MS SB2412

Brings forward Mississippi Code Section 25-31-5 for possible amendment, which establishes the authorized number of full-time legal assistants for each of the state's 22 circuit court districts.

Authorizes a total of approximately 130 full-time legal assistants across all circuit court districts, ranging from 2-14 per district, with the Seventh Circuit Court District having the most (14) and the Eighteenth currently having the fewest (2).

Includes scheduled staffing changes: the Ninth, Eighteenth, Twentieth, and Twenty-first Circuit Court Districts will receive additional legal assistants effective January 1, 2027, while the Fourteenth Circuit Court District decreases from 6 to 5 effective January 1, 2026.

Authorizes an additional 2 legal assistants per district contingent on legislative appropriation or county board of supervisors resolution to fund salaries, expenses, and fringe benefits.

Permits district attorneys to hire additional legal assistants beyond statutory limits using funds from any source, including office-generated funds, federal funds, private grants, or interlocal cooperative agreements.