MS HB1570

Appropriates $832,643.00 to the State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors for fiscal year 2019 (July 1, 2018 - June 30, 2019).

Authorizes 5 permanent full-time positions for the board with restrictions on salary increases and personnel actions that would exceed the appropriated Personal Services budget without new funding.

Allocates $350,000.00 in grants to ABET-accredited engineering programs and Board-approved surveying programs at Mississippi colleges and universities, with the Board to develop application guidelines and issue a written report on grant awards.

Authorizes the agency to expend additional available funds for health insurance cost increases and fees from state departments, with authority to escalate other special funds by up to $20,060.00 for these limited purposes.

Requires the agency to maintain accounting and personnel records consistent with fiscal year 2018 standards and to give purchasing preference to Mississippi Industries for the Blind when bids are equal.