MS HB124

Requires independent and special election candidates to pay qualifying fees to run for office, with fees equal to those paid by party-nominated candidates.

Increases qualifying fees across multiple offices, ranging from $150 for county surveyor/coroner/justice court judge to $1,500 for Governor and U.S. Senator/Representative positions.

Establishes that independent and special election candidates must pay fees to the State Board of Election Commissioners (for state-level offices) or circuit clerks (for county-level offices) by March 1 or the qualifying deadline, whichever is earlier.

Requires independent and special election candidates to file petitions with required signatures and pay assessments to appear on primary or general election ballots, with petition deadlines synchronized to party candidate qualifying deadlines.

Takes effect July 1, 2016.