MS HB961

Requires all eminent domain cases in Mississippi to be resolved through binding arbitration rather than special courts, effective July 1, 2013.

Amends arbitration statutes to allow submission of eminent domain disputes to arbitrators, with arbitrator decisions subject to the same judgment and appeal procedures previously used for court determinations.

Replaces judicial proceedings with arbitration for determining fair market value of condemned property, damages to remaining property, and legal interest awards from the filing date until payment.

Preserves parties' right to appeal arbitration decisions directly to the Mississippi Supreme Court within 10 days, with defendants' appeals not operating as a stay and plaintiffs required to post bonds equal to double the judgment amount (except for state and political subdivisions).

Repeals five sections of Mississippi Code relating to procedures and provisions for special courts of eminent domain, consolidating the process under arbitration rules.