MS HB91

Prohibits all state agencies from purchasing equipment, hiring new employees, or promoting, reclassifying, reallocating, or realigning pay grades through June 30, 2011, due to severe budget concerns.

Allows state agencies to appeal to the State Fiscal Officer for exemptions if a serious emergency exists that prevents the agency from carrying out its essential mission.

Requires the State Fiscal Officer to hold hearings within 15 days of appeal notice, or within 3 days for the Department of Mental Health or State Veterans Affairs Board seeking to hire replacement patient/client care employees.

Permits agencies to take otherwise prohibited actions if funded entirely by federal funds, or with State Fiscal Officer authorization following a demonstration of emergency necessity.

Amends Section 25-9-116 to require the State Personnel Board to institute an immediate suspension of all hirings and related personnel actions, effective through June 30, 2011.