Bill > HB1654

This bill updates several sections of Mississippi law related to the judicial system, primarily focusing on funding and operational allowances. It increases the annual office operating allowance for circuit judges and chancellors to $15,000, which can be used for expenses like retaining a law clerk, research, and office supplies, and allows for out-of-state travel for continuing legal education once a year if approved by the Chief Justice. The bill also clarifies that a separate fund managed by the Administrative Office of Courts (AOC) exists to provide support staff to judges, with a budget of $130,000 per judge per fiscal year for compensation and potentially additional equipment. Furthermore, it adjusts fee schedules for clerks of the Supreme Court, chancery courts, and circuit courts, with a portion of these fees being directed to the Judicial System Operation Fund, which is a special fund administered by the Supreme Court through the AOC to support the operation of the judicial system and judicial salaries. The bill also makes minor adjustments to fees for chancery clerks, including a $40 fee per civil filing that goes to the Judicial System Operation Fund, and for circuit clerks, also including a $40 fee per civil filing for the same fund. The effective date of this act is July 1, 2026.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2026/pdf/history/HB/HB1654.xml