MS SB2589

Authorizes district attorneys to employ additional legal assistants and criminal investigators beyond statutory limits if funding is available from any source including office-generated funds, county or municipal contributions, federal funds, private grants, or interlocal cooperative agreements.

Establishes baseline authorizations for full-time legal assistants in all 22 Mississippi circuit court districts, ranging from 2 to 11 positions depending on the district.

Allows additional legal assistants to be authorized in any circuit court district if the Legislature appropriates funds or if county boards of supervisors adopt a resolution to pay all salaries and fringe benefits.

Requires district attorneys to report to county boards of supervisors and the Department of Finance and Administration regarding the amount and source of supplemental salaries, expenses, and fringe benefits for funded positions.

Permits district attorneys to assign legal assistant duties regardless of the funding source and allows funds to be managed through district attorney accounts, transferred to the Department of Finance and Administration, or transferred to individual counties within the circuit.