MS HB116

Allows boards of trustees for municipal or county public libraries in rural counties to revise educational requirements for hiring a library system director by substituting equivalent experience and a bachelor's degree in library science for the Mississippi Library Commission's standard qualifications.

Defines "rural county" as any county with a population under 50,000 individuals, an area with fewer than 500 individuals per square mile, or a municipality with fewer than 15,000 individuals.

Maintains existing library director duties including employment of staff, prescription of staff duties, staff removal for cause, budget preparation, financial and statistical management, and reporting to the board of trustees.

Preserves employee protections requiring written notice at least five days before removal hearings, opportunity for a hearing before the board of trustees, fair and impartial hearing, and the right to legal representation at the employee's own expense.

Takes effect July 1, 2018.