MS HB1226

Revises population thresholds for determining the number of justice court judges in Mississippi counties, with boards of supervisors able to reduce judges by one position in each population tier if they pass a resolution finding one fewer judge is competent.

Counties with population of 35,000 or less shall have 2 judges (unless reduced to 1), counties with 35,000-70,000 shall have 3 judges (unless reduced to 2), counties with 70,000-150,000 shall have 4 judges (unless reduced to 3), and counties with 150,000 or more shall have 5 judges (unless reduced to 4).

Clarifies that no county is authorized or required to decrease the number of justice court judge positions below the level existing as of June 30, 2014.

Establishes that boards of supervisors must create single-member election districts for each justice court judge position.

Effective date is July 1, 2014.