MS HB1305

Amends Section 25-41-15 of the Mississippi Code to revise procedures for judicial review of Open Meetings Law violations.

Allows parties to file complaints directly in chancery court without first exhausting administrative remedies through the Mississippi Ethics Commission.

Requires parties filing complaints in chancery court to serve written notice on the Ethics Commission for informational purposes only, and the Commission is not made a party to the case.

Maintains existing Ethics Commission authority to enforce Open Meetings Law provisions through complaint procedures, hearings, and civil penalties up to $500 for first offense and $1,000 for subsequent offenses.

Takes effect July 1, 2014.