MS HB515

Amends Mississippi Code Section 19-3-40 to allow county boards of supervisors to adopt orders, resolutions, or ordinances that apply to specific geographic areas within a county, rather than only countywide.

Authority to adopt area-specific orders is limited to counties where U.S. Interstate 20 and U.S. Highway 49 intersect, with a population between 141,000 and 151,000 according to the 2010 federal census.

Area-specific orders must describe the affected geographic area by zoning district, section lines, or other discernable boundaries and include specific findings supporting the purpose and need within that area.

Clarifies that county boards cannot use expanded powers to levy unauthorized taxes, issue bonds, change election procedures, use public funds for private purposes, regulate railroads, grant donations, or regulate residential rent without prior legislative approval.

Effective date: July 1, 2012.