MS HB980

Amends the appointment process for the state-at-large dentist position on the Mississippi State Board of Dental Examiners to require nomination from a list of three candidates selected by the Mississippi Dental Society through statewide balloting.

The three nominated candidates must be the members who received the highest number of votes in a statewide poll conducted by the board, with ballots distributed to all licensed members of the Mississippi Dental Society.

Licensed dentists voting in the poll may choose to cast ballots for either the state-at-large position or one of the six district positions, but not both.

The board must conduct annual polls to update the list of three nominees for the state-at-large position, with the Governor ultimately making the appointment with Senate advice and consent.

In case of tie votes, all tied candidates must be included on the nomination list, potentially resulting in more than three names being submitted to the Governor.

Takes effect July 1, 2024.