MS SB3082

Appropriates $11,971,882.00 to the Office of the Secretary of State for fiscal year 2012 (July 1, 2011 - June 30, 2012) with authorization for 99 permanent full-time positions.

Restricts personal services funding to fiscal year 2012 levels in fiscal year 2013 unless new programs or positions are added by the legislature, with escalations requiring Department of Finance and Administration approval.

Establishes multiple special funds for the Secretary of State including the Securities Enforcement Fund, Land Records Maintenance Fund, Public Trust Tidelands Fund, Help America Vote Fund (capped at $500,000), and Elections Support Fund (capped at $3,000,000).

Directs 50% of Elections Support Fund monies to counties for voting equipment and election administration, and 50% to the Secretary of State for the Statewide Elections Management System.

Prohibits hiring relatives within the third degree of state officials, requires cell phone usage records be made public, and mandates Mississippi Industries for the Blind receive procurement preference when bids are equal.