MS HB1618

Authorizes $6,471,863 in special funds for the Pat Harrison Waterway District for fiscal year 2023 (July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023)

Approves 58 permanent positions with no time-limited positions for the district

Requires the agency to maintain personnel expenditures within limits set by the Legislative Budget Office and prohibits salary escalations without written approval from the Department of Finance and Administration

Mandates that funds be deposited at interest with official state depositories at a rate not less than 1% below the bank discount rate on comparable U.S. Treasury bills

Requires preference be given to Mississippi Industries for the Blind when purchasing commodities or equipment when bids are otherwise equal