MS HB1263

Restructures the State Auditor's office into two divisions: a Financial and Compliance Division and an Investigations Division, each with its own director.

Requires the Financial and Compliance Division director to be a certified public accountant with recognized executive ability and knowledge of state financial administration laws.

Requires the Investigations Division director to be a certified law enforcement officer with recognized executive ability and knowledge of state financial administration laws.

Authorizes the State Auditor to appoint deputy auditors, employ attorneys and certified public accountants, and contract for services as necessary without merit system qualification requirements.

Eliminates restrictions preventing the discharge of merit system employees, allowing the State Auditor greater flexibility in personnel management; effective July 1, 2012.