MS HB416

Revises procedures for filing written protests against municipal bond issuance, including specific petition form requirements with signature spaces for name, address, city, county, and precinct.

Requires municipal clerks to verify the names of qualified electors signing protest petitions and prohibits clerks from accepting fees for certification duties.

Establishes criminal penalties for persons circulating petitions who offer consideration for signatures, solicit signatures within 150 feet of polling places on election days, or intentionally mislead signers about petition substance.

Allows individuals to remove their signatures from petitions by filing an affidavit with the municipal clerk claiming fraud, coercion, or intentional misrepresentation before the clerk certifies the petition.

Grants municipal courts jurisdiction to hear cases arising from petition certification disputes under Section 21-33-307(4) without jury trial or testimony record.