MS HB1500

Appropriates $2,464,413.00 from the Public Utilities Staff Regulation Fund to cover expenses of the Public Utilities Staff for fiscal year 2015 (July 1, 2014 - June 30, 2015).

Authorizes 28 permanent full-time positions for the Public Utilities Staff with no part-time or time-limited positions.

Provides $1,000 salary increases for full-time employees (or pro-rated for part-time) earning less than $30,000 annually who have not received a raise since July 1, 2010.

Restricts future salary increases to 5% maximum for employees without raises since July 1, 2010, with specific exemptions for teachers, health care professionals, and legislatively-authorized actions.

Requires the State Personnel Board to prevent annual Personal Services costs from exceeding FY 2015 appropriated levels unless new programs or positions are added by the Legislature.