MS HB31

Authorizes the Mississippi Ethics Commission to intervene at its discretion when a party appeals the commission's decision to chancery court.

Brings Section 25-61-12 forward without amendment, preserving exemptions for law enforcement officers', judges', and district attorneys' home addresses and private contact information from public records disclosure.

Increases civil penalties for denying access to public records or charging unreasonable fees from $100 per violation to $200 for the first violation, $500 for a second violation, and up to $1,000 for each subsequent violation.

Establishes a tiered penalty structure requiring that a person have been previously held civilly liable before facing increased penalties for repeated violations involving separate public records requests.

Takes effect July 1, 2020.