MS HB873

Exempts school districts from publishing newspaper notices of budget revenue increases when the additional revenue comes solely from rising property values rather than an increase in the millage rate

Requires school boards seeking this exemption to obtain written verification from the Office of the State Auditor confirming no millage rate increase, which must be recorded in board minutes

Maintains existing advertising requirements when school districts propose actual increases to ad valorem tax millage rates, including two weeks of newspaper advertisements before budget adoption

Advertisements for millage rate increases must be at least one-fourth page in size with 18-point type and a solid black border, published in a general circulation newspaper

Public hearings remain required for proposed millage rate increases, allowing citizens to speak and present evidence before any vote is taken