MS HB1048

Moves the qualifying deadline from March 1 to February 1 for candidates seeking nomination for governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, secretary of state, state treasurer, auditor of public accounts, commissioner of insurance, commissioner of agriculture and commerce, state highway commissioner, state public service commissioner, district attorney, state senator, state representative, sheriff, chancery clerk, circuit clerk, tax assessor, tax collector, county attorney, board of supervisors, county surveyor, county coroner, justice court judge, and constable.

Changes the election commissioner qualifying deadline from the first Monday in June to February 1 for candidates filing petitions with the clerk of the board of supervisors.

Amends judicial candidate qualifying deadlines from March 1 to February 1 for supreme court justices, court of appeals judges, circuit judges, chancellors, county judges, and family court judges.

Applies to both party-affiliated candidates and independent or special election candidates, with assessments due by 5:00 p.m. on the deadline date or the next business day if the deadline falls on a weekend or legal holiday.

Takes effect July 1, 2021.