Private Acts of 1963 Chapter 265

SECTION 1. That there is hereby created the Lauderdale County Law Library and Courtroom Commission which shall be composed of five members.

Two members of said Commission shall be attorneys at law appointed by the President of the Lauderdale County Bar Association for terms of two years, or until their successors are appointed. The Clerk and Master of the Chancery Court, the Clerk of the Circuit Court, and the Sheriff of Lauderdale County shall be members of the Commission. The members of the Commission shall elect from among its membership a chairman and a secretary.

The members of the Commission shall receive no compensation for their services as such.

SECTION 2. That a litigation tax of fifty cents (50¢) shall be taxed as part of the cost in all cases filed in the General Sessions Court, the Chancery Court, and the Circuit Court of Lauderdale County.

Said tax shall be collected by the Clerks of said courts and shall be paid into a separate fund, which shall be designated Law Library and Courtroom Fund. Said fund shall be maintained by the County Trustee and expenditures from said fund for the purposes herein authorized shall be made by warrants signed by the chairman and secretary of the Commission upon proper authorization by the Commission.

SECTION 3. That the Commission shall establish and maintain a Law Library for the use of the courts, judges, public officials, attorneys, and the public. The Commission shall have power to acquire by gift, purchase, loan or otherwise such codes, treatises, court reports and other books, periodicals and services which it shall deem beneficial for those persons authorized to use the same.

The Commission shall have authority to acquire in like manner furniture, equipment and supplies necessary or useful in the establishment and operation of the library.

The Commission shall make rules and regulations governing the operation and use of said library and shall be responsible for the protection and safekeeping of the library, its contents, equipment and supplies. The Commission shall have authority to exclude from using the library facilities any persons who damage the library, or its contents, or who refuse to conform with the rules and regulations promulgated.

The Commission shall have authority to expend the funds herein provided for the purpose of improving the facilities of the courtrooms in the Lauderdale County Courthouse.

SECTION 4. That the Quarterly County Court of Lauderdale shall provide suitable facilities for the housing and safekeeping of the library, its contents and equipment. The library, its contents, equipment and supplies shall be the property of Lauderdale County.

SECTION 5. That the Commission shall hold regular meetings and special meetings upon the call of the chairman. Four members shall constitute a quorum and the affirmative vote of at least three members shall be necessary for any affirmative action of the Commission. The secretary shall keep a record of the meetings, which record shall reflect all action of the Commission.

SECTION 6. That this Act shall have no effect unless the same shall be approved by a two-thirds vote of the Quarterly County Court of Lauderdale County at its next regular meeting held more than ten days after its approval by the Chief Executive of this State. Its approval or non-approval shall be proclaimed by the County Judge and shall be certified by him to the Secretary of State.

SECTION 7. That this Act shall take effect from and after its passage, the public welfare requiring it.

Passed: March 21, 1963.