HB 947 Summary

• Prohibits governmental entities in Mississippi from enacting or enforcing any regulation, ordinance, or policy that restricts or prohibits the use of appliances based on the type of utility service (electrical, natural gas, or LP gas) required to operate them.

• Defines "governmental entity" as any agency, department, or political subdivision of Mississippi; "utility service" as electrical, natural gas, or LP gas service; and "appliance" as devices designed for cooking, heating, or other household, commercial, or industrial purposes.

• Preserves governmental authority to require utilities from authorized providers, prohibit illegal appliance use, enforce building and fire safety codes, and ensure safe appliance use according to manufacturer standards, but prohibits denial of building permits based solely on appliance or utility service type.

• Brings forward existing sections 77-3-3 and 77-3-201 of Mississippi Code relating to public utility regulation for possible amendment.

• Effective July 1, 2024.