MS HB400

Amends Mississippi Code Section 25-5-1 to allow removal of appointed state officers for willful neglect in addition to criminal conviction-based removal.

Governor, State Auditor, Senate, or House of Representatives may direct a complaint to the Attorney General alleging willful neglect as grounds for removal of an appointed state officer.

Defines willful neglect to include: failure to respond to a subpoena from a court, agency, or legislative body; failure to comply with court-ordered or agreed-upon repayment of misspent funds; or failure to attend more than three consecutive meetings of any board, commission, or authority to which the officer was appointed.

Attorney General must investigate well-founded complaints and petition the Hinds County Circuit Court, First Judicial District, for removal, with the court issuing a removal order after notice and hearing.

Officers removed under these provisions are permanently barred from future service in any position requiring appointment by the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, or other executive branch officer; effective July 1, 2025.