MS HB1553

Appropriates $14,873,175.00 from special source funds to the Mississippi Department of Insurance for fiscal year 2016 (July 1, 2015 - June 30, 2016).

Authorizes 153 permanent full-time positions for the Department of Insurance with restrictions on salary increases without new funding approval.

Allocates $15,079 to the Mississippi Fire Personnel Minimum Standards and Certification Board, $250,000 to the State Fire Marshal's Office for fire safety prevention, and $10,000 for National Conference of Insurance Legislators dues.

Reappropriates $400,000 for the Supplemental Rural Fire Truck Acquisition Assistance Program and $1,050,000 for the Rural Fire Truck Acquisition Assistance Program; appropriates an additional $3,000,000 for the Rural Fire Truck Acquisition Assistance Program.

Establishes a paid internship program for undergraduate and graduate students pursuing risk management insurance or business administration degrees, and directs up to $200,000 annually from insurance fund fees toward a telemedicine health plan for volunteer firefighters.