MS HB1211

Increases the number of authorized full-time legal assistants for district attorneys across 12 Mississippi circuit court districts, with increases ranging from 1 to 2 additional positions per district.

First Circuit District increases from 8 to 9 legal assistants; Second Circuit from 9 to 10; Fourth Circuit from 5 to 6; Eighth Circuit from 3 to 4; Ninth Circuit from 2 to 3; Eleventh Circuit from 5 to 6; Twelfth Circuit from 4 to 5; Thirteenth Circuit from 3 to 4; Fourteenth Circuit from 4 to 5; Fifteenth Circuit from 5 to 7; Sixteenth Circuit from 4 to 6; Seventeenth Circuit from 6 to 7; Nineteenth Circuit from 4 to 6; Twentieth Circuit from 4 to 6; Twenty-second Circuit from 2 to 3.

Authorizes up to 2 additional legal assistants per circuit court district if the Legislature appropriates funds or if county boards of supervisors adopt a resolution to pay all salaries and benefits for those positions.

Allows district attorneys to employ additional legal assistants beyond authorized limits using funds from any source including office-generated revenue, federal grants, private foundations, or interlocal agreements, with reporting requirements to county boards of supervisors and the Department of Finance and Administration.

Effective date is July 1, 2014.