MS HB1218

Extends the removal process for elective county officers to also apply to elective municipal officers, allowing the Governor to remove municipal officials through the same petition and hearing procedures.

Requires removal petitions for municipal officers to be signed by 30% of qualified municipal electors, or 51% for ward/district-specific removals and municipalities with populations of 500 or less.

Establishes that removal councils for municipal officers shall be composed of three municipal judges appointed by the Governor, rather than chancery judges used for county officer removals.

Grants municipal courts jurisdiction over all cases regarding the removal of elective municipal officers, including contested removal elections.

Effective date: July 1, 2024.