HB 1066 Summary

• Creates the Mississippi Whistleblower Reward Act, providing a financial incentive for individuals who report theft or misuse of government funds or property to the Department of Audit.

• Establishes a reward of 15% of recovered funds (capped at $250,000) paid to whistleblowers whose original information and substantial evidence lead to successful fund recovery.

• Requires whistleblowers to meet specific criteria: provide original information, cooperate continuously, have no prior knowledge of the fraud, not be Department of Audit employees, and not be the elected official or supervisor overseeing the affected department.

• Protects whistleblower identity as confidential except when a judge determines disclosure is necessary for a criminal defendant's fair trial, contains exculpatory evidence, or is constitutionally required.

• Exempts communications between the Department of Audit and whistleblowers from the Mississippi Public Records Act and applies only to whistleblower information submitted after the act's effective date of July 1, 2024.