MS HB1690

Appropriates $813,147.00 to the State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors for fiscal year 2021 (July 1, 2020 - June 30, 2021).

Authorizes 5 permanent full-time positions for the board.

Allocates $300,000.00 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 report award decisions to the Governor and legislature.

Requires the agency to maintain accounting and personnel records in the same format as fiscal year 2020 and restricts salary increases without legislative approval, except for escalated funds and benchmarks.

Establishes that funds must comply with state appropriations law and that the Mississippi Industries for the Blind receives preference in purchasing when bids are equal on price, quality, and service.