MS HB1303

Grants the Mississippi Ethics Commission authority to enforce the Mississippi Public Records Act of 1972 upon receipt of complaints filed by any person.

Requires public bodies to respond to complaints within 14 days; the Ethics Commission may then dismiss the complaint or proceed with a hearing according to its promulgated rules.

Authorizes the Ethics Commission to order production of records, require compliance measures, impose penalties, and conduct private review of disputed records.

Allows any party to appeal Ethics Commission orders to chancery court for de novo review, and permits parties to file complaints directly in chancery court without exhausting administrative remedies.

Takes effect July 1, 2014.