MS HB1571

Establishes a seven-member search committee to identify qualified candidates for state institution executive positions, comprised of six alumni appointed by the Governor (2), Lieutenant Governor (2), and Speaker of the House (2), plus one member appointed by the Board of Trustees.

Search committee must convene within 30 days of a vacancy, establish position qualifications, and conduct a reasonable search process including local public hearings, with proceedings exempt from public records and open meetings laws for three years after selection.

Search committee automatically dissolves within 12 months of creation; if no candidates are submitted within one year, the committee dissolves and the Board retains authority to elect the institutional head.

Board of Trustees retains final authority to elect heads of institutions from candidates submitted by the search committee or independently if the committee fails to act.

Committee members receive per diem compensation as authorized by law and reimbursement for actual and necessary expenses, but no annual salary.