MS HB1497

Establishes the Office of Shared Services (OSS) within the Department of Finance and Administration to operate as a central business office for 13 select agencies, boards, and commissions, with phased implementation beginning July 1, 2019 and complete transition by July 1, 2020.

OSS authority includes administrative functions such as accounting, human resources, information technology, payroll, travel, purchasing, contracting, facilities operations, and reception services for participating agencies.

OSS shall establish a fee structure to recover direct and indirect costs of providing shared services, which participating agencies must pay and cannot duplicate through their own appropriated funds or contracts.

Affected agencies include the Athletic Commission, Auctioneer Commission, State Boards of Chiropractic Examiners, Cosmetology, Funeral Services, Massage Therapy, Physical Therapy, Licensed Professional Counselors, Psychology, and boards for Foresters, Professional Geologists, Nursing Home Administrators, and the Mississippi Motor Vehicle Commission.

Department of Finance and Administration shall report to legislative committees during 2020 session on implementation plans, costs, projected savings, and technical recommendations, with exceptions made in Section 27-104-203 to allow OSS fees despite the general prohibition on state agencies charging other state agencies for services.