MS HB1256

Reorganizes the State Auditor's office into two divisions: Financial and Compliance Division and Investigations Division, each headed by a director.

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

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

Eliminates the merit system requirement for hiring administrative, technical, and professional assistants; allows the auditor to appoint, employ, or contract for services as necessary.

Removes restrictions on the auditor's ability to discharge employees, eliminating the previous requirement to retain employees except for specific violations of merit system rules.