Lee County criminal justice bills advance
Two bills advanced Wednesday in the Mississippi Legislature designed to ease overcrowding in the Lee County criminal justice system.
The House approved what is known as local and private legislation that would allow Lee County supervisors to construct a new jail outside of Tupelo’s borders.
A state law was cited during discussions of a new jail that required jails jointly built by a county and municipality to be within one mile of the municipal borders. Supervisors said they might want the option to build beyond that area where land costs might be cheaper….
…Also Wednesday, the 52-member state Senate passed without a dissenting vote a bill to allow Lee County to hire a youth court referee. The referee would hear youth court cases under the supervision of County Judge Charles Brett who hears youth court cases in Lee County.
Daily Journal
2/16/17
Magnolia Tribune
