MS HB1496

Appropriates $11,556,153.00 from the State General Fund and $2,757,965.00 from special funds to the Mississippi Library Commission for fiscal year 2012 (July 1, 2011 - June 30, 2012).

Authorizes 52 permanent full-time positions for the commission and requires the agency to maintain accounting records in the same format as fiscal year 2011.

Allocates $3,496,512.00 specifically for health insurance costs of full-time library staff members in Mississippi public libraries.

Requires a minimum expenditure of $1,000,000.00 for the Magnolia Database unless budget cuts require proportional reduction.

Establishes performance targets including 200 grants provided, 6,000,000 database searches, 50 public library visits, and 96% attendee satisfaction rating for continuing education programs.