MS HB1534

Appropriates $3,712,801.00 from the special fund in the State Treasury to the Office of State Public Defender for fiscal year 2016 (July 1, 2015 - June 30, 2016).

Authorizes 25 permanent full-time positions for the office.

Requires the Office of State Public Defender to maintain accounting and personnel records in the same format and detail as fiscal year 2015, with comparable budget request submissions for fiscal year 2017.

Directs the agency to give preference to Mississippi Industries for the Blind when purchasing commodities or equipment with equal bids or without competitive bidding.

Prohibits the agency from incurring obligations or indebtedness in excess of the appropriation, with responsible officers held accountable for violations; effective July 1, 2015.