MS HB445

Amends Section 77-5-221 to change board of directors election procedures for electric power associations, effective July 1, 2026, from three-year terms to elections held the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November every four years, conducted similar to public school board elections with three-week runoffs if necessary.

Brings forward all sections 77-5-201 through 77-5-259 of the Electric Power Association Law for potential future amendments, establishing comprehensive provisions governing formation, governance, powers, and operations of electric cooperatives in Mississippi.

Maintains that electric power association rates are not regulated by the Mississippi Public Service Commission, except for limited commission authority regarding disconnection protections during weather emergencies, life-threatening situations, and domestic violence victim deposits.

Establishes special provisions for generation and transmission (G&T) cooperatives, including board composition with two directors per member cooperative plus up to three at-large directors, and limits Mississippi Public Service Commission jurisdiction over G&T cooperatives to specific code sections.

Clarifies that Tennessee Valley Authority-regulated corporations are exempt from Mississippi Public Service Commission regulation regarding TVA-regulated operations, with disputes resolved through court declaratory judgment proceedings.