MS HB98

Amends Section 71-5-19 to prohibit the Mississippi Department of Employment Security from charging interest on unpaid overpayment balances when the overpayment occurs through no fault of the person receiving it.

Waives any processing fees resulting from overpayments that occur through no fault of the recipient, as determined by the department.

Applies retroactively upon effective date to persons currently paying or assessed interest and fees on overpayments due to no fault of their own, exempting them from continued payment obligations.

Maintains the existing 1% monthly interest rate and 20% fraud penalty for overpayments caused by fraud, including failure to report earnings while filing for benefits.

Brings forward Sections 71-5-363, 71-5-367, and 71-5-543 for possible amendment regarding contribution collection procedures and disaster-related benefit waiver authority.