MS HB1369

Establishes a mandatory county court in all 82 Mississippi counties, organized into 41 judicial districts, with one judge per district except DeSoto, Madison, Lauderdale, Rankin, and Jackson counties having two judges and Hinds and Harrison counties having three judges.

Sets county court judge salaries at $1,000 less than circuit and chancery judges, requires counties to transfer compensation amounts to the Administrative Office of Courts beginning January 1, 2015, with state salary supplements ranging from $7,957.50 to $31,830.00 annually.

Grants county courts concurrent jurisdiction with justice courts in all matters and concurrent jurisdiction with circuit and chancery courts for civil and equitable matters not exceeding $200,000, with exclusive jurisdiction over eminent domain and unlawful entry and detainer.

Requires appointment of court reporters for county courts paid by the Administrative Office of Courts at salaries not exceeding $40,500 to $46,000 annually depending on experience, with counties paying proportionate shares based on court weeks held.

Repeals prior provisions allowing optional county courts, inter-county agreements, and special salary arrangements for specific counties, and eliminates restrictions on county judges practicing law.