Mandatory pro-bono in Mississippi

Three days ago I noted that the Mississippi Supreme Court is considering requiring attorneys to perform 20 hours of pro bono service. Today, Law.com is reporting on the story here. Law.com's report adds that under the proposed plan attorneys who do not perform the mandated hours would have to pay a $500 fee. It is not clear whether the fee is to be paid as a form of punishment or as a way to comply with the obligation by providing funding for legal services.