JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – Hinds County Chancery Court Judge Dewayne Thomas sided with the plaintiffs’ motion to add defendants in the House Bill 1020 lawsuit.

Thomas ruled Wednesday evening that the State of Mississippi, Gov. Tate Reeves and Attorney General Lynn Fitch could be added to the suit in their official capacities.

Counsel representing the plaintiffs argued the three defendants have an essential role in enforcing House Bill 1020, while attorneys representing the state argued their involvement was outside the scope of the lawsuit.

The judge also dismissed Chief Justice Michael K. Randolph and Hinds County Circuit Clerk Zack Wallace from the lawsuit.

This lawsuit is one of two lawsuits challenging laws Republican Gov. Tate Reeves signed April 21. The laws will expand state policing in the capital city of Jackson, establish a court with an appointed judge and authorize four appointed judges to work alongside the four elected circuit court judges in Hinds County, which is home to Jackson.

Local residents protested that the majority-white and Republican-led Mississippi Legislature was trying to usurp power in Jackson, which is majority-Black and governed by Democrats.

A ruling on the constitutionality of House Bill 1020 is expected to come down between Friday, May 12 and Monday, May 15.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.