MS HB1443

Requires state agencies receiving Deepwater Horizon settlement funds to report quarterly to the Department of Finance and Administration with detailed expenditure information and descriptions of all projects and winning bidders.

Mandates that state agencies give preference to contractors, attorneys, engineers, surveyors, and other service providers whose businesses are physically located in Gulf Coast counties and have operated there for at least 13 consecutive years.

Amends Section 27-103-302 to clarify that Deepwater Horizon settlement funds received through court orders, negotiated settlements, or other instruments are deposited into the Budget Contingency Fund for legislative appropriation.

Makes all Deepwater Horizon settlement fund expenditures subject to posting on the Mississippi Accountability and Transparency Act searchable website for public access.