MS SC538

Requests the Mississippi Attorney General to petition the Mississippi Supreme Court to establish a COVID-19 Landlord-Tenant Eviction Resolution Program allowing litigants to participate in dispute resolution before filing unlawful detainer actions.

Directs the program to address the anticipated surge in eviction cases following the expiration of federal, state, and court-ordered moratoria on nonpayment evictions.

Requires the program to include mediation and conciliation services addressing both landlord and tenant rights, including lease clauses, federal Emergency Rental Assistance programs, and the Mississippi Rental Assistance Program (RAMP).

Proposes a pilot project in seven counties using federal CARES Act or RAMP funding, with expansion to other counties if successful.

Directs the Attorney General to submit a report to the Legislature on the program's status and recommendations for necessary legislative action.