MS HB1711

Appropriates $2,094,531.00 from the State General Fund to the Public Utilities Staff for fiscal year 2021 (July 1, 2020 - June 30, 2021).

Authorizes 27 permanent full-time positions for the Public Utilities Staff with no part-time or time-limited positions.

Prohibits salary increases through reallocation or reclassification in fiscal year 2022 unless new programs or positions are added by the Legislature, with limited exceptions requiring State Personnel Board approval and monthly reporting to legislative committees.

Requires the agency to maintain complete accounting and personnel records in the same format as fiscal year 2020 and submit fiscal year 2022 budget requests in comparable detail.

Establishes procurement preferences for Mississippi Industries for the Blind when multiple bids are equal in price, quality, and service, or when purchases are made without competitive bidding.