MS SB2049

Authorizes full-time legal assistants (assistant district attorneys) for all 22 Mississippi circuit court districts, with numbers varying by district from 2 to 11 legal assistants based on district size and caseload.

Provides additional authorization for 2 legal assistants per district contingent on either legislative appropriation or county board of supervisors resolution to pay their salaries, expenses, and fringe benefits.

Allows district attorneys to employ additional legal assistants and criminal investigators without authorization limits if funding is available from any source including county funds, federal grants, private grants, or interlocal agreements.

Requires district attorneys to report supplemental funding sources and amounts to county boards of supervisors and the Department of Finance and Administration for legislative budget tracking.

Takes effect July 1, 2014.