 59. Section 9-5-33, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows: [Until January 1, 2031, this section shall read as follows:] 9-5-33. There shall be three (3) chancellors for the Ninth Chancery Court District. One (1) chancellor shall be elected from each subdistrict. [From and after January 1, 2031, this section shall read as follows:] 9-5-33. There shall be * * *three (3) two (2) chancellors for the Ninth Chancery Court District. * * *One (1) chancellor shall be elected from each subdistrict. 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 for Place One must reside in Humphreys County, Sunflower County or Washington County. The chancellor for Place Two must reside in Issaquena County, Sharkey County or Warren County. SECTION 60. 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) Forrest County; ( * * *ba) Lamar County; ( * * *cb) Marion County; and ( * * *dc) Pearl River County * * *; and. * * *(e) Perry County. SECTION 61. 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) three (3) chancellors for the Tenth Chancery Court District. (2) The * * *four (4) 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" * * * 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 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 Tenth Chancery Court District. SECTION 62. Section 9-5-37, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows: 9-5-37. (1) The Eleventh Chancery Court District 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 63. Section 9-5-38, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended 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 64. Section 9-5-39, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows: 9-5-39. The Twelfth Chancery Court District is composed of the following counties: (a) Clarke County; and (b) Lauderdale County. SECTION 65. Section 9-5-40, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward 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 66. 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 is composed of the following counties: (a) * * * Covington Forrest County; (b) * * * Jefferson Davis Greene County; (c) * * * Lawrence Perry County; and (d) * * * Simpson County; and Stone County. * * * (e) Smith County. (2) There shall be * * *two (2) three (3) chancellors for the Thirteenth Chancery Court District. The * * *two (2) three (3) chancellorships shall be separate and distinct and denominated for purposes of appointment and election only as "Place One" and "Place Two * * *." and "Place Three". The chancellor for Place One must reside in Forrest County. The chancellor for Place Two may reside in any county in the district, except Forrest County. The chancellor for Place Three shall reside and be elected from the following precincts in Forrest County: Camp School, Court Street, Dixie Pine-Central, Eatonville, Eureka School, Glendale, Hardy Street, Hattiesburg Cultural Center, Highland Park, Lillie Burney School, North Heights, Pinecrest, Rawls Springs, Rowan School, Sigler Center, Thames School, Train Depot, West Hills and Westside. SECTION 67. Section 9-5-43, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows: [Until January 1, 2027, this section shall read as follows:] 9-5-43. (1) The Fourteenth Chancery Court District 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, 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*. [From and after January 1, 2027, this section shall read as follows:] 9-5-43. * * *(1) The Fourteenth Chancery Court District is composed of the following counties: (a) Chickasaw County; (b) Clay County; (c) Lowndes County; (d) Noxubee County; and (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, 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 68. Section 9-5-45, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows: [Until January 1, 2027, this section shall read as follows:] 9-5-45. There shall be three (3) chancellors for the Fourteenth Chancery Court District. One (1) chancellor shall be elected from each subdistrict. [From and after January 1, 2027, this section shall read as follows:] 9-5-45. There shall be three (3) chancellors for the Fourteenth Chancery Court District. * * *One (1) chancellor shall be elected from each subdistrict. 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". The chancellor for Place One must reside in Chickasaw County, Clay County or Oktibbeha County. The chancellor for Place Two must reside in Lowndes County or Noxubee County. The chancellor for Place Three must reside and be elected from Noxubee County, and any of the following precincts in Lowndes County: 15th Street Church, Artesia, Coleman, Crawford, Hunt*, Plum Grove, Southside Church, Townsend Park, Trinity, West Lowndes; and the following precincts in Oktibbeha County: Hickory Grove/Southeast Oktibbeha*, Oktoc and Sessums. SECTION 69. 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) Claiborne County ( * * *ab) Copiah County; * * *and (c) Lawrence County; ( * * *bd) Lincoln County * * *.; and (e) Walthall 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". The chancellor for Place One must reside in Copiah County, Claiborne County or Lawrence County. The chancellor for Place Two must reside in Lincoln County or Walthall County. SECTION 70. 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 is composed of the following counties: (a) George County; and * * *(b) Greene County; and ( * * *cb) Jackson County. SECTION 71. Section 9-5-50, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows: [Until January 1, 2027, this section shall read 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." [From and after January 1, 2027, this section shall read as follows:] 9-5-50. (1) There shall be * * *three (3) four (4) chancellors for the Sixteenth Chancery Court District. (2) The * * *three (3) four (4) chancellorships shall be separate and distinct and denominated for purposes of appointment and election only as "Place One," "Place Two" * * *and, "Place Three * * *." and "Place Four". The chancellors for Place One, Place Two and Place Three may reside in any county in the district. The chancellor for Place Four must reside in George County. SECTION 72. 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) Claiborne County; (c) Jefferson County; and (d) Wilkinson County. DeSoto 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*. ( * * *32) There shall be * * *two (2) three (3) chancellors for the Seventeenth Chancery Court District. * * *One (1) chancellor shall be elected from each subdistrict. 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". The chancellors for Place One and Place Two may reside in any precinct in the district. The chancellor for Place Three must reside in and be elected from the following precincts in DeSoto County: Horn Lake Central, Horn Lake East, Horn Lake High School*, Horn Lake Intermediate School, Horn Lake North, Horn Lake West, Northwest Community College*, Southhaven South and Southhaven West*. SECTION 73. Section 9-5-53, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows: 9-5-53. The Eighteenth Chancery Court District is composed of the following counties: (a) Benton County; (b) Calhoun County; (c) Lafayette County; (d) Marshall County; and (e) Tippah County. SECTION 74. Section 9-5-54, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward 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 75. 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) Jones County; and (b) 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 for Place One must reside in Jones County. The chancellor for Place Two must reside in Wayne County. SECTION 76. Section 9-5-57, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward as follows: 9-5-57. The Twentieth Chancery Court District shall be Rankin County. SECTION 77. Section 9-5-58, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended 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 78. Section 25-31-5, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward 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......... twelve (12) legal assistants. Effective July 1, 2023, through July 1, 2025, the Seventh Circuit Court District shall have fourteen (14) 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....... four (4) 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. SECTION 79. Section 25-31-10, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward 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, Twentieth and Twenty-first 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-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 one (1) additional full-time criminal investigator for a total of four (4) 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 80. Section 99-36-7, Mississippi Code of 1972, is brought forward 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 81. (1) A special election shall be held to fill the office of circuit judge for the Twenty-first Circuit Court District. The special election shall be held on the first Tuesday in November, 2025. Candidates shall file as 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 judge elected shall serve until January 1, 2027, unless the person is re-elected to fill such office in the November, 2026, election for judicial offices. The terms of those offices shall thereafter be as provided by law for circuit judges generally. (2) Candidates for the chancellorships and the circuit judgeships that begin January 1, 2027, shall run for those offices in the general election for judicial officers to be conducted in November 2026. Candidates for the chancellorships and the circuit judgeships that begin January 1, 2031, shall run for those offices in the general election for judicial officers to be conducted in November 2030. Candidates shall file as 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/or January 1, 2031, as applicable and the terms of those offices shall thereafter be as provided for chancellors and circuit judges generally. SECTION 82. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2025. |
|---|