MS HB353

Authorizes school districts and charter schools to choose between processing either a single monthly payroll or a semimonthly payroll for licensed and nonlicensed employees, at the discretion of the local school board.

Requires the State Department of Education to pay school districts and charter schools from state funds in a manner consistent with each district's chosen payroll schedule.

For districts using semimonthly payroll, state funds shall be paid on the 15th of each month (January-November) or the preceding business day if the 15th falls on a weekend, and two days before the last working day of each month; December payments are made on December 15th or the next business day regardless of payroll schedule.

Establishes that employees on semimonthly payroll schedules shall receive 23 total installments annually: 22 equal semimonthly payments from January-November and one full monthly payment in December.

Requires electronic settlement of all payroll checks through direct deposit of net pay for all school district employees.