HB 1610 Summary

• Appropriates $2,402,689.00 from the State General Fund to cover expenses of the Public Utilities Staff for fiscal year 2023 (July 1, 2022 - June 30, 2023).

• Authorizes 25 permanent positions and 0 time-limited positions for the agency.

• Requires the agency to ensure Fiscal Year 2024 personal services funding does not exceed Fiscal Year 2023 appropriations unless new programs or positions are added by the Legislature.

• Mandates the State Personnel Board give preference to Mississippi Industries for the Blind when purchasing commodities or equipment with equal bids, and prohibits salary escalations without written approval from the Department of Finance and Administration.

• Effective July 1, 2022, with funds required to be used in compliance with state law restrictions on obligations exceeding appropriations.