reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 29 - PUBLIC LANDS, BUILDINGS AND PROPERTY (§§ 29-1-1 — 29-18-19) › Chapter 1 - PUBLIC LANDS (§§ 29-1-1 — 29-1-211) › IN GENERAL (§§ 29-1-1 — 29-1-149) › Section 29-1-121 - Agent to collect fund due state

The Governor may contract with and appoint an agent for the collection of any funds due by the federal government to the State of Mississippi on account of the sale of any land made or hereafter to be made or located or disposed of by the United States, for cash or bounty land warrants or land scrip or certificates of any kind or agricultural college scrip, and to all lands allotted to Indians in severalty, including former and existing Indian, military, or other reservations in said state, and he may allow him such reasonable compensation as may be agreed upon, to be paid only out of funds actually collected by him.
Codes, 1906, § 2928; Hemingway's 1917, § 5263; 1930, § 6054; 1942, § 4152; Laws, 1896, ch. 49.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 29 - PUBLIC LANDS, BUILDINGS AND PROPERTY (§§ 29-1-1 — 29-18-19) › Chapter 1 - PUBLIC LANDS (§§ 29-1-1 — 29-1-211) › IN GENERAL (§§ 29-1-1 — 29-1-149) › Section 29-1-123 - Lists of tax lands prepared; copies to counties

Immediately after March 26, 1936, it shall be the duty of the land commissioner to prepare or cause to be prepared accurate and complete lists of all lands in each county which have been forfeited to the state for the nonpayment of taxes, the title to which has matured in the state. Such lists shall be prepared for each county separately and embrace and include all lands heretofore sold to the state for delinquent taxes in such county and now held or claimed by the state; and such lists shall be made up in the regular order of townships, ranges, and sections as now appearing on the records of his office. Such lists shall show the date of the tax sale to the state, the amount of taxes, damages, costs, and special assessments of every kind whatsoever for which such lands were sold. No lands heretofore stricken by the land commissioner, with the approval of the Attorney General, from the lists of lands sold to the state for delinquent taxes in his office under the provisions of Section
29-1-31
of the Mississippi Code of 1972 shall be included in the lists of lands to be compiled under the provisions of this section.
Such lists, when completed, shall be examined by the Attorney General; and the land commissioner, with the approval of the Attorney General, shall strike from such lists and from the land book or books in his office all lands which, by reason of insufficient description or other cause, in the opinion of the Attorney General are not the property of the state. The title to the state to such lands as may be thus stricken off shall be thereby relinquished. When such lists shall have been completed, they shall be duly recorded by the land commissioner in a record book provided by him for that purpose in his office, the lists of such lands for each county to be recorded in a separate book, and the land commissioner shall certify to the correctness of such lists as thus recorded.
The land commissioner, after recording in his office such lists of lands sold to the state for delinquent taxes and held or claimed by the state, shall prepare and mail to the chancery clerk of the county in which such lands are situated a certified copy of such lists under the seal of the land office, and the chancery clerk shall record the same in a separate record book in his office provided for that purpose. In counties having two (2) judicial districts, such lists shall be recorded in the office of the chancery clerk of each such judicial district. For recording such lists, the chancery clerk shall be allowed Five Cents (5¢) for each tract of land formerly included as a single assessment embraced in such lists, to be paid out of the county treasury upon allowance of the board of supervisors.
Codes, 1942, § 4077; Laws, 1936, ch. 174.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 29 - PUBLIC LANDS, BUILDINGS AND PROPERTY (§§ 29-1-1 — 29-18-19) › Chapter 1 - PUBLIC LANDS (§§ 29-1-1 — 29-1-211) › IN GENERAL (§§ 29-1-1 — 29-1-149) › Section 29-1-125 - Collection of sums due state arising from mineral interests

The State Tax Commission is authorized, empowered, and directed to collect and receive any and all sums of money due the State of Mississippi as royalties or other returns arising as a result of the ownership of tax-forfeited lands, title to which is vested in the state and which lands have not been sold; and the commission is further authorized, empowered and directed to determine the interest of the state in any royalties or other mineral interests due it and accruing or arising from ownership, lease, or otherwise, excepting only lands owned by the state and its institutions which are under the control of a legally constituted board of trustees or other agency having the power to enforce all the rights of the state.
Codes, 1942, § 4078-01; Laws, 1950, ch. 560, § 1.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 29 - PUBLIC LANDS, BUILDINGS AND PROPERTY (§§ 29-1-1 — 29-18-19) › Chapter 1 - PUBLIC LANDS (§§ 29-1-1 — 29-1-211) › IN GENERAL (§§ 29-1-1 — 29-1-149) › Section 29-1-127 - Reports as to mineral interests and payment of royalties and other returns

(1)
It shall be the duty of any and all persons, firms, or corporations having any interest in the lands described in Section
29-1-125
, or in minerals produced from said lands, when requested, to report to the State Tax Commission, on forms furnished and prescribed by it, full information with respect to the interest held, claimed, or owned and of any oil, gas, sulphur, or other mineral products which have been produced or transported by such person, firm, or corporation, and all pertinent or necessary information with respect thereto. Such reports shall be made regardless of the kind of title or interest held, whether as tenant, lessee, producer, purchaser, or transporter. All parties or persons shall pay the State Tax Commission, as agent of the state, any royalties or other returns due the state by reason of its ownership of lands or any interest therein, and shall make full and complete disclosure of all pertinent facts with respect to such matters.
(2)
Any person responsible for the payment of royalties or other returns and the distribution of royalties or other returns shall make a report on or before the tenth day of each month, on forms prescribed and furnished by the commission, showing for each oil, gas, or sulphur well or any gravel pit or quarry the total quantity of oil, gas, or other minerals produced in the preceding month, the value in money, the name and address of each person receiving or entitled to receive royalties or other returns, the name and address of the person or persons receiving or purchasing the output of the well, pit, or quarry, and other information required by the commission. The report shall show the quantity and value in money of the product which is owned by the state as owner of the title to the land, and shall remit with the report the total amount due the state. Remittance may be by check or bank draft, but this shall not be a discharge of the debt until the state has received the amount in legal tender.
Codes, 1942, § 4078-02; Laws, 1950, ch. 560, §§ 2, 3.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 29 - PUBLIC LANDS, BUILDINGS AND PROPERTY (§§ 29-1-1 — 29-18-19) › Chapter 1 - PUBLIC LANDS (§§ 29-1-1 — 29-1-211) › IN GENERAL (§§ 29-1-1 — 29-1-149) › Section 29-1-129 - Accounting for and disposition of monies collected or received

All monies received or collected by the State Tax Commission under Sections
29-1-125
through
29-1-143
shall be separately accounted for and a permanent record made thereof, showing all proper and necessary details as to the source from which collected, the payor, the quantity, kind, and value of products for which paid, and the description of lands from which severed if the state is the owner of the lands, or the royalties; and it shall issue receipts therefor to the person or persons paying the money. All money collected and received shall be deposited in the bank and paid into the general fund of the state on or before the 10th day of the month following the collection.
Codes, 1942, § 4078-03; Laws, 1950, ch. 560, § 4.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 29 - PUBLIC LANDS, BUILDINGS AND PROPERTY (§§ 29-1-1 — 29-18-19) › Chapter 1 - PUBLIC LANDS (§§ 29-1-1 — 29-1-211) › IN GENERAL (§§ 29-1-1 — 29-1-149) › Section 29-1-131 - Powers and duties of Department of Revenue

The commission is hereby empowered and authorized to do and require to be done the following things:
(a)
Prepare and furnish all necessary forms for use by persons making reports as required by Sections
29-1-125
through
29-1-143
; to adopt and issue rules and regulations for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of said sections and for the collection of all sums due the state under the provisions hereof; and to provide for orderly and reasonable procedure for details and for situations which arise from time to time.
(b)
To require the state land commissioner to furnish all needed data available in his office.
(c)
To require the state oil and gas board to furnish all needed data available in its office.
(d)
To require any owner, producer, purchaser, or transporter of any oil, gas, or other minerals to furnish any needed and useful information pertinent to the administration of the cited sections, and in the possession of any such parties; and to require the said persons to furnish monthly reports with respect to current operations.
(e)
To require any chancery clerk, or other officer in the state having public records, to furnish copies of any needed and useful information or record in his possession.
Any member of the commission or its authorized agents shall have the authority to examine any book, paper, record, or other data when considered necessary or useful in the administration of the aforesaid sections, and this shall include the right to examine the records of any bank, any common carrier, or any dealer in materials or merchandise commonly used in the severance of oil, gas, or other minerals from land; the commission shall have the right to summon any person as a witness to testify to any pertinent fact; and the commission, through the Attorney General, may have proceedings instituted in the proper court to compel compliance with the foregoing provisions.
(f)
Make use of any tax return in its possession, when such return contains information relative to matters connected with the administration of said sections.
Codes, 1942, § 4078-04; Laws, 1950, ch. 560, § 5.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 29 - PUBLIC LANDS, BUILDINGS AND PROPERTY (§§ 29-1-1 — 29-18-19) › Chapter 1 - PUBLIC LANDS (§§ 29-1-1 — 29-1-211) › IN GENERAL (§§ 29-1-1 — 29-1-149) › Section 29-1-133 - Information to be furnished to State Tax Commission

The state land commissioner and the state oil and gas board shall furnish, when requested by the commission, a certified copy of any document, record, letter, or other data needed and useful in the administration of Sections
29-1-125
through
29-1-143
, and shall give any information that they have with respect to matters in controversy. The state land commissioner shall furnish a list of all state owned lands shown by the records in his office, if the lands are located in a county or in counties adjoining a county in which is located any oil or gas field in the state.
Codes, 1942, § 4078-05; Laws, 1950, ch. 560, § 6.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 29 - PUBLIC LANDS, BUILDINGS AND PROPERTY (§§ 29-1-1 — 29-18-19) › Chapter 1 - PUBLIC LANDS (§§ 29-1-1 — 29-1-211) › IN GENERAL (§§ 29-1-1 — 29-1-149) › Section 29-1-135 - Lien of state

The state shall have a lien on all oil, gas, or other minerals produced from any land owned by it or in which it has any interest, and this lien shall exist and continue against such oil, gas, or other minerals when in the hands of the first owner after severance, the producer, lessee, or transporter. If any of said parties fail to make provision for the payment of the sums due the state, they shall be personally liable, individually and severally, to the state for all sums lawfully due to it.
Codes, 1942, § 4078-06; Laws, 1950, ch. 560, § 7.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 29 - PUBLIC LANDS, BUILDINGS AND PROPERTY (§§ 29-1-1 — 29-18-19) › Chapter 1 - PUBLIC LANDS (§§ 29-1-1 — 29-1-211) › IN GENERAL (§§ 29-1-1 — 29-1-149) › Section 29-1-137 - Powers and duties of Attorney General

The Attorney General of the state shall act as attorney for the commission and shall advise it as to all questions arising in connection with the administration of Sections
29-1-125
through
29-1-143
, and as to all matters in controversy. He shall represent the commission in any and all suits at law or equity arising from the administration of said sections, and shall bring suit for the collection of any sum due the state on behalf of the commission, as the agent of the state, in all cases which he believes the conditions warrant suit. He may, if deemed advisable, sue in his own name as the chief law officer of the state. He shall represent the commission in all cases involving the title of lands in question, and on any and all other matters arising from the administration of the cited sections.
The Attorney General may request and direct any district attorney to aid in the trial of any suit in the district which he serves and, when so requested, the district attorney shall assist in the conduct and trial of any suit in his district; but the Attorney General shall prepare all bills, declarations, and pleadings.
Codes, 1942, § 4078-07; Laws, 1950, ch. 560, § 8.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 29 - PUBLIC LANDS, BUILDINGS AND PROPERTY (§§ 29-1-1 — 29-18-19) › Chapter 1 - PUBLIC LANDS (§§ 29-1-1 — 29-1-211) › IN GENERAL (§§ 29-1-1 — 29-1-149) › Section 29-1-139 - Agents of Department of Revenue

The commission shall use as its agents any person employed by the commissioner as provided by law, and assigned to and accepted by the commission; and any such persons, when properly authorized, shall have the power to act to the same extent as the commission itself, except as to such matters that require the adoption of a formal order by the commission.
Codes, 1942, § 4078-08; Laws, 1950, ch. 560, § 9.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 29 - PUBLIC LANDS, BUILDINGS AND PROPERTY (§§ 29-1-1 — 29-18-19) › Chapter 1 - PUBLIC LANDS (§§ 29-1-1 — 29-1-211) › IN GENERAL (§§ 29-1-1 — 29-1-149) › Section 29-1-141 - Interest on unpaid sums

All due but unpaid and delinquent sums shall bear interest at the rate of one half of one percent (1/2 of 1%) a month from the month in which due until paid, and a fractional month shall be considered a month. Any amount not reported and paid when due shall be increased by a penalty of ten percent (10%) and interest on the principal, as in other cases of nonpayment.
Codes, 1942, § 4078-09; Laws, 1950, ch. 560, § 10.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 29 - PUBLIC LANDS, BUILDINGS AND PROPERTY (§§ 29-1-1 — 29-18-19) › Chapter 1 - PUBLIC LANDS (§§ 29-1-1 — 29-1-211) › IN GENERAL (§§ 29-1-1 — 29-1-149) › Section 29-1-143 - Jurisdiction of chancery court

The chancery court shall have jurisdiction of all matters and causes, including suits and appeals from the commission, arising from the administration of Sections
29-1-125
through
29-1-143
, except such causes and suits which the constitution gives to the circuit court. All suits in court shall be governed by the established rules of procedure for the court where the suit is maintained. The commission, as the agent of the state, may be made a party defendant as a citizen, and all process for the commission shall be served on its secretary.
Codes, 1942, § 4078-10; Laws, 1950, ch. 560, § 11.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 29 - PUBLIC LANDS, BUILDINGS AND PROPERTY (§§ 29-1-1 — 29-18-19) › Chapter 1 - PUBLIC LANDS (§§ 29-1-1 — 29-1-211) › IN GENERAL (§§ 29-1-1 — 29-1-149) › Section 29-1-145 - State reimbursement of county or municipality for maintenance costs of land to be sold for unpaid taxes

The chancery clerk or municipal clerk shall report to the Secretary of State any reasonable costs incurred by the county or municipality in maintaining unredeemed lands sold for taxes while those lands remain unsold. The Secretary of State shall pay the maintenance costs out of the money deposited into the Land Records Maintenance Fund. The Secretary of State shall certify to the Department of Finance and Administration and to the State Treasurer the amount of maintenance costs allowed to the county and municipality, and the Department of Finance and Administration shall issue a warrant in favor of the county or municipality for the amount of those costs. In no event shall the maintenance costs allowed the county or municipality exceed the market value of the lands or the purchase money received from the sale of those lands.
Laws, 1994, ch. 583, § 1; Laws, 1995, ch. 352, § 1, eff. 7/1/1995.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 29 - PUBLIC LANDS, BUILDINGS AND PROPERTY (§§ 29-1-1 — 29-18-19) › Chapter 1 - PUBLIC LANDS (§§ 29-1-1 — 29-1-211) › IN GENERAL (§§ 29-1-1 — 29-1-149) › Section 29-1-147 - Relinquishment by state of claims for certain forfeited tax lands

All apparent title and claims of the State of Mississippi to and for lands on account of their sale for delinquent taxes before January 1, 1950, held by the state on January 1, 1995, are hereby vacated and relinquished, leaving apparent title in those who would have been the owners of the land had not such sales been made, or their lawful grantees or assigns, if any, provided said grantees or assigns are now paying and have paid taxes on said property.
Laws, 1994, ch. 583, § 2, eff. 7/1/1994.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 29 - PUBLIC LANDS, BUILDINGS AND PROPERTY (§§ 29-1-1 — 29-18-19) › Chapter 1 - PUBLIC LANDS (§§ 29-1-1 — 29-1-211) › IN GENERAL (§§ 29-1-1 — 29-1-149) › Section 29-1-149 - Report of transactions for all conveyances of real property

Each agency, department, community or junior college and public institution of higher learning of the State of Mississippi shall file a report of transactions for all conveyances of real property, whether purchased, sold, leased, donated or acquired as a gift or through the process of eminent domain, to the Department of Finance and Administration Bureau of Buildings, Grounds and Real Property on a basis determined by the department for the filing of such reports. However, reports, at a minimum, shall be filed with the department at least once annually.
Added by Laws, 2013, ch. 399, HB 1265, 1, eff. 3/20/2013.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 29 - PUBLIC LANDS, BUILDINGS AND PROPERTY (§§ 29-1-1 — 29-18-19) › Chapter 1 - PUBLIC LANDS (§§ 29-1-1 — 29-1-211) › LEASE OR RENTAL OF CERTAIN STATE-OWNED LANDS IN JACKSON (§§ 29-1-201 — 29-1-211) › Section 29-1-207 - [Repealed]

Repealed by Laws, 1995, ch. 516, § 5, eff. 3/31/1995.
Laws, 1989, ch. 564, § 2.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 29 - PUBLIC LANDS, BUILDINGS AND PROPERTY (§§ 29-1-1 — 29-18-19) › Chapter 1 - PUBLIC LANDS (§§ 29-1-1 — 29-1-211) › LEASE OR RENTAL OF CERTAIN STATE-OWNED LANDS IN JACKSON (§§ 29-1-201 — 29-1-211) › Section 29-1-209 - Use of property leased; reversion of property to state

(1)
It is expressly provided and stipulated that the land which is conveyed pursuant to Sections
29-1-205
and
29-1-209
shall be used in the furtherance of the work of the organization and with the understanding that if or when the property is no longer used exclusively for that purpose that the title to the property and all improvements, rights and appurtenances thereon shall revert to and be vested in the State of Mississippi, under the following condition: Consideration for the reversion of any improvements constructed on the property by the organization shall be paid by the State of Mississippi to the organization from any funds appropriated or otherwise made available for such purpose. Consideration for such reversion shall be the average of the fair market value of such improvements as determined by two (2) professional property appraisers, one (1) of whom to be selected by the Department of Finance and Administration and one (1) of whom to be selected by the organization, who are certified and licensed by the Mississippi Real Estate Appraisal Board. Appraisal fees shall be paid by the selecting party. Fair consideration shall also be paid by the State of Mississippi for any payments made by the nationally recognized organization to the state for the purchase of such property.
(2)
It is expressly provided that the land which is conveyed pursuant to Sections
29-1-205
and
29-1-209
shall automatically revert to and be vested in the state if construction of the national headquarters has not commenced within two (2) years from the conveyance of such property.
Laws, 1989, ch. 564, § 3; Laws, 1995, ch. 516, § 2, eff. 3/31/1995.
Amended by Laws, 2023, ch. 501, SB 2673,§ 22, eff. 7/1/2023.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 29 - PUBLIC LANDS, BUILDINGS AND PROPERTY (§§ 29-1-1 — 29-18-19) › Chapter 1 - PUBLIC LANDS (§§ 29-1-1 — 29-1-211) › LEASE OR RENTAL OF CERTAIN STATE-OWNED LANDS IN JACKSON (§§ 29-1-201 — 29-1-211) › Section 29-1-211 - Exemption from ad valorem taxation

The conveyance of the property pursuant to Sections
29-1-205
and
29-1-209
, being for the aforesaid public purpose, the property and any improvements located thereon are exempted from ad valorem taxation.
Laws, 1995, ch. 516, § 3, eff. 3/31/1995.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 29 - PUBLIC LANDS, BUILDINGS AND PROPERTY (§§ 29-1-1 — 29-18-19) › Chapter 3 - SIXTEENTH SECTION AND LIEU LANDS (§§ 29-3-1 — 29-3-183) › IN GENERAL (§§ 29-3-1 — 29-3-141) › Section 29-3-1 - Board of education to have control; management of lands and funds as trust property; disapproval by board of supervisors of rental value of lands; definitions

(1)
Sixteenth section school lands, or lands granted in lieu thereof, constitute property held in trust for the benefit of the public schools and must be treated as such. The board of education under the general supervision of the state land commissioner, shall have control and jurisdiction of said school trust lands and of all funds arising from any disposition thereof heretofore or hereafter made. It shall be the duty of the board of education to manage the school trust lands and all funds arising therefrom as trust property. Accordingly, the board shall assure that adequate compensation is received for all uses of the trust lands, except for uses by the public schools.
(2)
In the event the board of supervisors declines to approve the rental value of the land set by the board of education, the board of education shall within ten (10) days appoint one (1) appraiser, the board of supervisors shall within twenty (20) days appoint one (1) appraiser and the two (2) appraisers so appointed shall within twenty (20) days appoint a third appraiser whose duty it shall be to appraise the land, exclusive of buildings and improvements, the title to which is not held in trust for the public schools, and to file a written report with each board setting forth their recommendation for the rental value of the land within thirty (30) days. The cost of the appraisal shall be paid from any available sixteenth section school funds or other school funds of the district. If no appeal is taken within twenty (20) days as provided hereunder, the lease shall be executed in accordance with said recommended rental value within thirty (30) days of the receipt of the appraisers' report. In the event any party is aggrieved by the decision of the appraisers setting forth the appraised rental value, the party so aggrieved shall be entitled to an appeal to the chancery court in which the land is located. Such appeal shall be taken within twenty (20) days following the decision. The chancery court, on appeal, may review all of the proceedings, may receive additional evidence, and make findings of fact, as well as conclusions of law to insure that a fair and reasonable return may be obtained on the sixteenth section lands or lands in lieu thereof.
Codes, 1942, § 6598-01; Laws, 1958, ch. 303, § 1; Laws, 1974, ch. 341, §§ 1, 2; Laws, 1978, ch. 525, § 5, eff. 7/1/1978.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 29 - PUBLIC LANDS, BUILDINGS AND PROPERTY (§§ 29-1-1 — 29-18-19) › Chapter 3 - SIXTEENTH SECTION AND LIEU LANDS (§§ 29-3-1 — 29-3-183) › IN GENERAL (§§ 29-3-1 — 29-3-141) › Section 29-3-1.1 - Definitions

For purposes of this chapter, the following terms shall have the meaning ascribed herein, unless the context shall otherwise require.
(a)
"Board of education" shall mean that school board of the school district in whose present jurisdiction (i) is situated a sixteenth section of land, or (ii) was originally situated a sixteenth section of land for which land has been granted in lieu thereof. Provided, however, that in the event a sixteenth section is situated within two (2) or more school districts, the term "board of education" shall mean that school board whose school district embraces the greatest land area within the township in which said sixteenth section is located.
(b)
"Superintendent of education" shall mean that superintendent of schools of a school district whose board of education has control and jurisdiction over any sixteenth section lands or lands granted in lieu thereof.
Laws, 1978, ch. 525, § 1, as amended by Section 201 of Chapter 492, Laws, 1986; Laws, 2004, ch. 357, § 21, eff. 7/1/2004.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 29 - PUBLIC LANDS, BUILDINGS AND PROPERTY (§§ 29-1-1 — 29-18-19) › Chapter 3 - SIXTEENTH SECTION AND LIEU LANDS (§§ 29-3-1 — 29-3-183) › IN GENERAL (§§ 29-3-1 — 29-3-141) › Section 29-3-2 - Secretary of State to assist in school trust land management

It shall be the duty of the Secretary of State to assist the local school districts, when so requested, in establishing and maintaining local school trust land management systems. The Secretary of State shall also identify and coordinate consultative services which might be available to the school districts from other agencies within the state.
Laws, 1978, ch. 525, § 48; Laws, 1988, ch. 518, § 19, eff. 7/1/1988.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 29 - PUBLIC LANDS, BUILDINGS AND PROPERTY (§§ 29-1-1 — 29-18-19) › Chapter 3 - SIXTEENTH SECTION AND LIEU LANDS (§§ 29-3-1 — 29-3-183) › IN GENERAL (§§ 29-3-1 — 29-3-141) › Section 29-3-3 - Suits to establish title

The board of education may employ one (1) or more competent persons to ascertain the true condition of the title and to institute and prosecute, in the chancery court of the county where the land lies, all necessary suits to establish and confirm the title to each parcel of such land and to fix the date of the expiration of any lease of the same. If any person claim any of said land in fee simple or upon any other terms than that of a lease to expire at a fixed date with absolute reversion to the state in trust, or if the title to such lands rest in parol by destruction of records or otherwise, suit shall be instituted at once or as soon as practicable to test the legality of such claims or to re-establish the lost record.
Codes, 1930, § 6756; 1942, § 6594; Laws, 1924, ch. 283; Laws, 1930, ch. 278; Laws, 1978, ch. 525, § 6, eff. 7/1/1978.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 29 - PUBLIC LANDS, BUILDINGS AND PROPERTY (§§ 29-1-1 — 29-18-19) › Chapter 3 - SIXTEENTH SECTION AND LIEU LANDS (§§ 29-3-1 — 29-3-183) › IN GENERAL (§§ 29-3-1 — 29-3-141) › Section 29-3-5 - Abstracts of title; alternative title searches by attorneys

(1)
A complete abstract of title may be made of each parcel of said land, and such abstract shall contain references, by book and page, to the acts of congress, the acts of the legislature, and to all records relating thereto. Every such abstract shall be duly certified and recorded in the record of deeds, and be styled and indexed under the head of "School Trust Lands, S____________________, T____________________, R____________________." Said abstract shall be so styled and indexed whether the land be in a sixteenth section or in another section taken in lieu of it, and the original shall be deposited in the land office.
(2)
As an alternative to the requirements of subsection (1), a personal examination of the sixteenth section land records by a licensed practicing attorney of the State of Mississippi shall be sufficient, provided it is accompanied by an attorney's title certificate and opinion certifying to the ownership of each sixteenth section. Said title certificate and opinion shall include a complete listing of all persons entitled to possession of said lands and the true condition of the title of said lands.
Codes, 1930, § 6757; 1942, § 6595; Laws, 1924, ch. 283; Laws, 1930, ch. 278; Laws, 1978, ch. 525, § 7, eff. 7/1/1978.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 29 - PUBLIC LANDS, BUILDINGS AND PROPERTY (§§ 29-1-1 — 29-18-19) › Chapter 3 - SIXTEENTH SECTION AND LIEU LANDS (§§ 29-3-1 — 29-3-183) › IN GENERAL (§§ 29-3-1 — 29-3-141) › Section 29-3-7 - Adverse possession

Adverse possession for a period of twenty-five (25) years, under a claim of right or title, shall be prima facie evidence in such case that the law authorizing the disposition of the lands has been complied with and the lease or sale duly made. If the claim be under a lease, the time at which the lease expires shall be fixed by the court.
Codes, 1930, § 6758; 1942, § 6596; Laws, 1924, ch. 283; Laws, 1930, ch. 278.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 29 - PUBLIC LANDS, BUILDINGS AND PROPERTY (§§ 29-1-1 — 29-18-19) › Chapter 3 - SIXTEENTH SECTION AND LIEU LANDS (§§ 29-3-1 — 29-3-183) › IN GENERAL (§§ 29-3-1 — 29-3-141) › Section 29-3-9 - Compliance with title requirements

In all cases where this chapter has not been complied with, the official involved shall forthwith comply with same. It shall be the duty of the state land commissioner to ascertain whether or not said statutes have been complied with. If said state land commissioner shall find that said statutes have not been complied with in any case, he shall call the same to the attention of the board of education involved. If any board of education shall fail or refuse to comply with the mandate of this section, then the action of mandamus shall lie to compel such compliance, and such action may be brought either by the attorney general or any resident citizen of the State of Mississippi on the relation of the attorney general. If the state land commissioner shall find that any board of education is failing to take the necessary steps to effectively comply with said statutes in any case, he shall so certify to the attorney general. It shall thereupon be the duty of the attorney general to institute an action for issuance of a writ of mandamus as hereinabove provided, and to such end he is hereby authorized and empowered to employ competent local counsel to assist him in the prosecution of the same. It shall also be the duty of the state land commissioner in conjunction with the attorney general, to submit a special report in writing to the next regular session of the legislature, which said report shall set forth any instances of noncompliance with said chapter and the steps which have been taken to secure compliance with same.
Codes, 1942, § 6598-04; Laws, 1958, ch. 303, § 4; Laws, 1978, ch. 525, § 8, eff. 7/1/1978.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 29 - PUBLIC LANDS, BUILDINGS AND PROPERTY (§§ 29-1-1 — 29-18-19) › Chapter 3 - SIXTEENTH SECTION AND LIEU LANDS (§§ 29-3-1 — 29-3-183) › IN GENERAL (§§ 29-3-1 — 29-3-141) › Section 29-3-11 - Board of education to ascertain whether county has title to lieu lands; certification to land commissioner where it does not

It shall likewise be the duty of the board of education to ascertain whether or not such county has title to all lieu lands to which it may, by law, be entitled. If it is determined that such county does not have title to all such lands, the board of education shall certify the fact to the state land commissioner who shall institute proper proceedings to secure such lands for such county.
Codes, 1942, § 6598-05; Laws, 1958, ch. 303, § 5; Laws, 1978, ch. 525, § 9, eff. 7/1/1978.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 29 - PUBLIC LANDS, BUILDINGS AND PROPERTY (§§ 29-1-1 — 29-18-19) › Chapter 3 - SIXTEENTH SECTION AND LIEU LANDS (§§ 29-3-1 — 29-3-183) › IN GENERAL (§§ 29-3-1 — 29-3-141) › Section 29-3-13 - Exchange of lieu land with state

When the state owns land in a county which owns land located in another county granted in lieu of the sixteenth section school lands, generally known as "lieu lands," the Governor and land commissioner acting for the state and the board of education acting for such county may, by written agreement, exchange the land owned by the state in such county for "lieu lands" owned by such county in another county.
The title to the state-owned land shall be conveyed to such county by a patent signed by the Governor and land commissioner as other patents are executed under the law. The title to the lieu lands shall be conveyed to the state by deed signed by the superintendent of education on order of the board of education. The written agreement between the state and the county shall be recorded in the minutes of said board of education.
Codes, 1942, § 6627; Laws, 1936, ch. 319; Laws, 1978, ch. 525, § 10, eff. 7/1/1978.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 29 - PUBLIC LANDS, BUILDINGS AND PROPERTY (§§ 29-1-1 — 29-18-19) › Chapter 3 - SIXTEENTH SECTION AND LIEU LANDS (§§ 29-3-1 — 29-3-183) › IN GENERAL (§§ 29-3-1 — 29-3-141) › Section 29-3-15 - Sale of lieu lands situated outside county

Land granted in lieu of sixteenth section lands in this state and situated outside of the county holding or owning the same may be sold. Such lands shall be sold in accordance with the provisions of Sections
29-3-15
through
29-3-25
, and the proceeds from such sales may be invested in the manner prescribed by law.
Codes, 1942, §§ 4115, 6597-02; Laws, 1942, ch. 162; Laws, 1948, ch. 497, § 3.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 29 - PUBLIC LANDS, BUILDINGS AND PROPERTY (§§ 29-1-1 — 29-18-19) › Chapter 3 - SIXTEENTH SECTION AND LIEU LANDS (§§ 29-3-1 — 29-3-183) › IN GENERAL (§§ 29-3-1 — 29-3-141) › Section 29-3-17 - Lieu land commission

A commission is hereby established to be known as the lieu land commission, hereinafter referred to as the commission, and such commission shall consist of the attorney general, who shall be ex officio chairman, the secretary of state and the state land commissioner, who shall be ex officio secretary. Said lieu land commission shall have authority to sell all lands granted in lieu of sixteenth section land and located out of the county owning such land situated in the State of Mississippi. From and after July 1, 1981, said lieu land commission shall proceed to sell all such lands granted in lieu of sixteenth section land and located out of the county owning such land situated in the State of Mississippi.
Codes, 1942, § 4116; Laws, 1942, ch. 162; Laws, 1948, ch. 486; Laws, 1978, ch. 525, § 11, eff. 7/1/1978.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 29 - PUBLIC LANDS, BUILDINGS AND PROPERTY (§§ 29-1-1 — 29-18-19) › Chapter 3 - SIXTEENTH SECTION AND LIEU LANDS (§§ 29-3-1 — 29-3-183) › IN GENERAL (§§ 29-3-1 — 29-3-141) › Section 29-3-19 - Purchase of lieu lands

Any person desiring to purchase such lands shall file his application for the purchase of same with said lieu land commission upon application blanks to be supplied by said commission for said purpose, and said commission shall fix the price to be charged for said land; provided, however, in no event shall more than one hundred sixty (160) acres of said lands be sold to one (1) person within one (1) year, and in no event shall said lands be sold for less than the fair market value of the land. If the commission approves the application, said application shall then be forwarded to the superintendent of education of the county owning said land. In the event the superintendent and board of education approve said sale, the approval by said board of education being made by order of said board duly entered on its minutes, agreeing on the purchase price of said lands, then the Secretary of State and the Governor shall issue to such applicant a patent to such lands at and for the price agreed upon, such patent to be signed in accordance with the law governing the issuance of state patents. The money received therefor shall be paid into the proper principal fund as provided in Section
29-3-113
. Provided, however, the proceeds from the sale of such lieu lands may be used to purchase equivalent lands in the county which owned such lieu lands so sold, said purchase to be made as provided in Section
29-3-27
.
Codes, 1942, § 4117; Laws, 1942, ch. 162; Laws, 1978, ch. 525, § 12; Laws, 1989, ch. 375, § 1; Laws, 1989, ch. 430, § 1, eff. 3/22/1989.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 29 - PUBLIC LANDS, BUILDINGS AND PROPERTY (§§ 29-1-1 — 29-18-19) › Chapter 3 - SIXTEENTH SECTION AND LIEU LANDS (§§ 29-3-1 — 29-3-183) › IN GENERAL (§§ 29-3-1 — 29-3-141) › Section 29-3-21 - Mineral rights in lieu lands

All oil and mineral rights in and to the lieu lands disposed of under the provisions of Sections
29-3-15
through
29-3-25
shall be retained by said lieu land commission and shall remain the property of the township owning said lieu land.
Codes, 1942, § 4118; Laws, 1942, ch. 162; Laws, 1978, ch. 25, § 13, eff. 7/1/1978.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 29 - PUBLIC LANDS, BUILDINGS AND PROPERTY (§§ 29-1-1 — 29-18-19) › Chapter 3 - SIXTEENTH SECTION AND LIEU LANDS (§§ 29-3-1 — 29-3-183) › IN GENERAL (§§ 29-3-1 — 29-3-141) › Section 29-3-23 - Proceeds of sale of lieu lands

(1)
The proceeds derived from such sales shall be used for the benefit of the schools situated in the township owning the lands. The principal derived from the sale of such land shall not be spent, but only the interest and income derived from such funds may be spent.
(2)
[Repealed]
Codes, 1942, § 4119; Laws, 1942, ch. 162; Laws, 1978, ch. 525, § 14; Laws, 1999, ch. 369, § 1, eff. 3/15/1999.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 29 - PUBLIC LANDS, BUILDINGS AND PROPERTY (§§ 29-1-1 — 29-18-19) › Chapter 3 - SIXTEENTH SECTION AND LIEU LANDS (§§ 29-3-1 — 29-3-183) › IN GENERAL (§§ 29-3-1 — 29-3-141) › Section 29-3-25 - Report of sale of lieu lands

Said lieu land commission shall make a report to the Legislature every year, setting forth a statement of all such lands sold during that year, and shall file a copy of said report with the Secretary of State.
Codes, 1942, § 4120; Laws, 1942, ch. 162; Laws, 1970, ch. 551, eff. 7/1/1970.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 29 - PUBLIC LANDS, BUILDINGS AND PROPERTY (§§ 29-1-1 — 29-18-19) › Chapter 3 - SIXTEENTH SECTION AND LIEU LANDS (§§ 29-3-1 — 29-3-183) › IN GENERAL (§§ 29-3-1 — 29-3-141) › Section 29-3-31 - Survey and classification of lands in Choctaw Purchase

It is hereby made the duty of the board of education, using the services of all appropriate public agencies, to survey and classify all sixteenth section lands in the Choctaw purchase and lands granted in lieu thereof reserved for the support of township schools. Said lands shall be classified into eight (8) categories, as follows:
(1)
forest land;
(2)
agricultural land;
(3)
industrial land;
(4)
commercial land;
(5)
farm-residential land;
(6)
residential land;
(7)
recreational land; and
(8)
other land. The classifications shall be applied to said lands based upon the finding of the highest and best use of each parcel or tract for producing a maximum of revenue by proper utilization. In determining the highest and best use of these lands, the same principles shall be followed as are applied in determining the highest and best use of land in private ownership. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, all land that is being used as "residential land" or "farm-residential land" shall continue to be classified as "residential land" or "farm-residential land" until such land ceases to be used as a residence.
All sixteenth section lands in the Choctaw purchase and lands granted in lieu thereof, regardless of classification, shall be deemed to contain oil, gas and minerals, including the following:
(a)
oil, gas, carbon dioxide and other gaseous substances;
(b)
metals, compounds of metals or metal-bearing ores;
(c)
coal, including anthracite, bituminous, subbituminous, lignite and their constituent components and products and minerals intermingled or associated therewith; and
(d)
sulphur, salt, sand, gravel, fill dirt and clay.
Such oil, gas and minerals shall be leased for exploration, mining, production and development as provided for in Section
29-3-99
, regardless of the classifications of the lands in, on or under which such oil, gas and minerals are situated. Statutory procedures for the leasing of the surface of the land in such eight (8) classifications shall not apply to such oil, gas and minerals in, on or under such lands.
Such oil, gas and minerals shall be deemed a separate classification of sixteenth section lands for the purpose of Section 211 of the Mississippi Constitution.
Codes, 1942, § 6598-06; Laws, 1958, ch. 303, § 6; Laws, 1978, ch. 525, § 17; Laws, 1992, ch. 486 § 1, eff. 5/7/1992.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 29 - PUBLIC LANDS, BUILDINGS AND PROPERTY (§§ 29-1-1 — 29-18-19) › Chapter 3 - SIXTEENTH SECTION AND LIEU LANDS (§§ 29-3-1 — 29-3-183) › IN GENERAL (§§ 29-3-1 — 29-3-141) › Section 29-3-35 - Public agencies to assist in classification

The board of education is authorized and empowered to supervise and direct the classification of all sixteenth section lands or lieu lands, according to the definition hereinabove set out. In making the classifications provided by Sections
29-3-31
through
29-3-39
, the board of education is authorized and empowered to request the services of any public agency within this state which is equipped and qualified to assist in such classification. It is hereby made the duty of any such agency when so requested to assist the board of education in making such classification.
Codes, 1942, § 6598-08; Laws, 1958, ch. 303, § 8; Laws, 1978, ch. 525, § 19, eff. 7/1/1978.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 29 - PUBLIC LANDS, BUILDINGS AND PROPERTY (§§ 29-1-1 — 29-18-19) › Chapter 3 - SIXTEENTH SECTION AND LIEU LANDS (§§ 29-3-1 — 29-3-183) › IN GENERAL (§§ 29-3-1 — 29-3-141) › Section 29-3-37 - Objections to classification

At any time when any or all portions of such land lying in a county shall have been classified as hereinabove required, a classification report shall be compiled by the board of education and filed with the public lands division of the secretary of state who shall provide forms for such purpose. The board of education shall immediately cause notice to be given of the completion of such classification, such notice to be published in a newspaper in said county once each week for three (3) consecutive weeks, or if no newspaper is published in said county then in a newspaper having a general circulation therein, listing all lands so classified and notifying all parties in interest that they will have a right to appeal and object to the classification as made. If no objections are made as to the classification of any particular parcel of said land by the public lands division of the secretary of state or any other party in interest, which objection must be reduced to writing and filed with the chancery clerk within thirty (30) days from the date of the final publication, the classification as to such parcel or parcels of land shall be final. A copy of such notice shall be mailed by the superintendent of education to each lessee of any part of such lands, such notice to be so mailed not later than the date of the first publication of the notice of the classification of such land, which notice shall also set forth the classification which has been established for all lands under lease by such lessee. If objections are filed, then the matter shall be heard by the chancery court in term time or in vacation, and the court shall either confirm or modify the classification as the circumstances shall demand. Upon the filing of such objection by an individual other than the public lands division of the secretary of state, the chancery clerk shall immediately forward a certified copy of such objection to the public lands division of the secretary of state and the appropriate board of education, along with any necessary service of process. The public lands division of the Secretary of State and any other person aggrieved by the order of the chancery court shall have the same rights of appeal as is provided by law for appeals from other orders of the chancery court, and such appeal shall be perfected as other appeals are now required to be so perfected.
The cost of any such classification or reclassification under Section
29-3-39
shall be paid from any available sixteenth section school funds or other school funds of the district.
Codes, 1942, § 6598-09; Laws, 1958, ch. 303, § 9; Laws, 1978, ch. 525, § 20; Laws, 1983, ch. 454, eff. 3/31/1983.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 29 - PUBLIC LANDS, BUILDINGS AND PROPERTY (§§ 29-1-1 — 29-18-19) › Chapter 3 - SIXTEENTH SECTION AND LIEU LANDS (§§ 29-3-1 — 29-3-183) › IN GENERAL (§§ 29-3-1 — 29-3-141) › Section 29-3-39 - Reclassification of lands

It shall be the duty of the board of education to survey periodically the classification of all sixteenth section land under its jurisdiction and to reclassify that land as it may deem advisable because of changes of conditions, and when any land is so reclassified, the board of education shall file a report thereof with the Secretary of State. From time to time the Secretary of State may institute proceedings to reclassify any sixteenth section lands which he may deem advisable and when any land is so reclassified, the Secretary of State shall file a report thereof with the board of education. When any land is reclassified under this section, notice thereof, rights to object thereto and rights to appeal therefrom shall be given in the same manner provided in Section
29-3-37
with reference to the original classification. However, all sixteenth section land shall be classified, or reclassified as is necessary, within one (1) year prior to the expiration date of any existing lease, and within sixty (60) days of the terminating of any lease of sixteenth section land by final court order. In all litigation which may result from the classification or reclassification of lands by the Secretary of State under Sections
29-3-31
through
29-3-39
, the Secretary of State shall be represented by the Attorney General, who shall have control of the litigation except as otherwise authorized in Section
7-5-39
, but it shall be the duty of the various boards of education to furnish local legal assistance when requested so to do by the Attorney General.
Codes, 1942, § 6598-10; Laws, 1958, ch. 303, § 10; Laws, 1978, ch. 525, § 21; Laws, 2012, ch. 546, § 13, eff. 7/1/2012.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 29 - PUBLIC LANDS, BUILDINGS AND PROPERTY (§§ 29-1-1 — 29-18-19) › Chapter 3 - SIXTEENTH SECTION AND LIEU LANDS (§§ 29-3-1 — 29-3-183) › IN GENERAL (§§ 29-3-1 — 29-3-141) › Section 29-3-40 - Farm residential or residential lands exchanged for other lands of equal value

The land commissioner is authorized, in his discretion, to make a feasibility study to determine if sixteenth section lands and lieu lands classified as farm residential or residential lands could be exchanged for other lands of equal value located within the same county, without injury to the value of the lands held in trust for the public schools.
Laws, 1978, ch. 525, § 50, eff. 7/1/1978.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 29 - PUBLIC LANDS, BUILDINGS AND PROPERTY (§§ 29-1-1 — 29-18-19) › Chapter 3 - SIXTEENTH SECTION AND LIEU LANDS (§§ 29-3-1 — 29-3-183) › IN GENERAL (§§ 29-3-1 — 29-3-141) › Section 29-3-43 - Improvements on forest lands

If any sixteenth section land is declared forest land at the end of a lease, the board of education shall make an appraisal and either pay a suitable amount to the lessee for the improvements or allow lessee to remove the same from the section land.
Codes, 1942, § 6598-15; Laws, 1958, ch. 303, § 15; Laws, 1978, ch. 525, § 23, eff. 7/1/1978.