MS HB645

Creates the Office of Independent State Hearing Officers to conduct hearings, compile evidence, and render decisions on matters for persons or entities with issues before state agencies.

Office headed by a Governor-appointed director serving a 4-year term removable only for cause; housed at the Department of Finance and Administration.

Director contracts with at least five experienced hearing officers assigned on a rotating basis to hear cases as an alternative to agency hearing officers when elected by the person or entity.

Parties may appeal hearing officer decisions to a panel of three uninvolved hearing officers conducting de novo review, with final decisions appealable to Circuit Court of the First Judicial District of Hinds County.

Circuit court review limited to determining if appeals panel decision was unsupported by substantial evidence, arbitrary or capricious, or violated statutory or constitutional rights; further appeal to Supreme Court permitted.