MS HB528

Amends Section 25-15-3 to classify county and municipal election commissioners as "employees" eligible for the State and School Employees Life and Health Insurance Plan.

Requires the state to provide funding annually through a line item in the Secretary of State appropriation bill to pay 100% of health insurance costs for election commissioners initially employed before January 1, 2006.

Provides that election commissioners initially employed on or after January 1, 2006 receive 100% state funding for basic health insurance coverage, with ability to purchase additional coverage at their own expense.

Directs the Secretary of State to allot sufficient funds to counties and municipalities for election commissioner insurance costs, with unused funds carried forward to subsequent fiscal years.

Authorizes the Secretary of State to withhold funds to counties or municipalities that fail to pay health insurance premiums and related charges timely, as defined by the board.