MS HB1183

Requires the Executive Director of the State Personnel Board to create and publish an idea application process by October 1, 2012, allowing state employees to submit suggestions for improving state agency operations and reducing costs.

State agency executive directors must respond to employee suggestions within 60 business days, calculate projected savings within 45 business days, and implement approved ideas by July 1 of the following fiscal year or request necessary legislation from the Legislature.

The State Auditor must review and verify actual savings realized from implemented ideas within 120 days and submit findings to the Legislature, which shall hold a public hearing on the report.

Awards verified savings are distributed as follows: 5% (up to $5,000) as a one-time honorary award to the employee, 25% (up to $25,000) to the state agency for efficiency improvements, and the remainder to the State General Fund.

Excludes from the application process ideas based on obvious business practices, mandated budget cuts, cost avoidance, revenue enhancement, or cost-shifting between agencies, and prohibits retaliation against employees for submitting suggestions.