MS HB1379

Increases annual salaries for Mississippi Supreme Court justices (Chief Justice to $145,390; Presiding Justice to $143,190; Associate Justices to $142,530), Court of Appeals judges (Chief Judge to $138,130; Associate Judges to $135,050), and chancery and circuit court judges (each to $134,170), effective July 1, 2012.

Increases annual salary for full-time district attorneys to $125,796.00 and establishes salary ranges for full-time legal assistants based on years of practice (80-90% of district attorney salary).

Creates the "Mississippi Justice Enhancement Fund" in the State Treasury to fund judge and prosecutor salaries through motor vehicle inspection fees, legislative appropriations, interest, federal funds, donations, and other sources.

Increases motor vehicle inspection fees: state-registered vehicles from $8.00 to $10.00 (with $5.00 remitted to Justice Enhancement Fund) and out-of-state vehicles from $11.00 to $20.00 (with $10.00 remitted to Justice Enhancement Fund).

Requires submission of the act to the U.S. Attorney General or District Court for District of Columbia under the Voting Rights Act of 1965 before implementation.