MS HB44

Amends Mississippi Code sections governing budget public hearings for municipalities, counties, and school districts to require all such hearings commence no earlier than 5:30 p.m.

Applies the 5:30 p.m. minimum start time to municipal budget hearings under Section 21-35-5, county and taxing entity budget hearings under Section 27-39-203, and school district tax effort hearings under Section 27-39-207.

Requires school district budget hearings under Section 37-61-9 to commence no earlier than 5:30 p.m., with advance notice provided to the public.

Maintains existing requirements for advance publication of hearing notices, public comment opportunities, and hearing procedures while adding the time restriction.

Takes effect July 1, 2016.