MS HB39

Prohibits state agencies from purchasing equipment, hiring new employees, or promoting/reclassifying/realigning pay grades for employees through June 30, 2012, due to severe budget concerns.

Allows state agencies to appeal equipment purchases or hiring actions to the State Fiscal Officer, who must hold a hearing within 15 days (or 3 days for Department of Mental Health or State Veterans Affairs Board seeking direct patient/client care replacements).

Requires appealing agencies to demonstrate a serious emergency exists that prevents the agency from carrying out its essential mission to gain State Fiscal Officer approval.

Permits state agencies to hire new employees and take otherwise prohibited actions if all funds are federal funds.

Amends Section 25-9-116 to mandate State Personnel Board suspension of all hirings, promotions, and pay grade changes through June 30, 2012, reverting to discretionary authority thereafter based on State Fiscal Officer recommendation.