MS SB2969

Amends provisions for creating public improvement districts and selecting five-member boards of directors, allowing initial board members to be either individual residents or entities qualified to do business in the state.

Modifies voter qualification and voting procedures for board member elections, permitting voting by proxy and allowing cumulative voting or weighted voting based on assessment ratios if adopted by district bylaws.

Expands district authority to levy user charges and fees for services rendered within one mile outside district boundaries, and allows districts to invest unused funds in municipal, state, and federal obligations, certificates of deposit, and money market funds.

Authorizes districts to finance infrastructure projects within or benefiting the district, including street lights, underground utilities, and systems defined under Section 21-27-11(b); establishes benefit and maintenance special assessments collectible alongside county property taxes.

Requires newspaper notice of public hearings on rate changes to be published in county newspapers with general circulation; allows boundary expansion or contraction petitions filed by district boards requiring only consent of landowners in the affected area.