MS HB1066

Transfers management of prison land agricultural leases from the Department of Finance and Administration to the Secretary of State, effective July 1, 2014.

Reduces the maximum lease term for agricultural prison lands from 8 years to 3 years, with all leases expiring on December 31.

Requires leases to be awarded through competitive bidding process with newspaper advertisements in the county where land is located for two successive weeks, at least 10 days before the public contract.

Allows current lessees to re-lease land on one occasion for up to 3 years at rental amounts no less than 120% of existing lease value, and permits existing lessees to submit a second bid at 105% of highest acceptable bid if they made approved improvements.

Removes provisions allowing lessees to pay rent by promissory note and eliminates requirement to distribute 15% of certain lease revenues to public schools in Sunflower County.