MS HB1126

Prohibits government and election officials from soliciting, accepting, or taking any contributions, donations, or anything of value from private persons or entities to conduct state or local elections

Requires all election costs and expenses to be paid exclusively with public funds

Allows state, county, and municipal entities to accept federal grants for election purposes, but requires legislative approval before any new federal election funds can be accepted or distributed

Violations constitute a felony punishable by fines up to $5,000, county jail imprisonment up to one year, or state penitentiary imprisonment of 1-10 years

Secretary of State is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations to implement the act, effective July 1, 2022