Miss. Code Ann. § 25-53-121 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 53 / Section 53-121
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-53-121
Status: in_force

(1) The types of contracts permitted in the procurement of telecommunications equipment, systems and related services are defined herein, and the provisions in Sections 25-53-101 through 25-53-125 supplement the provisions of Chapter 7, Title 31, Mississippi Code of 1972 .

(2) The Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services may, on behalf of any state agency, enter into an equipment support contract with a vendor of telecommunications equipment or services for the purchase or lease of such equipment or services in accordance with the following provisions:

(a) Specifications for equipment support contracts shall be developed in advance and shall conform to the following requirements:

(i) Specifications for equipment support contracts shall cover a specific class or classes of equipment and service and may include all features associated with that class or classes.

(ii) Specifications in the request for proposals for equipment support contracts shall be developed by the Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services.

(iii) Specifications shall be based on the projected needs of user agencies.

(iv) Specifications for equipment support contracts for purchase or lease of telecommunications equipment may include specifications for the maintenance of the equipment desired.

(b) The initial procurement of an equipment support contract, and procurement of equipment and services to be utilized by agencies under an equipment support contract, shall be as follows:

(i) Equipment support contracts shall be awarded by competitive sealed bidding.

(ii) A using agency may procure required telecommunications equipment and service available under an equipment support contract through release of a purchase order for the required equipment and service to the vendor holding an equipment support contract. However, such procurement by purchase order shall be accomplished in accordance with the procedures and regulations prescribed by the Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services, and shall be subject to all other statutory requirements including approval by the bureau.

(c) The final authority for entering into equipment support contracts shall rest with the bureau, and such contracts shall be executed by the Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services in accordance with the procedures and regulations defined by said authority.

(d) Equipment support contracts shall include the following terms and conditions:

(i) Equipment support contracts shall be valid for not more than one (1) fiscal year with the Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services having an option to renew for two (2) additional fiscal years. The vendor may vary lease or purchase prices for the optional renewal period(s) by an amount equal to the lesser of the lease or purchase price permitted by that vendor's contract with the General Services Administration of the United States Government for such equipment and services, or any variance in that vendor's published list prices for such equipment and services during that fiscal year, provided that any increase may not exceed five percent (5%) and the variance must have been authorized by the initial equipment and service order contract.

(ii) The prices stated in such contract shall not change for the period of the contract.

(iii) Individual items of telecommunications equipment and service which may be included under an equipment support contract may not have a purchase price greater than Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000.00) or a monthly lease price greater than Three Thousand Dollars ($3,000.00). Such price shall not include costs of maintenance, taxes or transportation.

(iv) Equipment support contracts shall include the following annual appropriation dependency clause:

“The continuation of this contract is contingent upon the appropriation of funds to fulfill the requirements of the contract by the Legislature. If the Legislature fails to appropriate sufficient monies to provide for the continuance of the contract, the contract shall terminate on the date of the beginning of the first fiscal year for which funds are not appropriated.”

(3) The Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services may on behalf of any state agency enter into contracts for the lease or purchase of telecommunications equipment systems or services in accordance with the following provisions:

(a) The bureau may directly contract for or approve contracts for regulated or tariffed telecommunications services upon determination by the bureau that the application of such service is in the best interests of the State of Mississippi.

(b) All other contracts of this type shall be entered into through request for proposals as defined in Sections 25-53-101 through 25-53-125 .

(c) The justification of such contracts must be presented to the bureau prior to issuance of a request for proposals. Such justification shall identify and consider all cost factors relevant to that contract.

(d) The term of a lease contract shall not exceed sixty (60) months for a system lease valued less than One Million Dollars ($1,000,000.00) and shall not exceed one hundred twenty (120) months for a system lease valued One Million Dollars ($1,000,000.00) or more.

(e) All lease contracts must contain the following annual appropriation dependency clause:

“The continuation of this contract is contingent upon the appropriation of funds to fulfill the requirements of the contract by the Legislature. If the Legislature fails to appropriate sufficient monies to provide for the continuation of a contract, the contract shall terminate on the date of the beginning of the first fiscal year for which funds are not appropriated.”

(f) The Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services shall maintain a list of all such contracts. This list shall show as a minimum the name of the vendor, the annual cost of each contract and the term of the contract or the purchase cost.

(g) Upon the advance written approval of the bureau, state agencies may extend contracts for the lease of telecommunications equipment, systems and related services on a month-to-month basis for a period not to extend more than one (1) calendar year for the stated lease prices.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-62-9 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 34 / Section 62-9
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-62-9
Status: in_force

The requirements of this chapter shall not affect any provisions of the Mississippi Campaign Finance statutes provided in Section 23-15-801 et seq.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-7-10 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 3 / Section 7-10
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-7-10
Status: in_force

In counties having two (2) judicial districts and having a regularly appointed deputy chancery court clerk, the chancery court clerk may be allowed One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) per month. This amount may be allowed and paid monthly to the chancery court clerk by the board of supervisors of each county affected by this section out of the general fund of the county and may be in addition to all other allowances not provided by law.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-65-31 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 15 / Section 65-31
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-65-31
Status: in_force

Within one hundred twenty (120) days after the end of each fiscal year, the university, community/junior college or agency internal audit director shall issue an annual report which separately lists audit reports issued, and other activities completed or in progress as of the end of the fiscal year. The annual report shall describe accomplishments of the internal audit activities. Copies of the report shall be provided to the governing board or commission and the university president or chancellor, the community/junior college president or the agency head and the audit committee. The annual report shall be provided upon request to the State Auditor or other external auditor.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-13-11 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 11 / Section 13-11
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-13-11
Status: in_force

(1) Any member upon withdrawal from service, upon or after attainment of the age of fifty-five (55) years, who has completed at least five (5) years of creditable service, or any member upon withdrawal from service upon or after attainment of the age of forty-five (45) years, who has completed at least twenty (20) years of creditable service, or any member upon withdrawal from service, regardless of age, who has completed at least twenty-five (25) years of creditable service, shall be entitled to receive a retirement allowance, which shall be payable the first of the month following receipt of the member's application in the Office of the Executive Director of the Public Employees' Retirement System, but in no event before withdrawal from service.

Any member whose withdrawal from service occurs before attaining the age of fifty-five (55) years, who has completed more than five (5) years of creditable service and has not received a refund of the member's accumulated contributions, shall be entitled to receive a retirement allowance beginning upon his attaining the age of fifty-five (55) years of the amount earned and accrued at the date of withdrawal from service.

The annual amount of the retirement allowance shall consist of:

(a) A member's annuity, which shall be the actuarial equivalent of the accumulated contributions of the member at the time of retirement, computed according to the actuarial table in use by the system.

(b) An employer's annuity which, together with the member's annuity provided above, shall be equal to two and one-half percent (2- 1 / 2 %) of the average compensation, based on the four (4) highest consecutive years, for each year of membership service.

(c) A prior service annuity equal to two and one-half percent (2- 1 / 2 %) of the average compensation, based on the four (4) highest consecutive years, for each year of prior service for which the member is allowed credit.

(d) In the case of retirement of any member prior to attaining the age of fifty-five (55) years, the retirement allowance shall be computed in accordance with the formula hereinabove set forth in this section, except that the employer's annuity and prior service annuity above described shall be reduced by an actuarially determined percentage factor for each year of age below fifty-five (55) years, or for each year of service below twenty-five (25) years of creditable service, whichever is lesser.

(e) Upon retiring from service, a member shall be eligible to obtain retirement benefits, as computed above, for life, except that the aggregate amount of the employer's annuity and prior service annuity above described shall not exceed more than one hundred percent (100%) of the average compensation regardless of the years of service.

(f) Any member in the service who has attained the age of sixty-three (63) years shall be retired immediately. However, any member who has attained age sixty-three (63) may ask the Commissioner of Public Safety to allow him to continue in service with the Mississippi Highway Safety Patrol beyond age sixty-three (63). If the commissioner determines that the member's continuance in service would be advantageous to the Highway Safety Patrol because of his expert knowledge, experience or qualifications, the member shall be allowed to continue in service beyond age sixty-three (63) for a period of one (1) year. After the initial one-year continuance, the commissioner may authorize the member to continue in service for another period of one (1) year until the member attains age sixty-five (65), at which time retirement shall be mandatory.

(g) Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter pertaining to the Mississippi Highway Safety Patrol Retirement System, no payments may be made for a retirement allowance on a monthly basis for a period of time in excess of that allowed by any applicable federal law.

(h) In no case shall any retired member who has completed at least fifteen (15) years of creditable service receive less than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) per month; in no case shall any retired member who has completed ten (10) or more years of creditable service, but less than fifteen (15) years of creditable service, receive less than Three Hundred Dollars ($300.00) per month; and in no case shall any retired member who has completed less than ten (10) years of creditable service receive less than Two Hundred Fifty Dollars ($250.00) per month. In no case shall a beneficiary who is receiving a retirement allowance receive less than Two Hundred Fifty Dollars ($250.00) per month or Three Thousand Dollars ($3,000.00) per year.

(i) Any retired member who is receiving a retirement allowance on July 1, 1999, shall receive an ad hoc increase in the annual retirement allowance equal to Three Dollars and Fifty Cents ($3.50) per month for each full fiscal year through June 30, 1999, that the member has actually drawn retirement payments from the date of retirement, or the date of last retirement if there is more than one (1) retirement date, plus an amount equal to One Dollar ($1.00) per month for each full year of creditable service and proportionately for each quarter year of creditable service, as documented by the system and on which benefits are being paid. If there are multiple beneficiaries receiving a retirement allowance from a deceased member's account, the ad hoc increase shall be divided proportionately.

(2)(a) A retiree or beneficiary may, on a form prescribed by and filed with the Executive Director of the Public Employees' Retirement System, irrevocably waive all or a portion of any benefits from the plan to which the retiree or beneficiary is entitled. The waiver shall be binding on the heirs and assigns of any retiree or beneficiary and the same must agree to forever hold harmless the Highway Safety Patrol Retirement System and the Public Employees' Retirement System from any claim to the waived retirement benefits.

(b) Any waiver under this subsection shall apply only to the person executing the waiver. A beneficiary shall be entitled to benefits according to the option selected by the member at the time of retirement; however, a beneficiary may execute a waiver of benefits under this subsection.

(c) The Highway Safety Patrol Retirement System shall retain all amounts that are not used to pay benefits because of a waiver executed under this subsection.

(d) The Board of Trustees of the Public Employees' Retirement System may provide rules and regulations for the administration of waivers under this subsection.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-53-25 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 19 / Section 53-25
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-53-25
Status: repealed

(1) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to imply exemption from the public purchases law, being Section 31-7-1 et seq.

(2) The authority may establish policies and procedures for the purpose of delegating the bidding and contracting responsibilities related to the procurement of computer equipment or services to the purchasing agency. Such policies and procedures must address the following issues:

(a) Establish categories of equipment or services affected;

(b) Establish maximum unit and/or ceiling prices of such procurements;

(c) Establish reporting, monitoring and control of such procurements; and

(d) Establish other such rules and regulations as necessary to fully implement the purposes of this section. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to imply exemption from the public purchases law, being Section 31-7-1 et seq.

(3) Acquisitions of computer equipment and services by institutions of higher learning or junior colleges wholly with federal funds and not with state general funds shall be exempt from the provisions of this chapter; however, nothing in this subsection shall be construed to imply an exemption of such acquisitions from the public purchases law, being Section 31-7-1 et seq.

(4) [Repealed]
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-3-36 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 3 / Section 3-36
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-3-36
Status: in_force

(1) Until October 1, 2008, every justice court judge shall receive as full compensation for his or her services, and in lieu of any and all other fees, costs or compensation heretofore authorized for such justice court judge, an annual salary based upon the population of his or her county according to the latest federal decennial census; however, no justice court judge shall be paid less than the salary authorized under this section to be paid the justice court judge based upon the population of the county according to the 1980 federal decennial census. The amount of which salary shall be determined as follows:

(a) In counties with a population of more than two hundred thousand (200,000), a salary of Fifty-five Thousand Five Hundred Fifty-nine Dollars ($55,559.00).

(b) In counties with a population of more than one hundred fifty thousand (150,000) but not more than two hundred thousand (200,000), a salary of Fifty-one Thousand Five Dollars ($51,005.00).

(c) In counties with a population of more than seventy-five thousand (75,000) but not more than one hundred fifty thousand (150,000), a salary of Forty-six Thousand Four Hundred Fifty-one Dollars ($46,451.00).

(d) In counties with a population of more than forty-nine thousand (49,000) but not more than seventy-five thousand (75,000), a salary of Forty Thousand Seventy-five Dollars ($40,075.00).

(e) In counties with a population of more than thirty-four thousand (34,000) but not more than forty-nine thousand (49,000), a salary of Thirty-four Thousand Six Hundred Ten Dollars ($34,610.00).

(f) In counties with a population of more than twenty-four thousand five hundred (24,500) but not more than thirty-four thousand (34,000), a salary of Thirty-two Thousand Seven Hundred Eighty-nine Dollars ($32,789.00).

(g) In counties with a population of more than twenty-one thousand (21,000) but not more than twenty-four thousand five hundred (24,500), a salary of Twenty-nine Thousand One Hundred Forty-six Dollars ($29,146.00).

(h) In counties with a population of more than sixteen thousand five hundred (16,500) but not more than twenty-one thousand (21,000), a salary of Twenty-five Thousand Five Hundred Two Dollars ($25,502.00).

(i) In counties with a population of more than twelve thousand (12,000) but not more than sixteen thousand five hundred (16,500), a salary of Twenty-one Thousand Eight Hundred Fifty-nine Dollars ($21,859.00).

(j) In counties with a population of more than eight thousand (8,000) but not more than twelve thousand (12,000), a salary of Eighteen Thousand Dollars ($18,000.00).

(k) In counties with a population of eight thousand (8,000) or less, a salary of Fourteen Thousand Four Hundred Dollars ($14,400.00).

The board of supervisors of any county having two (2) judicial districts and two (2) justice court judges for the county shall pay each justice court judge an amount equal to that provided in this subsection for judges in the next higher population category per year, if the justice court judge maintains regular office hours and is personally present in the office they maintain for at least thirty (30) hours per week.

In any county having a population greater than eight thousand (8,000) but less than eight thousand five hundred (8,500) according to the 1990 federal decennial census and in which U.S. Highway 61 and Mississippi Highway 4 intersect, the board of supervisors, in its discretion, may pay such justice court judges an additional amount not to exceed the sum of Eleven Thousand Five Hundred Fifty Dollars ($11,550.00) per year, payable beginning April 1, 1997.

In any county having a population greater than ten thousand (10,000) but less than ten thousand five hundred (10,500) according to the 1990 federal decennial census and in which Mississippi Highway 3 and Mississippi Highway 6 intersect, the board of supervisors, in its discretion, may pay such justice court judges an additional amount not to exceed One Thousand Four Hundred Fifty Dollars ($1,450.00) per year, payable beginning April 1, 1997.

In any county having a population greater than twenty-four thousand seven hundred (24,700) and less than twenty-four thousand nine hundred (24,900), according to the 1990 federal census, wherein Mississippi Highways 15 and 16 intersect, the board of supervisors shall pay such justice court judge an additional amount equal to Two Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($2,500.00) per year.

(2) From and after October 1, 2008, every justice court judge shall receive as full compensation for his or her services, and in lieu of any and all other fees, costs or compensation heretofore authorized for such justice court judge, an annual salary in an amount that is the greater of the following:

(a) The amount paid to a member of the board of supervisors in the same county in which the justice court judge presides; or

(b) One hundred three percent (103%) of the salary authorized under this section as of September 30, 2008, for a justice court judge in that county.

If supervisors of a county receive a salary increase, justice court judges whose salary is determined under this paragraph shall be paid an amount reflecting a commensurate increase.

(3) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (1) of this section, in the event that the number of justice court judges authorized pursuant to Section 9-11-2(1) is exceeded pursuant to the provisions of Section 9-11-2(4) , the aggregate of the salaries paid to the justice court judges of such a county shall not exceed the amount sufficient to pay the number of justice court judges authorized pursuant to Section 9-11-2(1) , and such amount shall be equally divided among those justice court judges continuing to hold office under the provisions of Section 9-11-2(4) .

(4) From and after January 1, 1984, all fees, costs, fines and penalties charged and collected in the justice court shall be paid to the clerk of the justice court for deposit, along with monies from cash bonds and other monies which have been forfeited in criminal cases, into the general fund of the county as provided in Section 9-11-19 ; and the clerk of the board of supervisors shall be authorized and empowered, upon approval by the board of supervisors, to make disbursements and withdrawals from the general fund of the county in order to pay any reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in complying with this section, including payment of the salaries of justice court judges as provided by subsection (1) of this section. The provisions of this subsection shall not, except as to cash bonds and other monies which have been forfeited in criminal cases, apply to monies required to be deposited in the justice court clerk clearing account as provided in Section 9-11-18, Mississippi Code of 1972 .

(5) The salaries provided for in this section shall be payable monthly by warrant drawn by the clerk of the board of supervisors on the general fund of the county; however, the board of supervisors, by resolution duly adopted and entered on its minutes, may provide that such salaries shall be paid semimonthly on the first and fifteenth day of each month or every two (2) weeks pursuant to Section 25-3-29 . If a pay date falls on a weekend or legal holiday, salary payments shall be made on the workday immediately preceding the weekend or legal holiday.

(6) Provided, that the salary of any justice court judge shall not be reduced during his term of office as a result of a population change following a federal decennial census.

(7) Any justice court judge who is unable to attend and hold court by reason of being under suspension by the Commission on Judicial Performance or the Mississippi Supreme Court shall not receive a salary while under such suspension.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-53-19 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 17 / Section 53-19
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-53-19
Status: in_force

The authority shall select an executive director, with the advice and consent of the Senate, who shall be the administrative officer of the authority and shall perform such duties as are required of him by law and such other duties as may be assigned him by the authority, and who shall receive such compensation as may be fixed by the authority, subject to the approval of the state personnel board. In addition, he shall be entitled to remuneration for his necessary traveling expenses consistent with general law.

The executive director shall be a graduate of an accredited university with a degree in engineering, business administration, electronic communications, information technology or a related field, with at least ten (10) years' experience in information technology, electronic communications, or a related field, of which at least five (5) years shall be in a responsible high level management position with a demonstrated record of management expertise demonstrated through knowledge in the application of information technology and electronic communications. The qualifications for the executive director prescribed herein shall not apply to the executive director serving on June 30, 1984.

The executive director shall have no vote in the decisions of said authority, but shall offer such professional or technical advice and assistance to the authority as may be required of him. Said executive director, in order to qualify for his position, shall be required to make a good and sufficient bond in some surety company qualified and doing business in the State of Mississippi, in the minimum penal sum of Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000.00) conditioned upon the faithful performance of his duties as required by law and the directives of the authority. The premium on said bond shall be paid from any funds available to the authority for such purpose. Said executive director may be removed at any time upon a majority vote of the membership of said authority.

The executive director, with the approval of the authority, shall employ such technical, professional, and clerical help as may be authorized by the authority; and the authority, upon the recommendation of the executive director, shall define the duties and fix the compensation of such employees.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-53-201 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 31 / Section 53-201
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-53-201
Status: in_force

(1) There is hereby established the Enterprise Security Program which shall provide for the coordinated oversight of the cybersecurity efforts across all state agencies, including cybersecurity systems, services and the development of policies, standards and guidelines.

(2) The Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services (MDITS), in conjunction with all state agencies, shall provide centralized management and coordination of state policies for the security of data and information technology resources, which such information shall be compiled by MDITS and distributed to each participating state agency. MDITS shall:

(a) Serve as sole authority, within the constraints of this statute, for defining the specific enterprise cybersecurity systems and services to which this statute is applicable;

(b) Acquire and operate enterprise technology solutions to provide services to state agencies when it is determined that such operation will improve the cybersecurity posture in the function of any agency, institution or function of state government as a whole;

(c) Provide oversight of enterprise security policies for state data and information technology (IT) resources including, the following:

(i) Establishing and maintaining the security standards and policies for all state data and IT resources state agencies shall implement to the extent that they apply; and

(ii) Including the defined enterprise security requirements as minimum requirements in the specifications for solicitation of state contracts for procuring data and information technology systems and services;

(d) Adhere to all policies, standards and guidelines in the management of technology infrastructure supporting the state data centers, telecommunications networks and backup facilities;

(e) Coordinate and promote efficiency and security with all applicable laws and regulations in the acquisition, operation and maintenance of state data, cybersecurity systems and services used by agencies of the state;

(f) Manage, plan and coordinate all enterprise cybersecurity systems under the jurisdiction of the state;

(g) Develop, in conjunction with agencies of the state, coordinated enterprise cybersecurity systems and services for all state agencies;

(h) Provide ongoing analysis of enterprise cybersecurity systems and services costs, facilities and systems within state government;

(i) Develop policies, procedures and long-range plans for the use of enterprise cybersecurity systems and services;

(j) Form an advisory council of information security officers from each state agency to plan, develop and implement cybersecurity initiatives;

(k) Coordinate the activities of the advisory council to provide education and awareness, identify cybersecurity-related issues, set future direction for cybersecurity plans and policy, and provide a forum for interagency communications regarding cybersecurity;

(l) Charge respective user agencies on a reimbursement basis for their proportionate cost of the installation, maintenance and operation of the cybersecurity systems and services; and

(m) Require cooperative utilization of cybersecurity systems and services by aggregating users.

(3) Each state agency's executive director or agency head shall:

(a) Be solely responsible for the security of all data and IT resources under its purview, irrespective of the location of the data or resources. Locations include data residing:

(i) At agency sites;

(ii) On agency real property and tangible and intangible assets;

(iii) On infrastructure in the State Data Centers;

(iv) At a third-party location;

(v) In transit between locations;

(b) Ensure that an agency-wide security program is in place;

(c) Designate an information security officer to administer the agency's security program;

(d) Ensure the agency adheres to the requirements established by the Enterprise Security Program, to the extent that they apply;

(e) Participate in all Enterprise Security Program initiatives and services in lieu of deploying duplicate services specific to the agency;

(f) Develop, implement and maintain written agency policies and procedures to ensure the security of data and IT resources. The agency policies and procedures are confidential information and exempt from public inspection, except that the information must be available to the Office of the State Auditor in performing auditing duties;

(g) Implement policies and standards to ensure that all of the agency's data and IT resources are maintained in compliance with state and federal laws and regulations, to the extent that they apply;

(h) Implement appropriate cost-effective safeguards to reduce, eliminate or recover from identified threats to data and IT resources;

(i) Ensure that internal assessments of the security program are conducted. The results of the internal assessments are confidential and exempt from public inspection, except that the information must be available to the Office of the State Auditor in performing auditing duties;

(j) Include all appropriate cybersecurity requirements in the specifications for the agency's solicitation of state contracts for procuring data and information technology systems and services;

(k) Include a general description of the security program and future plans for ensuring security of data in the agency long-range information technology plan;

(l) Participate in annual information security training designed specifically for the executive director or agency head to ensure that such individual has an understanding of:

(i) The information and information systems that support the operations and assets of the agency;

(ii) The potential impact of common types of cyber-attacks and data breaches on the agency's operations and assets;

(iii) How cyber-attacks and data breaches on the agency's operations and assets could impact the operations and assets of other state agencies on the Enterprise State Network;

(iv) How cyber-attacks and data breaches occur;

(v) Steps to be undertaken by the executive director or agency head and agency employees to protect their information and information systems; and

(vi) The annual reporting requirements required of the executive director or agency head.

(4) The Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services shall evaluate the Enterprise Security Program. Such evaluation shall include the following factors:

(a) Whether the Enterprise Security Program incorporates nationwide best practices;

(b) Whether opportunities exist to centralize and coordinate oversight of cybersecurity efforts across all state agencies;

(c) A review of the minimum enterprise security requirements that must be incorporated in solicitations for state contracts for procuring data and information technology systems and services; and

(d) Whether opportunities exist to expand the Enterprise Security Program, including providing oversight of cybersecurity efforts of those governing authorities as defined in Section 25-53-3(f) .

In performing such evaluation, the Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services may retain experts. This evaluation shall be completed by November 1, 2023. All records in connection with this evaluation shall be exempt from the Mississippi Public Records Act of 1983, pursuant to Section 25-61-11.2(f) and (k) .

(5) For the purpose of this subsection, the following words shall have the meanings ascribed herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

(a) “ Cyberattack ” shall mean any attempt to gain illegal access, including any data breach, to a computer, computer system or computer network for purposes of causing damage, disruption or harm.

(b) “ Ransomware ” shall mean a computer contaminant or lock placed or introduced without authorization into a computer, computer system or computer network that restricts access by an authorized person to the computer, computer system, computer network or any data therein under circumstances in which the person responsible for the placement or introduction of the ransomware demands payment of money or other consideration to remove the computer contaminant, restore access to the computer, computer system, computer network or data, or otherwise remediate the impact of the computer contaminant or lock.

(c) From and after July 1, 2023, all state agencies shall notify the Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services of any cyberattack or demand for payment as a result of ransomware no later than the close of the next business day following the discovery of such cyberattack or demand. The Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services shall develop a reporting format to be utilized by state agencies to provide such notification. The Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services shall periodically analyze all such reports and attempt to identify any patterns or weaknesses in the state's cybersecurity efforts. Such reports shall be exempt from the Mississippi Public Records Act of 1983, pursuant to Section 25-61-11.2(j) .
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-34-41 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 15 / Section 34-41
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-34-41
Status: in_force

(1) An individual qualified under subsection (2) may apply to the Secretary of State for a commission as a notary public. The applicant must comply with and provide the information required by rules established by the Secretary of State and pay any application fee.

(2) An applicant for a commission as a notary public must:

(a) Be at least eighteen (18) years of age;

(b) Be a citizen or permanent legal resident of the United States;

(c) Be a resident of Mississippi for not less than thirty (30) days immediately preceding the date of the application;

(d) Be able to read and write English;

(e) Not be disqualified to receive a commission under Section 25-34-43 ; and

(f) Meet such other requirements as the Secretary of State may establish by rule.

(3) Before issuance of a commission as a notary public, an applicant for the commission must execute the oath of office prescribed by Section 268 of the Constitution and submit it to the Secretary of State.

(4) Before issuance of a commission as a notary public, the applicant for a commission must submit to the Secretary of State an assurance in the form of a surety bond or its functional equivalent in the amount of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) pursuant to the rules set forth by the Secretary of State. The assurance must be issued by a surety or other entity licensed by the Mississippi Department of Insurance. The assurance must cover acts performed during the term of the notary public's commission and must be in the form prescribed by the Secretary of State. If a notary public violates a law with respect to notaries public in this state, the surety or issuing entity is liable under the assurance. The surety or issuing entity must give thirty (30) days' notice to the Secretary of State before canceling the assurance. The surety or issuing entity must notify the Secretary of State not later than thirty (30) days after making a payment to a claimant under the assurance. A notary public may perform notarial acts in this state only during the period that a valid assurance is on file with the Secretary of State.

(5) On compliance with this section, the Secretary of State shall issue a commission as a notary public to an applicant for a term of four (4) years.

(6) A commission to act as a notary public authorizes the notary public to perform notarial acts. The commission does not provide the notary public any immunity or benefit conferred by the laws of this state on public officials or employees.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-15-101 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 11 / Section 15-101
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-15-101
Status: in_force

The governing board of any county, municipality, municipal separate school district, other school district or community/junior college district, and the governing board or head of any institution, department or agency of any county or municipality may negotiate for and secure for all or specified groups of employees and their dependents of such county or municipality, or institution, department or agency of such county or municipality, or municipal separate school district, other school district or community/junior college district, a policy or policies of group insurance covering the life, except as hereinafter provided, salary protection, health, accident and hospitalization, as well as a group contract or contracts covering hospital and/or medical and/or surgical services or benefits (including surgical costs, so-called “hospital extras,” medical expenses, allied coverages and major medical costs) of such of its employees and their dependents as may desire such insurance and other coverage under such service or benefit contracts, and who shall authorize in writing the deduction from the salary or wages of such employees of the proportionate part of the costs thereof attributable to such employees. However, beginning with the 1984-1985 school year, school districts shall provide the policies of group insurance to certificated personnel. Any employee who desires to reallocate or reduce any part of his or her salary or wages for a cafeteria fringe benefit plan in accordance with current requirements of Section 125 et seq. of the Internal Revenue Code for himself or herself and/or for his or her dependent(s) shall authorize, in writing, the deduction from the salary or wages of such employee the proportionate part of the costs thereof attributable to such employee. Any amount so deducted shall be transferred into the general fund or contingent fund of such county or municipality, or the operating fund of such institution, department or agency of the county or municipality, or the maintenance fund of such municipal separate school district, other school district or community/junior college district, as the case may be, and shall be supplemented by funds from the general fund, contingent fund, maintenance fund or operating fund, as the case may be, in an amount to be determined by the governing board or head of such political subdivision, school district, community/junior college district, institution, department or agency, in their discretion, in order to pay the full costs. In no instances shall the amount of contributions by any governing board or head of a political subdivision, school district, community/junior college district, institution, department or agency hereinabove mentioned exceed an average of one hundred percent (100%) of the cost of all such group coverages for employees.

The governing board or head of such political subdivision, school district, community/junior college district, institution, department or agency is authorized to pay such full costs direct to the insurance company and to the hospital and/or medical and/or surgical service association from the general fund, contingent fund, or the maintenance fund of such county or municipality, or the operating fund of such institution, department, or agency of the county or municipality, or the maintenance fund of such municipal separate school district, other school district or community/junior college district, as the case may be, and to do all acts necessary and proper for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this section and Section 25-15-103 and of effectuating the purposes hereof. The rates for any and all costs covered by the sections shall be in keeping with promulgated schedules, and the rates for such costs shall be approved by the Insurance Commissioner of the State of Mississippi. This section shall not be construed to prevent changes in rates based on experience, nor the granting of dividends or rate reductions or credits.

The governing board or head of any political subdivision or other entity set forth in this section may elect to become a self-insurer with respect to all or any portion of group life, salary protection, health, accident and hospitalization benefits on terms and conditions deemed advisable, in its discretion. The administration and service of any such self-insurance program shall be contracted to a third party approved by the Commissioner of Insurance and benefits provided in excess of the self-insurance plan shall be covered by a policy or policies of group insurance or a group contract or contracts issued by a company licensed to do business in this state.

The governing board of any political subdivision or other entity set forth in this section may join with any one or more other such political subdivision or entity to pool the risks authorized to be insured or self-insured under this section or to act as a self-insurer, or to contract for a policy or policies of insurance, or to contract with a third-party administrator for a self-insurance plan.

Any political subdivision or other entity that provides any plan of group insurance or other coverage under this section does not waive, but expressly reserves, its sovereign immunity under the laws of the State of Mississippi; and all plans and agreements executed by political subdivisions and other entities providing insurance or other coverage under this section shall contain a provision expressly limiting liability for the payment of all benefits for single or multiple claims to the extent of the insurance carried or to the extent of funds available under the self-insurance fund.

Nothing in this section and Section 25-15-103 shall be construed to apply to agencies financed entirely by federally granted administrative funds.

Any governing board or head of any political subdivision or other entity that provides any plan of group insurance or other coverage under this section, and any person with whom such governing board, head of a political subdivision or other entity contracts in the performance of any duty or authority prescribed under this section, shall be liable civilly for the loss or misappropriation of any public funds resulting from their failure to comply with any provision of this section, such funds to be recovered in the manner provided under Section 7-7-211 .
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-43-2.101 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 15 / Section 43-2.101
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-43-2.101
Status: in_force

(1) Subject to the provisions of this chapter, the Secretary of State shall prescribe a uniform numbering system, form, style and transmitting format for all proposed and adopted rules caused to be published by him and, with prior approval of each respective agency involved, may edit rules for publication and codification without changing the meaning or effect of any rule.

(2) The Secretary of State shall cause an administrative bulletin to be published in a format and at such regular intervals as the Secretary of State shall prescribe by rule. Upon proper filing of proposed rules, the Secretary of State shall publish them in the administrative bulletin as expeditiously as possible. The administrative bulletin must contain:

(a) Notices of proposed rule adoption prepared so that the text of the proposed rule shows the text of any existing rule proposed to be changed and the change proposed;

(b) Any other notices and materials designated by law for publication therein; and

(c) An index to its contents by subject.

(3) The Secretary of State shall cause an administrative bulletin to be published in a format and at such regular intervals as the Secretary of State shall prescribe by rule. Upon proper filing of newly adopted rules, the Secretary of State shall publish them as expeditiously as possible. The administrative bulletin must contain:

(a) Newly filed adopted rules prepared so that the text shows the text of any existing rule being changed and the change being made;

(b) Any other notices and materials designated by law for publication therein; and

(c) An index to its contents by subject.

(4) The Secretary of State retains the authority to reject proposed and newly adopted rules not properly filed in accordance with the Secretary of State's rules prescribing the numbering system, form, style or transmitting format for such filings. The Secretary of State shall not be empowered to reject filings for reasons of the substance or content or any proposed or newly adopted rule. The Secretary of State shall notify the agency of its rejection of a proposed or newly adopted rule as expeditiously as possible and accompany such notification with a stated reason for the rejection. A rejected filing of a proposed or newly adopted rule does not constitute filing pursuant to Section 25-43-3.101 et seq. of this chapter.

(5)(a) The Secretary of State shall cause an administrative code to be compiled, indexed by subject and published in a format prescribed by the Secretary of State by rule. All of the effective rules of each agency must be published and indexed in that publication. The Secretary of State shall also cause supplements to the administrative code to be published in a format and at such regular intervals as the Secretary of State shall prescribe by rule.

(b) The Joint Legislative Committee on Compilation, Revision and Publication of Legislation is hereby authorized to contract with a reputable and competent publishing company on such terms and conditions and at such prices as may be deemed proper to digest, compile, annotate, index and publish the state agency rules and regulations.

(6)(a) Copyrights of the Mississippi Administrative Code, including, but not limited to, cross references, tables of cases, notes of decisions, tables of contents, indices, source notes, authority notes, numerical lists and codification guides, other than the actual text of rules or regulations, shall be taken by and in the name of the publishers of said compilation. Such publishers shall thereafter promptly assign the same to the State of Mississippi and said copyright shall be owned by the state.

(b) Any information appearing on the same leaf with the text of any rule or regulation may be incidentally reproduced in connection with the reproduction of such rule or regulation, if such reproduction is for private use and not for resale.

(7) The Secretary of State may omit from the administrative bulletin or code any proposed or filed adopted rule, the publication in hard copy of which would be unduly cumbersome, expensive or otherwise inexpedient, if:

(a) Knowledge of the rule is likely to be important to only a small class of persons;

(b) On application to the issuing agency, the proposed or adopted rule in printed or processed form is made available at no more than its cost of reproduction; and

(c) The administrative bulletin or code contains a notice stating in detail the specific subject matter of the omitted proposed or adopted rule and how a copy of the omitted material may be obtained.

(8) The administrative bulletin and administrative code with supplements must be furnished to designated officials without charge and to all subscribers at a reasonable cost to be determined by the Secretary of State. Each agency shall also make available for public inspection and copying those portions of the administrative bulletin and administrative code containing all rules adopted or used by the agency in the discharge of its functions, and the index to those rules.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-53-11 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 11 / Section 53-11
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-53-11
Status: in_force

The authority shall meet regularly at a place designated by it once each calendar month and shall meet at such other times as may be set upon call of the chairman or a majority of the members of the authority. At its first meeting, the authority shall organize and elect a chairman and vice-chairman and, as soon as practicable thereafter, the authority shall adopt such rules and regulations, not contrary to the provisions of this chapter and the other laws of the State of Mississippi, as shall be necessary and proper to govern its proceedings. The authority may either elect a secretary from among its membership or delegate the executive director or another employee of the authority as its secretary.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-58-3 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 55 / Section 58-3
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-58-3
Status: in_force

(1) The board of supervisors of any county and the governing authorities of any municipality (both referred to in this section as “governing authority”) are hereby authorized and empowered, in their discretion, to borrow money, pursuant to the provisions of this section to create the geographic information system and prepare the multipurpose cadastre authorized in Section 25-58-1 .

(2) Before any money is borrowed under the provisions of this section, the governing authority shall adopt a resolution declaring the necessity for such borrowing and specifying the purpose for which the money borrowed is to be expended, the amount to be borrowed, the date or dates of the maturity thereof, and how such indebtedness is to be evidenced. The resolution shall be certified over the signature of the head of the governing authority.

(3) The borrowing shall be evidenced by negotiable notes or certificates of indebtedness of the governing authority which shall be signed by the principal officer and clerk of such governing authority. All such notes or certificates of indebtedness shall be offered at public sale by the governing authority after not less than ten (10) days' advertising in a newspaper having general circulation within the governing authority. Each sale shall be made to the bidder offering the lowest rate of interest or whose bid represents the lowest net cost to the governing authority; however, the rate of interest shall not exceed that now or hereafter authorized in Section 75-17-101, Mississippi Code of 1972 . No such notes or certificates of indebtedness shall be issued and sold for less than par and accrued interest. All notes or certificates of indebtedness shall mature in approximately equal installments of principal and interest over a period not to exceed ten (10) years from the dates of the issuance thereof. Principal shall be payable annually, and interest shall be payable annually or semiannually; provided, however, that the first payment of principal or interest may be for any period not exceeding one (1) year. Provided, however, if negotiable notes are outstanding from not more than one (1) previous issue authorized under the provisions of this section, then the schedule of payments for a new or supplementary issue may be so adjusted that the schedule of maturities of all notes or series of notes hereunder shall, when combined, mature in approximately equal installments of principal and interest over a period of ten (10) years from the date of the new or supplementary issue, or if a lower interest rate will thereby be secured on notes previously issued and outstanding, a portion of the proceeds of any issue authorized hereunder may be used to refund the balance of the indebtedness previously issued under the authority of this article. Such notes or certificates of indebtedness shall be issued in such form and in such denominations as may be determined by the governing authority and may be made payable at the office of any bank or trust company selected by the governing authority. In such case, funds for the payment of principal and interest due thereon shall be provided in the same manner provided by law for the payment of the principal and interest due on bonds issued by the governing authority.

(4) For the prompt payment of notes or certificates of indebtedness at maturity, both principal and interest, the full faith, credit and resources of the issuing entity are pledged. Furthermore, the governing authority may annually levy a special tax in an amount not to exceed three (3) mills upon all of its taxable property, the avails of which shall be paid into a sinking fund and used exclusively for the payment of principal of and interest on the notes or certificates of indebtedness. Until needed for expenditure, monies in the sinking fund may be invested in the same manner as the governing authority is elsewhere authorized by law to invest surplus funds.

(5) The proceeds of any notes or certificates of indebtedness issued under the provisions of this section shall be placed in a special fund and shall be expended only for the purpose or purposes for which they were issued as shown by the resolution authorizing the issuance thereof. If a balance shall remain of the proceeds of such notes or certificates of indebtedness after the purpose or purposes for which they were issued shall have been accomplished, such balance shall be used to pay such obligations at or before maturity and may be transferred to any sinking fund previously established for the payment thereof.

(6) Proceeds from the sale of notes or certificates of indebtedness not immediately necessary for expenditure shall be invested in the same manner as surplus funds of the governing authority may be invested.

(7) Regardless of the method of paying for the creation of a geographic information system or for the preparation of a multipurpose cadastre, and notwithstanding anything in the Mississippi Public Records Act Section 25-61-1 et seq. , to the contrary, a county or municipality which has created or acquired a geographic information system or prepared a multipurpose cadastre may assess a fee or charge in accordance with the provisions of Section 25-61-7(2) . However, all fees shall be subject to a standard scale adopted by the governing authority. If the governing authority has issued notes or certificates of indebtedness, any fees shall be deposited into the sinking fund and used exclusively for payment of principal and interest on the notes or certificates of indebtedness until paid in full. Thereafter, the fees shall be deposited into the county's or municipality's general fund.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-15-403 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 14 / Section 15-403
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-15-403
Status: in_force

For purposes of this article, the following words shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

(a) “ Cancer ” means a disease caused by an uncontrolled division of abnormal cells in a part of the body or a malignant growth or tumor resulting from the division of abnormal cells. “Cancer” is limited to cancer affecting the bladder, brain, colon, liver, pancreas, skin, kidney, gastrointestinal tract, reproductive tract, leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, prostate, testicles and breast.

(b) “ Firefighter ” means any firefighter who has ten (10) or more years of service and is employed by the State of Mississippi, or any political subdivision thereof, on a full-time duty status, and any firefighter who has ten (10) or more years of service and is registered with the State of Mississippi, or a political subdivision thereof, on a volunteer firefighting status.

(c) “ Law enforcement officer ” means any officer who has been certified by the Mississippi Board on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Training and has ten (10) or more years of service.

(d) “ First responder ” means any firefighter and law enforcement officer as defined in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-4-117 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 4 / Section 4-117
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-4-117
Status: in_force

The provisions of this article shall be in addition to any criminal laws. Actions taken under the provisions of this article shall not bar prosecution for violations of the criminal law.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-59-5 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 17 / Section 59-5
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-59-5
Status: in_force

The archival and records management agency of the state of Mississippi shall be the Mississippi Department of Archives and History.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-62-7 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 59 / Section 62-7
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-62-7
Status: in_force

A person who knowingly violates this chapter is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment of not more than ninety (90) days or a fine of not more than One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) or both.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-59-11 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 58 / Section 59-11
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-59-11
Status: in_force

The central records storage facility shall become the state records center. The commission of budget and accounting is hereby authorized to transfer the responsibility for the operation of the facility to the department of archives and history. The commission shall also transfer title to the building, equipment and property associated with the facility to the department.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-11-111 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 11 / Section 11-111
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-11-111
Status: in_force

(a)(1) Any member who became a member of the system before July 1, 2007, upon withdrawal from service upon or after attainment of the age of sixty (60) years who has completed at least four (4) years of membership service, or any member who became a member of the system before July 1, 2011, upon withdrawal from service regardless of age who has completed at least twenty-five (25) years of creditable service, shall be entitled to receive a retirement allowance, which shall begin on the first of the month following the date the member's application for the allowance is received by the board, but in no event before withdrawal from service.

(2) Any member who became a member of the system on or after July 1, 2007, upon withdrawal from service upon or after attainment of the age of sixty (60) years who has completed at least eight (8) years of membership service, or any member who became a member of the system on or after July 1, 2011, upon withdrawal from service regardless of age who has completed at least thirty (30) years of creditable service, shall be entitled to receive a retirement allowance, which shall begin on the first of the month following the date the member's application for the allowance is received by the board, but in no event before withdrawal from service.

(b)(1) Any member who became a member of the system before July 1, 2007, whose withdrawal from service occurs before attaining the age of sixty (60) years who has completed four (4) or more years of membership service and has not received a refund of his accumulated contributions, shall be entitled to receive a retirement allowance, beginning upon his attaining the age of sixty (60) years, of the amount earned and accrued at the date of withdrawal from service. The retirement allowance shall begin on the first of the month following the date the member's application for the allowance is received by the board, but in no event before withdrawal from service.

(2) Any member who became a member of the system on or after July 1, 2007, whose withdrawal from service occurs before attaining the age of sixty (60) years who has completed eight (8) or more years of membership service and has not received a refund of his accumulated contributions, shall be entitled to receive a retirement allowance, beginning upon his attaining the age of sixty (60) years, of the amount earned and accrued at the date of withdrawal from service. The retirement allowance shall begin on the first of the month following the date the member's application for the allowance is received by the board, but in no event before withdrawal from service.

(c) Any member in service who has qualified for retirement benefits may select any optional method of settlement of retirement benefits by notifying the Executive Director of the Board of Trustees of the Public Employees' Retirement System in writing, on a form prescribed by the board, of the option he has selected and by naming the beneficiary of the option and furnishing necessary proof of age. The option, once selected, may be changed at any time before actual retirement or death, but upon the death or retirement of the member, the optional settlement shall be placed in effect upon proper notification to the executive director.

(d) Any member who became a member of the system before July 1, 2011, shall be entitled to an annual retirement allowance which shall consist of:

(1) A member's annuity, which shall be the actuarial equivalent of the accumulated contributions of the member at the time of retirement computed according to the actuarial table in use by the system; and

(2) An employer's annuity, which, together with the member's annuity provided above, shall be equal to two percent (2%) of the average compensation for each year of service up to and including twenty-five (25) years of creditable service, and two and one-half percent (2- 1 / 2 %) of the average compensation for each year of service exceeding twenty-five (25) years of creditable service.

(3) Any retired member or beneficiary thereof who was eligible to receive a retirement allowance before July 1, 1991, and who is still receiving a retirement allowance on July 1, 1992, shall receive an increase in the annual retirement allowance of the retired member equal to one-eighth of one percent ( 1 / 8 of 1%) of the average compensation for each year of state service in excess of twenty-five (25) years of membership service up to and including thirty (30) years. The maximum increase shall be five-eighths of one percent ( 5 / 8 of 1%). In no case shall a member who has been retired before July 1, 1987, receive less than Ten Dollars ($10.00) per month for each year of creditable service and proportionately for each quarter year thereof. Persons retired on or after July 1, 1987, shall receive at least Ten Dollars ($10.00) per month for each year of service and proportionately for each quarter year thereof reduced for the option selected. However, such Ten Dollars ($10.00) minimum per month for each year of creditable service shall not apply to a retirement allowance computed under Section 25-11-114 based on a percentage of the member's average compensation.

(e) Any member who became a member of the system on or after July 1, 2011, shall be entitled to an annual retirement allowance which shall consist of:

(1) A member's annuity, which shall be the actuarial equivalent of the accumulated contributions of the member at the time of retirement computed according to the actuarial table in use by the system; and

(2) An employer's annuity, which, together with the member's annuity provided above, shall be equal to two percent (2%) of the average compensation for each year of service up to and including thirty (30) years of creditable service, and two and one-half percent (2- 1 / 2 %) of average compensation for each year of service exceeding thirty (30) years of creditable service.

(f) Any member who became a member of the system on or after July 1, 2011, upon withdrawal from service upon or after attaining the age of sixty (60) years who has completed at least eight (8) years of membership service, or any such member upon withdrawal from service regardless of age who has completed at least thirty (30) years of creditable service, shall be entitled to receive a retirement allowance computed in accordance with the formula set forth in subsection (e) of this section. In the case of the retirement of any member who has attained age sixty (60) but who has not completed at least thirty (30) years of creditable service, the retirement allowance shall be computed in accordance with the formula set forth in subsection (e) of this section except that the total annual retirement allowance shall be reduced by an actuarial equivalent factor for each year of creditable service below thirty (30) years or the number of years in age that the member is below age sixty-five (65), whichever is less.

(g) No member, except members excluded by the Age Discrimination in Employment Act Amendments of 1986 ( Public Law 99-592 ), under either Article 1 or Article 3 in state service shall be required to retire because of age.

(h) No payment on account of any benefit granted under the provisions of this section shall become effective or begin to accrue until January 1, 1953.

(i)(1) A retiree or beneficiary may, on a form prescribed by and filed with the retirement system, irrevocably waive all or a portion of any benefits from the retirement system to which the retiree or beneficiary is entitled. The waiver shall be binding on the heirs and assigns of any retiree or beneficiary and the same must agree to forever hold harmless the Public Employees' Retirement System of Mississippi from any claim to the waived retirement benefits.

(2) Any waiver under this subsection shall apply only to the person executing the waiver. A beneficiary shall be entitled to benefits according to the option selected by the member at the time of retirement. However, a beneficiary may, at the option of the beneficiary, execute a waiver of benefits under this subsection.

(3) The retirement system shall retain in the annuity reserve account amounts that are not used to pay benefits because of a waiver executed under this subsection.

(4) The board of trustees may provide rules and regulations for the administration of waivers under this subsection.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-7-53 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 7 / Section 7-53
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-7-53
Status: in_force

A witness shall not be entitled to charge for his attendance in a civil case at any term of the court unless he shall, during the term or within five (5) days thereafter, prove his attendance and obtain a certificate in the manner directed; nor in any case, civil or criminal, shall a witness who does not appear in court when called, or who is so intoxicated as to be disqualified from testifying, be entitled to receive compensation.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-53-59 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 15 / Section 53-59
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-53-59
Status: in_force

Any information confidentiality officer who shall intentionally and wilfully violate his oath by releasing or divulging confidential information without proper authority shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and sentenced to not exceeding one (1) year in jail or a fine of not exceeding One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00), or both.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-7 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 59 / Section 61-7
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-7
Status: in_force

(1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, each public body may establish and collect fees reasonably calculated to reimburse it for, and in no case to exceed, the actual cost of searching, reviewing and/or duplicating and, if applicable, mailing copies of public records. Any staff time or contractual services included in actual cost shall be at the pay scale of the lowest level employee or contractor competent to respond to the request. Such fees shall be collected by the public body in advance of complying with the request.

(2) A public body may establish a standard fee scale to reimburse it for the costs of creating, acquiring and maintaining a geographic information system or multipurpose cadastre as authorized and defined under Section 25-61-1 et seq. , or any other electronically accessible data. Such fees must be reasonably related to the costs of creating, acquiring and maintaining the geographic information system, multipurpose cadastre or other electronically accessible data, for the data or information contained therein or taken therefrom and for any records, papers, accounts, maps, photographs, films, cards, tapes, recordings or other materials, data or information relating thereto, whether in printed, digital or other format. In determining the fees or charges under this subsection, the public body may consider the type of information requested, the purpose or purposes for which the information has been requested and the commercial value of the information.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-53-117 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 14 / Section 53-117
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-53-117
Status: in_force

No agency shall be permitted to obligate the state to any vendor source for a telecommunications system of any kind. All transactions dealing with a telecommunications system shall be conducted through the bureau, and any vendor found in violation of this policy may be prohibited from bidding on such systems for a period of time commensurate with the severity of the violation. Provided, however, that this period shall not exceed twenty-four (24) months.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-5-11 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 1 / Section 5-11
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-5-11
Status: in_force

Such petitions may be circulated and signed in sections; that is, there may be more than one copy of the petition circulated, provided they contain identical language. All petitions, all copies thereof, and all sheets for signature shall be dated as of the day of the first signature to said petition or any section thereof, shall be printed on good quality bond paper on pages 8 1 / 2 inches in width by 13 inches in length with a margin of not less than two inches at the top for binding, and the signature sheets shall have numbered lines printed thereon for consecutive signatures. No signature affixed to such petition can thereafter be withdrawn, and there shall be printed at the bottom of each page of the petition and all copies thereof, including pages for signatures only, in twelve point type, the following warning: “No signature affixed to this petition may thereafter be withdrawn.” The death of any signator before final certification of the petition shall cancel his signature. No petition may be considered unless filed with the clerk of the election commissioner, as the case may be, within sixty days of the date of the first signature thereon as hereinbefore defined.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-55-15 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 32 / Section 55-15
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-55-15
Status: in_force

When the assessment rolls of a county, or either of them, shall be stolen, lost, or destroyed, it shall be the duty of the board of supervisors to obtain certified copies thereof from the office of the state tax commission or the proper custodian thereof, and to pay for the same out of the county treasury. If the assessment have been so recently made that copies thereof are not on file in the auditor's office, then the assessment roll or rolls of the county used the preceding year shall be in force and, if necessary, copies thereof shall in like manner be obtained, and the taxes of the current year collected thereon; but in such case new assessments shall be made for the following year.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-34-17 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 11 / Section 34-17
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-34-17
Status: in_force

(1) A notarial officer may refuse to perform a notarial act if the officer knows or suspects the transaction is illegal, false or deceptive, or if the officer is not satisfied that:

(a) The individual executing the record is competent;

(b) The individual executing the record has the capacity to execute the record;

(c) The individual's signature is knowingly and voluntarily made; or

(d) The notarial act is in compliance with this chapter or with rules issued by the Secretary of State to implement this chapter.

(2) A notarial officer may refuse to perform a notarial act unless refusal is prohibited by any law other than this chapter.

(3) A notary may not be required to perform a notarial act outside the notary's regular workplace or business hours.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-7-51 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 3 / Section 7-51
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-7-51
Status: in_force

The fees to which a witness may be entitled in a civil case shall be allowed on the affidavit of the witness, stating the number of days he has attended and the amount of mileage, toll, and ferriage to which he is entitled, to be taken and preserved by the clerk of the court, master, or other officer before whom the witness was called to testify; and a certificate of the allowance shall be given to the witness. A witness shall be entitled to demand, at the expiration of each day, his compensation for attending on that day; and if the same be not paid, the witness shall not be obliged to attend further until the compensation for his previous attendance shall be paid, unless the party liable make and file an affidavit of his inability to pay. The party paying a witness attending on his behalf may file the certificate of the witness among the papers in the cause and, if he recover costs therein, the amount shall be taxed in the bill of costs. Any witness may sue for and recover from the party on whose behalf he was summoned the amount specified in his certificate. Where a witness holds a certificate and the same has been duly entered on the witness docket, it may be taxed and collected as other costs.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-55-27 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 41 / Section 55-27
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-55-27
Status: in_force

(1) Any officer issuing duplicates of bonds shall keep a record showing:

(a) The numbers, dates and amounts of such mutilated, lost or destroyed bonds and of the coupons thereto attached;

(b) The date of the issuance of the duplicate;

(c) The name of the person to whom the duplicate was issued; and

(d) The name of the sureties and penalty of the indemnity bond, if a bond is required.

The officer issuing duplicates of bonds shall preserve the bond and affidavit taken in each case.

(2) Any officer issuing duplicates of warrants shall keep a record showing:

(a) The numbers, dates and amounts of such mutilated, lost, or destroyed warrants;

(b) The date of issuance of the duplicate; and

(c) The name of the person to whom issued.

The officer issuing duplicates of warrants shall preserve the affidavit taken in each case.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-34-15 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 34 / Section 34-15
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-34-15
Status: in_force

If a notarial act relates to a statement made in or a signature executed on a record, the individual making the statement or executing the signature must appear physically in person before the notarial officer at the time of the notarial act.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-15-23 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 14 / Section 15-23
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-15-23
Status: in_force

No agency, board, school district, community/junior college, public library, university, institution or authority of the state shall withdraw, or authorize any agency or institution under its management and control to withdraw, from the State and School Employees Life and Health Insurance Plan established under this chapter.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-7 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 15 / Section 61-7
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-7
Status: in_force

(1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, each public body may establish and collect fees reasonably calculated to reimburse it for, and in no case to exceed, the actual cost of searching, reviewing and/or duplicating and, if applicable, mailing copies of public records. Any staff time or contractual services included in actual cost shall be at the pay scale of the lowest level employee or contractor competent to respond to the request. Such fees shall be collected by the public body in advance of complying with the request.

(2) A public body may establish a standard fee scale to reimburse it for the costs of creating, acquiring and maintaining a geographic information system or multipurpose cadastre as authorized and defined under Section 25-61-1 et seq. , or any other electronically accessible data. Such fees must be reasonably related to the costs of creating, acquiring and maintaining the geographic information system, multipurpose cadastre or other electronically accessible data, for the data or information contained therein or taken therefrom and for any records, papers, accounts, maps, photographs, films, cards, tapes, recordings or other materials, data or information relating thereto, whether in printed, digital or other format. In determining the fees or charges under this subsection, the public body may consider the type of information requested, the purpose or purposes for which the information has been requested and the commercial value of the information.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-11.2 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 32 / Section 61-11.2
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-11.2
Status: in_force

The following information technology (IT) records shall be exempt from the Mississippi Public Records Act of 1983:

(a) IT infrastructure details, including network architecture, schematics, and IT system designs;

(b) Source code;

(c) Detailed hardware and software inventories;

(d) Security plans;

(e) Vulnerability reports;

(f) Security risk assessment details;

(g) Security compliance reports;

(h) Authentication credentials;

(i) Security policies and processes;

(j) Security incident reports; and

(k) Any audit, assessment, compliance report, work papers or any combination of these that if disclosed could allow unauthorized access to the state's IT assets.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-11 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 15 / Section 61-11
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-11
Status: in_force

The provisions of this chapter shall not be construed to conflict with, amend, repeal or supersede any constitutional law, state or federal statutory law, or decision of a court of this state or the United States which at the time this chapter is effective or thereafter specifically declares a public record to be confidential or privileged, or provides that a public record shall be exempt from the provisions of this chapter.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-7-15 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 5 / Section 7-15
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-7-15
Status: in_force

(1) In counties having two (2) judicial districts and having a regularly appointed deputy circuit court clerk who shall serve in the judicial district of the county other than the judicial district of the county in which the circuit court clerk resides, the circuit court clerk shall be allowed One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) per month. This amount shall be allowed and paid monthly to the circuit court clerk by the board of supervisors of each county affected by this section out of the general fund of the county and shall be in addition to all other allowances now provided by law.

(2) The boards of supervisors of every county shall pay to the circuit clerk the sum of Seven Hundred Dollars ($700.00) for each session of the grand jury for preparing the grand jury docket, subpoenas, calendar and related services.

(3) The circuit clerks of every county having an assessed valuation in excess of Sixty-five Million Dollars ($65,000,000.00) at the last federal census and having located therein two (2) municipalities with population in excess of thirty thousand (30,000) respectively at the last federal census and bordering on the Gulf of Mexico, of every county bordering on the Gulf of Mexico and the State of Alabama, and of counties having a population in excess of one hundred fifty thousand (150,000) according to the federal census of 1960, and any county with a population in excess of sixty-five thousand (65,000) at the last federal census of 1970 and having an assessed valuation in excess of One Hundred Twenty-five Million Dollars ($125,000,000.00) according to the 1975 assessment, shall receive a sum of not less than Twelve Thousand Dollars ($12,000.00) annually for employment of deputies whose duties are devoted substantially to registration of voters. The sum shall be payable monthly out of any available funds in the county treasury.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-59-31 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 51 / Section 59-31
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-59-31
Status: in_force

In order to provide for an orderly implementation of this chapter, the department shall not disrupt the current microfilming and destruction of public records pursuant to law. Provided, however, that such agencies shall make no further disposition of public records without the approval of the director of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History pursuant to rules and regulations promulgated to implement this chapter.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-45-7 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 31 / Section 45-7
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-45-7
Status: in_force

Each agency of the state may consult with the Central Data Processing Authority created under the provisions of Section 25-53-1 et seq. in all instances where the Central Data Processing Authority may be of assistance in developing and/or implementing a plan or program for “one-stop permitting.”
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-59-29 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 41 / Section 59-29
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-59-29
Status: in_force

Any custodian of public records as defined by this chapter is authorized to reproduce any part of the records kept by the office concerned unless otherwise prohibited by law or withheld from reproduction in the public interest. Such copies shall be produced by equipment and systems which shall accurately reproduce and preserve the original record in all material details and in a durable form. Each agency shall preserve such reproductions in conveniently accessible files and provide for preserving, examining and using them. If the records are of enduring value to the agency concerned or are determined to be of archival value by the Mississippi Department of Archives and History, the reproduction and storage methods and procedures used must meet standards approved by the department. One (1) master copy of each record of enduring or archival value reproduced shall be deposited with the department. Custodians of public records may destroy the original records from which the reproductions have been made, or any part of them, provided that (a) the records are of no value to the agency concerned, (b) the Mississippi Department of Archives and History certifies that the records may be destroyed through the provisions of retention schedules approved by the state records committee, and (c) the records microfilmed or reproduced and approved for destruction are reported to the Mississippi Department of Archives and History in such manner as it may direct. Any such reproduction or copy of any original record or other document shall be deemed to be the original record for all purposes and shall be admissible as evidence in all courts or administrative agencies. A facsimile, exemplified or certified copy thereof shall for all purposes be deemed to be a transcript or certified copy of the original record.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-1-89 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 1 / Section 1-89
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-1-89
Status: in_force

Any institution of higher learning may own and operate a passenger automobile donated to it for use in the work of such institution by an individual or individuals.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-58-21 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 51 / Section 58-21
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-58-21
Status: in_force

(1) There is established the Mississippi Coordinating Council for Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems, hereinafter referred to as the “council.” The council shall set and assure enforcement of policies and standards to make it easier for remote sensing and geographic information system users around the state to share information and to facilitate cost-sharing arrangements to reduce the costs of acquiring remote sensing and geographic information system data. The council shall not oversee or regulate the activities of higher education entities where it relates to the fields of teaching or research; however, the council shall be informed of these activities for the purpose of coordinating these higher education activities with other public remote sensing and GIS initiatives to achieve the maximum benefit for the State of Mississippi and its taxpayers. The council's responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

(a) Coordination of remote sensing and geographic information system activities within Mississippi;

(b) Establishing policies and standards to guide Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services (MDITS) in the review and approval of state and local government procurement of both hardware and software development relating to remote sensing and geographic information systems;

(c) Oversight of MDITS' implementation of these responsibilities;

(d) Preparing a plan, with proposed state funding priorities, for Mississippi's remote sensing and geographic information system activities, including development, operation and maintenance of the Mississippi Digital Earth Model;

(e) Oversight of the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality's development and maintenance of the Mississippi Digital Earth Model, including establishing policies and standards for the procurement of remote sensing and geographic information system data by state and local governmental entities and establishing the order in which the seven (7) core data layers shall be developed;

(f) Designating Mississippi's official representative to the National States Geographic Information Council and to any other national or regional remote sensing or geographical information system organizations on which Mississippi has an official seat;

(g) Establishing and designating the members of an advisory committee made up of policy level officials from major state, local, regional and federal agencies, including, but not limited to, the National Association of Space Administration, the Mississippi Institute for Forestry Inventory, the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, the Mississippi Public Utilities Staff, the Department of Marine Resources, the county E911 coordinator, the State Health Officer, the Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce, the State Tax Commission, the Council of Consulting Engineers and the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, as well as members of the private sector;

(h) Creating a staff level technical users committee, in which any public or private sector entity in Mississippi interested in remote sensing and geographic information may be allowed to participate;

(i) Coordinating with the State Tax Commission to assure that state and local governmental entities do not have to comply with two (2) sets of requirements imposed by different organizations.

(2) The Mississippi Coordinating Council for Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems will be composed of the following members:

(a) The Executive Director of the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality;

(b) The Executive Director of the Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services;

(c) The Executive Director of the Mississippi Department of Transportation;

(d) The Executive Director of the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency;

(e) The Executive Director of the Mississippi Development Authority;

(f) The Secretary of State;

(g) The Executive Director of the Mississippi Forestry Commission;

(h) The Director of the Mississippi State Board of Registered Professional Geologists;

(i) A representative from the Institutions of Higher Learning, appointed by the Commissioner of the Institutions of Higher Learning;

(j) One (1) mayor, serving a municipality, appointed by the Executive Director of the Mississippi Municipal League;

(k) The Executive Director of the Mississippi Municipal League or his designee who will serve as the member;

(l) One (1) county supervisor appointed by the Executive Director of the Mississippi Association of Supervisors;

(m) The Executive Director of the Mississippi Association of Supervisors or his designee who will serve as the member;

(n) A member of the Tax Assessors/Collectors Association or the executive director of the association, to be appointed by the president of that association;

(o) A representative of the Planning and Development Districts, appointed by the Governor;

(p) A Senator, as a nonvoting member, appointed by the Lieutenant Governor;

(q) A Representative, as a nonvoting member, appointed by the Speaker of the House;

(r) A county surveyor who is a member of the Mississippi Association of Professional Surveyors, appointed by the president of the association; and

The members listed in paragraphs (a) through (g) may appoint a designee, but the designee must be the head of an office, bureau, division or branch within the member's agency.

The members of the council shall serve for a term concurrent with their service as an elected or appointed official or concurrent with the term of the appointing official.

The Executive Director of the Department of Environmental Quality shall serve as council chair and the Executive Director of Information Technology Services as vice chair for the first two (2) years. After the first two (2) years, the council shall elect from its members a chair and vice chair, for terms to be specified by the council.

With regard to the designee chosen by the Executive Director of the Mississippi Municipal League or the Executive Director of the Mississippi Association of Supervisors, the designee shall become a permanent member of the council for a term concurrent with the term of the appointing executive director.

(3) At the direction of the chairman of the council and contingent upon the availability of sufficient funds, each member may receive reimbursement for reasonable expenses, including travel expenses in accordance with rates established pursuant to Section 25-3-41 , incurred in attending meetings of the council. Any member of the council who is also a state employee may not receive per diem compensation for attending meetings of the study committee, but may be reimbursed in accordance with Section 25-3-41 for mileage and actual expenses incurred in the performance of the duties, if authorized by vote, at a meeting of the council, which action must be recorded in the official minutes of the meeting. Legislative members of the council will be paid from the contingent expense funds of their respective houses in the same amounts as provided for committee meetings when the Legislature is not in session.

(4) The council may accept money from any source, public or private, to be expended in implementing the duties under this section.

(5) The council may utilize staff employed by the agencies affected by this section and any other assistance made available to it.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-31-27 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 19 / Section 31-27
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-31-27
Status: in_force

No district attorney of this state, without the consent in writing of the attorney general, shall institute or prosecute any civil suit for a violation of the antitrust statutes of this state; and no court shall take cognizance of any such suit without such written consent of the Attorney General.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-59-27 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 51 / Section 59-27
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-59-27
Status: in_force

All records for which title has been transferred to the Mississippi Department of Archives and History shall be open for public use at a reasonable time and place under rules and regulations adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History with the exception of those records specifically prohibited from being opened to inspection by state law, federal law, court order, by contractual agreement with a private third party or by agency request consistent with law. Records such as income tax returns, medical records, scholastic records, adoption records and other records which by law are required to be closed to the public shall not be deemed to be made open to the public under the provisions of this chapter, nor shall the definition of public records include those records which it is shown that the public interest is best served by not disclosing to the public. For purposes of records management closed and restricted records may be disposed of in accordance with the provisions of this chapter for the disposal of public records.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-19-1 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 17 / Section 19-1
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-19-1
Status: in_force

(1) As used in this section:

(a) “ Eligible employee ” means an employee of a public employer that is not subject to the provisions of Section 25-3-37 and meets the eligibility criteria set forth in the rules and regulations of the public employer.

(b) “ Public employer ” means any agency, board, commission, municipality, governing authority or other instrumentality of state or local government including, but not limited to, an institution of higher learning or a community or junior college.

(2) Any public employer may establish an employer-assisted housing program to provide funds to eligible employees of the public employer to be used for the housing assistance. Funds under this program may be utilized by an eligible employee for rental security deposits, rental subsidies, down payments, closing costs or any other fees or costs associated with the rental or purchase of a home. The housing assistance may be in the form of a grant, forgivable loan or repayable loan. The public employer may contract with one or more public or private entities to provide assistance in implementing and administering the program and shall adopt rules and regulations for the administration of the program.

(3) If the assistance is structured as a forgivable loan, the participating employee must remain as an employee of the public employer for an agreed upon period of time, as determined by the rules and regulations adopted by the public employer in order to have the loan forgiven. The forgiveness structure, amount of assistance and repayment terms shall be determined by the public employer.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-31-10.1 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 17 / Section 31-10.1
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-31-10.1
Status: in_force

In addition to the salaries, expenses and fringe benefits of district attorneys and legal assistants authorized by Section 25-3-35(5) and (6) and criminal investigators authorized by Section 25-31-10(5) , the salary of a district attorney may be supplemented in an amount not to exceed Eight Thousand Three Hundred Dollars ($8,300.00) per year; the salary of a legal assistant may be supplemented in an amount not to exceed Six Thousand Dollars ($6,000.00) per year; and the salary of a criminal investigator may be supplemented in an amount not to exceed Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) per year, payable monthly. The supplemental salary, expenses and fringe benefits authorized herein may be paid from office-generated funds, funds from a county, a combination of counties, a municipality, a combination of municipalities, a county and a municipality, a combination of counties and municipalities, federal funds, grants from private foundations, or by means of an Interlocal Cooperative Agreement authorized by Section 17-13-1 . The district attorney shall report to the board of supervisors of each county comprising the circuit court district the amount and source of the supplemental salary, expenses and fringe benefits, and the board in each county shall spread the same on its minutes. The district attorney shall also report such information to the Department of Finance and Administration who shall make such information available to the Legislative Budget Office. The supplemental salary, expenses and fringe benefits may either be paid from district attorney accounts, transferred by the district attorney to the Department of Finance and Administration or to one or more of the separate counties comprising the circuit court district, and such funds shall be disbursed to the employees in the same manner as state-funded criminal investigators and full-time legal assistants.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-53-123 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 51 / Section 53-123
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-53-123
Status: in_force

(1) The only method of procurement permitted for the acquisition of nonregulated telecommunications systems, including equipment and related services, shall be in conformity with the following requirements: All acquisitions of telecommunications equipment, systems and related services involving the expenditures of funds in excess of the dollar amount established in Section 31-7-13(c) , or rentals or leases in excess of the dollar amount established in Section 31-7-13(c) , for the term of the contract, shall be based upon competitive and open specifications, and contracts therefor shall be entered into only after advertisements for bids are published in one or more daily newspapers having a general circulation in the state not less than fourteen (14) days prior to receiving sealed bids therefor. The authority may reserve the right to reject any or all bids, and if all bids are rejected, the authority may negotiate a contract within the limitations of the specifications so long as the terms of any such negotiated contract are equal to or better than the comparable terms submitted by the lowest and best bidder, and so long as the total cost to the State of Mississippi does not exceed the lowest bid. If the authority accepts one (1) of such bids, it shall be that which is the lowest and best.

(2) When applicable, the bureau may procure equipment, systems and related services in accordance with the law or regulations, or both, which govern the Bureau of Purchasing of the Governor's Office of General Services or which govern the Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services procurement of computer equipment, software and services.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-59-3 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 58 / Section 59-3
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-59-3
Status: in_force

For the purposes of this chapter:

(a) “Department” shall mean the Mississippi Department of Archives and History.

(b) “Public records” shall mean all documents, papers, letters, maps, books, tapes, photographs, films, sound recordings or other materials regardless of physical form or characteristics made or received pursuant to law or ordinance or in connection with the transaction of official business by any agency or by any appointed or elected official. Books, periodicals and other published material normally found in a library are excluded from this definition.

(c) “State record” shall mean a record which normally is maintained within the custody or control of a state agency or by any appointed or elected state official or any other record which is designated or treated as a state record according to general law.

(d) “Vital record” shall mean any record vital to the resumption of the legal and financial status of government in the state or to the protection and fulfillment of obligations to the citizens of the state of Mississippi.

(e) “Agency” shall mean any state office, department, division, board, bureau, commission, institution of higher learning or other separate unit or institution of state government created or established by law.

(f) “Mississippi State Archives” shall mean an establishment maintained by the department for the preservation of those public records and other documentary materials that have been determined by the department to have sufficient historical or other enduring value to warrant their continued preservation by the state and that have been accepted by the department for deposit in its custody.

(g) “Records center” shall mean an establishment maintained by the department primarily for the processing, servicing and security of public records that must be retained for varying periods of time but need not be retained in an agency's office, equipment or space.

(h) “Records control schedule” shall mean a set of instructions prescribing how long, where or in what form records shall be kept.

(i) “Records management” shall mean the application of management techniques to the creation, utilization, maintenance, retention, preservation and disposal of records undertaken to reduce costs and improve efficiency of record-keeping. Records management includes management of filing and microfilm equipment and supplies, filing and information retrieval systems, historical documentation, micrographics, records system scheduling and vital records protection.

(j) “Director” shall mean the director of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History.

(k) “State records committee” shall mean a committee established by this chapter whose duties are to review, approve, disapprove, amend or modify records control schedules submitted by agency heads.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-55-23 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 19 / Section 55-23
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-55-23
Status: in_force

A duplicate shall not be issued for a mutilated bond or warrant until the original shall be delivered to such officer, and not until an examination has been made by such officer and the treasurer on whom it may be drawn, or who is to pay the same, to see if it be genuine and have not been already paid. If genuine and not previously paid, the duplicate may issue upon the cancellation of the original and the entry of a statement of facts on the proper record or registry of its issuance, with the words “pay duplicate only.”
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-4-109 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 4 / Section 4-109
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-4-109
Status: in_force

(1) Upon a finding by clear and convincing evidence that any elected public servant or other person has violated any provision of this article, the commission may censure the elected public servant or impose a civil fine of not more than Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00), or both. The commission may further recommend to the Circuit Court for Hinds County that the elected public servant be removed from office.

(2) Upon a finding by clear and convincing evidence that any nonelected public servant has violated any provision of this article, the commission may censure the nonelected public servant or impose a civil fine of not more than Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00), or both. The commission may further recommend to the Circuit Court for Hinds County that the nonelected public servant be removed from office, suspended, or subjected to a demotion or reduction in pay.

(3) The commission may order restitution or other equitable or legal remedies to recover public funds or property unlawfully taken, as well as unjust enrichment, although not public funds. Any pecuniary benefit received by a public servant in violation of this article may be declared forfeited by the commission for the benefit of the governmental entity injured.

(4) In the event a public servant does not appeal the decision or recommendation of the commission, the commission may petition the Circuit Court for Hinds County for the removal, suspension, demotion or reduction of pay of the public servant as provided by law.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-3 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 53 / Section 61-3
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-3
Status: in_force

The following words shall have the meanings ascribed herein unless the context clearly requires otherwise:

(a) “ Public body ” shall mean any department, bureau, division, council, commission, committee, subcommittee, board, agency and any other entity of the state or a political subdivision thereof, and any municipal corporation and any other entity created by the Constitution or by law, executive order, ordinance or resolution. The term “ public body ” includes the governing board of a charter school authorized by the Mississippi Charter School Authorizer Board. Within the meaning of this chapter, the term “ entity ” shall not be construed to include individuals employed by a public body or any appointed or elected public official.

(b) “ Public records ” shall mean all books, records, papers, accounts, letters, maps, photographs, films, cards, tapes, recordings or reproductions thereof, and any other documentary materials, regardless of physical form or characteristics, having been used, being in use, or prepared, possessed or retained for use in the conduct, transaction or performance of any business, transaction, work, duty or function of any public body, or required to be maintained by any public body. “Public records” shall not mean “personal information” as defined in Section 25-62-1 .

(c) “ Data processing software ” means the programs and routines used to employ and control the capabilities of data processing hardware, including, but not limited to, operating systems, compilers, assemblers, utilities, library routines, maintenance routines, applications and computer networking programs.

(d) “ Proprietary software ” means data processing software that is obtained under a licensing agreement and is protected by copyright or trade secret laws.

(e) “ Incident report ” means a narrative description, if such narrative description exists and if such narrative description does not contain investigative information, of an alleged offense, and at a minimum shall include the name and identification of each person charged with and arrested for the alleged offense, the time, date and location of the alleged offense, and the property involved, to the extent this information is known.

(f) “ Investigative report ” means records of a law enforcement agency containing information beyond the scope of the matters contained in an incident report, and generally will include, but not be limited to, the following matters if beyond the scope of the matters contained in an incident report:

(i) Records that are compiled in the process of detecting and investigating any unlawful activity or alleged unlawful activity, the disclosure of which would harm the investigation which may include crime scene reports and demonstrative evidence;

(ii) Records that would reveal the identity of informants and/or witnesses;

(iii) Records that would prematurely release information that would impede the public body's enforcement, investigative or detection efforts;

(iv) Records that would disclose investigatory techniques and/or results of investigative techniques;

(v) Records that would deprive a person of a right to a fair trial or an impartial adjudication;

(vi) Records that would endanger the life or safety of a public official or law enforcement personnel, or confidential informants or witnesses;

(vii) Records pertaining to quality control or PEER review activities; or

(viii) Records that would impede or jeopardize a prosecutor's ability to prosecute the alleged offense.

(g) “ Law enforcement agency ” means a public body that performs as one (1) of its principal functions activities pertaining to the enforcement of criminal laws, the apprehension and investigation of criminal offenders, or the investigation of criminal activities.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-15-409 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 11 / Section 15-409
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-15-409
Status: in_force

(1) The state, municipality, county or fire protection district shall, no later than January 1, 2024, show proof of insurance coverage that meets the requirements of this article to the Commissioner of Insurance, or shall show satisfactory proof of the ability to pay such compensation to ensure adequate coverage for all eligible first responders.

(2) The Commissioner of Insurance shall adopt such rules and regulations as are reasonable and necessary to implement the provisions of this article. Such regulations shall include the process by which a first responder files a claim for cancer and the process by which claimants can appeal a denial of benefits.

(3) The Commissioner of Insurance shall adopt rules to establish firefighter cancer prevention best practices as it relates to personal protective equipment, decontamination, fire suppression, apparatus and fire stations.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-17-5 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 17 / Section 17-5
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-17-5
Status: in_force

(1) Contributions to cover the cost of benefits provided under a cafeteria plan authorized by Section 25-17-3, Mississippi Code of 1972 , shall be paid by the eligible employee pursuant to a salary reduction agreement. The state agency or local governmental entity shall be authorized to pay part or all of the administrative expenses therefor.

(2) The state agency or local governmental entity may agree with an eligible employee that the employee's salary shall be reduced monthly by an amount equal to the cost of benefits selected and to be paid for by the eligible employee. Such reduction shall be made pursuant to salary reduction agreements entered into between eligible employees and the state agency or local governmental entity.

(3) The state agency or local governmental entity is authorized, upon request of an eligible employee, to reduce each month the salary of the eligible employee by an amount of money, or the cost of selected benefits, designated by that employee in the salary reduction agreement entered into between the employee and the state agency or local governmental entity.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-53-5 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 13 / Section 53-5
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-53-5
Status: repealed

The authority shall have the following powers, duties, and responsibilities:

(a)(i) The authority shall provide for the development of plans for the efficient acquisition and utilization of computer equipment and services by all agencies of state government, and provide for their implementation. In so doing, the authority may use the MDITS' staff, at the discretion of the executive director of the authority, or the authority may contract for the services of qualified consulting firms in the field of information technology and utilize the service of such consultants as may be necessary for such purposes. Pursuant to Section 25-53-1 , the provisions of this section shall not apply to the Department of Human Services for a period of three (3) years beginning on July 1, 2017. Pursuant to Section 25-53-1 , the provisions of this section shall not apply to the Department of Child Protection Services for a period of three (3) years beginning July 1, 2017.

(ii) [Repealed]

(b) The authority shall immediately institute procedures for carrying out the purposes of this chapter and supervise the efficient execution of the powers and duties of the office of executive director of the authority. In the execution of its functions under this chapter, the authority shall maintain as a paramount consideration the successful internal organization and operation of the several agencies so that efficiency existing therein shall not be adversely affected or impaired. In executing its functions in relation to the institutions of higher learning and junior colleges in the state, the authority shall take into consideration the special needs of such institutions in relation to the fields of teaching and scientific research.

(c) Title of whatever nature of all computer equipment now vested in any agency of the State of Mississippi is hereby vested in the authority, and no such equipment shall be disposed of in any manner except in accordance with the direction of the authority or under the provisions of such rules and regulations as may hereafter be adopted by the authority in relation thereto.

(d) The authority shall adopt rules, regulations, and procedures governing the acquisition of computer and telecommunications equipment and services which shall, to the fullest extent practicable, ensure the maximum of competition between all manufacturers of supplies or equipment or services. In the writing of specifications, in the making of contracts relating to the acquisition of such equipment and services, and in the performance of its other duties the authority shall provide for the maximum compatibility of all information systems hereafter installed or utilized by all state agencies and may require the use of common computer languages where necessary to accomplish the purposes of this chapter. The authority may establish by regulation and charge reasonable fees on a nondiscriminatory basis for the furnishing to bidders of copies of bid specifications and other documents issued by the authority.

(e) The authority shall adopt rules and regulations governing the sharing with, or the sale or lease of information technology services to any nonstate agency or person. Such regulations shall provide that any such sharing, sale or lease shall be restricted in that same shall be accomplished only where such services are not readily available otherwise within the state, and then only at a charge to the user not less than the prevailing rate of charge for similar services by private enterprise within this state.

(f) The authority may, in its discretion, establish a special technical advisory committee or committees to study and make recommendations on technology matters within the competence of the authority as the authority may see fit. Persons serving on the Information Resource Council, its task forces, or any such technical advisory committees shall be entitled to receive their actual and necessary expenses actually incurred in the performance of such duties, together with mileage as provided by law for state employees, provided the same has been authorized by a resolution duly adopted by the authority and entered on its minutes prior to the performance of such duties.

(g) The authority may provide for the development and require the adoption of standardized computer programs and may provide for the dissemination of information to and the establishment of training programs for the personnel of the various information technology centers of state agencies and personnel of the agencies utilizing the services thereof.

(h) The authority shall adopt reasonable rules and regulations requiring the reporting to the authority through the office of executive director of such information as may be required for carrying out the purposes of this chapter and may also establish such reasonable procedures to be followed in the presentation of bills for payment under the terms of all contracts for the acquisition of computer equipment and services now or hereafter in force as may be required by the authority or by the executive director in the execution of their powers and duties.

(i) The authority shall require such adequate documentation of information technology procedures utilized by the various state agencies and may require the establishment of such organizational structures within state agencies relating to information technology operations as may be necessary to effectuate the purposes of this chapter.

(j) The authority may adopt such further reasonable rules and regulations as may be necessary to fully implement the purposes of this chapter. All rules and regulations adopted by the authority shall be published and disseminated in readily accessible form to all affected state agencies, and to all current suppliers of computer equipment and services to the state, and to all prospective suppliers requesting the same. Such rules and regulations shall be kept current, be periodically revised, and copies thereof shall be available at all times for inspection by the public at reasonable hours in the offices of the authority. Whenever possible no rule, regulation or any proposed amendment to such rules and regulations shall be finally adopted or enforced until copies of the proposed rules and regulations have been furnished to all interested parties for their comment and suggestions.

(k) The authority shall establish rules and regulations which shall provide for the submission of all contracts proposed to be executed by the executive director for computer equipment and/or telecommunications or services, including cloud computing, to the authority for approval before final execution, and the authority may provide that such contracts involving the expenditure of less than such specified amount as may be established by the authority may be finally executed by the executive director without first obtaining such approval by the authority.

(l) The authority is authorized to consider new technologies, such as cloud computing, to purchase, lease, or rent computer equipment or services and to operate that equipment and use those services in providing services to one or more state agencies when in its opinion such operation will provide maximum efficiency and economy in the functions of any such agency or agencies.

(m) Upon the request of the governing body of a political subdivision or instrumentality, the authority shall assist the political subdivision or instrumentality in its development of plans for the efficient acquisition and utilization of computer equipment and services. An appropriate fee shall be charged the political subdivision by the authority for such assistance.

(n) The authority shall adopt rules and regulations governing the protest procedures to be followed by any actual or prospective bidder, offerer or contractor who is aggrieved in connection with the solicitation or award of a contract for the acquisition of computer equipment or services. Such rules and regulations shall prescribe the manner, time and procedure for making protests and may provide that a protest not timely filed shall be summarily denied. The authority may require the protesting party, at the time of filing the protest, to post a bond, payable to the state, in an amount that the authority determines sufficient to cover any expense or loss incurred by the state, the authority or any state agency as a result of the protest if the protest subsequently is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to have been filed without any substantial basis or reasonable expectation to believe that the protest was meritorious; however, in no event may the amount of the bond required exceed a reasonable estimate of the total project cost. The authority, in its discretion, also may prohibit any prospective bidder, offerer or contractor who is a party to any litigation involving any such contract with the state, the authority or any agency of the state to participate in any other such bid, offer or contract, or to be awarded any such contract, during the pendency of the litigation.

(o) The authority shall make a report in writing to the Legislature each year in the month of January. Such report shall contain a full and detailed account of the work of the authority for the preceding year as specified in Section 25-53-29(3) .

All acquisitions of computer equipment and services involving the expenditure of funds in excess of the dollar amount established in Section 31-7-13(c) , or rentals or leases in excess of the dollar amount established in Section 31-7-13(c) for the term of the contract, shall be based upon competitive and open specifications, and contracts therefor shall be entered into only after advertisements for bids are published in one or more daily newspapers having a general circulation in the state not less than fourteen (14) days prior to receiving sealed bids therefor. The authority may reserve the right to reject any or all bids, and if all bids are rejected, the authority may negotiate a contract within the limitations of the specifications so long as the terms of any such negotiated contract are equal to or better than the comparable terms submitted by the lowest and best bidder, and so long as the total cost to the State of Mississippi does not exceed the lowest bid. If the authority accepts one (1) of such bids, it shall be that which is the lowest and best. Through June 30, 2024, the provisions of this paragraph shall not apply to acquisitions of information technology equipment and services made by the Mississippi Department of Health and the Mississippi Department of Revenue for the purposes of implementing, administering and enforcing the provisions of the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Act.

(p) When applicable, the authority may procure equipment, systems and related services in accordance with the law or regulations, or both, which govern the Bureau of Purchasing of the Office of General Services or which govern the Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services procurement of telecommunications equipment, software and services.

(q) The authority is authorized to purchase, lease, or rent information technology and services for the purpose of establishing pilot projects to investigate emerging technologies. These acquisitions shall be limited to new technologies and shall be limited to an amount set by annual appropriation of the Legislature. These acquisitions shall be exempt from the advertising and bidding requirement.

(r) To promote the maximum use and benefit from technology and services now in operation or which will in the future be placed in operation and to identify opportunities, minimize duplication, reduce costs and improve the efficiency of providing common technology services the authority is authorized to:

(i) Enter into master agreements for computer or telecommunications equipment or services, including cloud computing, available for shared use by state agencies, institutes of higher learning and governing authorities; and

(ii) Enter into contracts for the acquisition of computer or telecommunications equipment or services, including cloud computing, that have been acquired by other entities, located within or outside of the State of Mississippi, so long as it is determined by the authority to be in the best interest of the state. The acquisitions provided in this paragraph (r) shall be exempt from the advertising and bidding requirements of Section 25-53-1 et seq.

(s) All fees collected by the Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services shall be deposited into the Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services Revolving Fund unless otherwise specified by the Legislature.

(t) The authority shall work closely with the council to bring about effective coordination of policies, standards and procedures relating to procurement of remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS) resources. In addition, the authority is responsible for development, operation and maintenance of a delivery system infrastructure for geographic information systems data. The authority shall provide a warehouse for Mississippi's geographic information systems data.

(u) The authority shall manage one or more State Data Centers to provide information technology services on a cost-sharing basis. In determining the appropriate services to be provided through the State Data Center, the authority should consider those services that:

(i) Result in savings to the state as a whole;

(ii) Improve and enhance the security and reliability of the state's information and business systems; and

(iii) Optimize the efficient use of the state's information technology assets, including, but not limited to, promoting partnerships with the state institutions of higher learning and community colleges to capitalize on advanced information technology resources.

(v) The authority shall increase federal participation in the cost of the State Data Center to the extent provided by law and its shared technology infrastructure through providing such shared services to agencies that receive federal funds. With regard to state institutions of higher learning and community colleges, the authority may provide shared services when mutually agreeable, following a determination by both the authority and the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning or the Mississippi Community College Board, as the case may be, that the sharing of services is mutually beneficial.

(w) The authority, in its discretion, may require new or replacement agency business applications to be hosted at the State Data Center. With regard to state institutions of higher learning and community colleges, the authority and the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning or the Mississippi Community College Board, as the case may be, may agree that institutions of higher learning or community colleges may utilize business applications that are hosted at the State Data Center, following a determination by both the authority and the applicable board that the hosting of those applications is mutually beneficial. In addition, the authority may establish partnerships to capitalize on the advanced technology resources of the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning or the Mississippi Community College Board, following a determination by both the authority and the applicable board that such a partnership is mutually beneficial.

(x) The authority shall provide a periodic update regarding reform-based information technology initiatives to the Chairmen of the House and Senate Accountability, Efficiency and Transparency Committees.

From and after July 1, 2018, the expenses of this agency shall be defrayed by appropriation from the State General Fund. In addition, in order to receive the maximum use and benefit from information technology and services, expenses for the provision of statewide shared services that facilitate cost-effective information processing and telecommunication solutions shall be defrayed by pass-through funding and shall be deposited into the Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services Revolving Fund unless otherwise specified by the Legislature. These funds shall only be utilized to pay the actual costs incurred by the Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services for providing these shared services to state agencies. Furthermore, state agencies shall work in full cooperation with the Board of the Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services to identify computer equipment or services to minimize duplication, reduce costs, and improve the efficiency of providing common technology services across agency boundaries.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-53-239 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 45 / Section 53-239
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-53-239
Status: in_force

The board shall produce a statewide cybersecurity report, which shall be presented to the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Speaker of the House, and the Chairmen of the Technology Committees of the Mississippi Senate and Mississippi House of Representatives by December 15 each year. The board shall also develop a list of best practices in cybersecurity to disburse throughout the state to various parties as deemed necessary by the board.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-5-37 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 4 / Section 5-37
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-5-37
Status: in_force

(1) Any person who signs any removal petition with any name other than his own, or who knowingly signs his name more than once to such petition, or who knowingly signs such petition when he is not a qualified elector shall be guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, may be punished as such for a term in the penitentiary not to exceed five (5) years.

(2) Any person who knowingly executes any affidavit required by Sections 25-5-3 through 25-5-37 knowing the same to be false, or who issues any certificate required by the same knowing it to be false, or who makes any statement of any kind required by said sections to be under oath, either in writing or orally, knowing the same to be false shall be guilty of perjury and, upon conviction, may be punished by imprisonment in the state penitentiary for a term not to exceed ten (10) years.

(3) It shall be a felony for any officer sought to be removed under the provisions of the aforesaid sections to attempt by force, threats, bribery, or intimidation to hinder or interfere with the free circulation or signing of any removal petition and, upon conviction thereof, he shall be punished by imprisonment in the state penitentiary for not less than one (1) year nor more than five (5) years.

(4) Any person in the possession of a removal petition who either wilfully suppresses, neglects, or fails to cause same to be filed with the county registrar shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by imprisonment in the county jail not to exceed six (6) months or by fine not to exceed Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00), or by both such fine and imprisonment.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-53-231 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 34 / Section 53-231
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-53-231
Status: in_force

There is hereby created the “Cyber Security Review Board,” which shall be responsible for ensuring a collaborative effort is made to address the cybersecurity threat posed to the State of Mississippi. Responsibilities of the board include creating a system of reporting cybersecurity attacks within the state, researching and implementing best practices to mitigate cybersecurity risks, and connecting individuals and entities with federal and industry partners.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-31-11 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 13 / Section 31-11
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-31-11
Status: in_force

(1) It shall be the duty of the district attorney to represent the state in all matters coming before the grand juries of the counties within his district and to appear in the circuit courts and prosecute for the state in his district all criminal prosecutions and all civil cases in which the state or any county within his district may be interested; but if two (2) or more counties are adversely interested, the district attorney shall not represent either. Any district attorney may also institute and prosecute to final judgment or decree any case in the name of the state against any person or corporation for any violation of the Constitution or the laws of this state, in order to enforce any penalties, fines or forfeitures imposed by law in any court of his district having jurisdiction, with like effect as if the suit was instituted by the Attorney General. Any district attorney may also institute and prosecute to final judgment or decree any case in which prosecution was deferred due to a finding that the defendant was incompetent to stand trial if the case is otherwise triable.

(2) The district attorney may transfer any case handled by him to a county prosecuting attorney when charges in such case no longer constitute a felony.

(3) The validity of any judgment or sentence shall not be affected by the division of jurisdiction under this section, and no judgment or sentence may be reversed or modified upon the basis that the case was not processed according to this section.

(4) A county prosecuting attorney or municipal prosecuting attorney may be designated by the district attorney to appear on behalf of the district attorney pursuant to an agreement relating to appearances in certain courts or proceedings in the county of the county prosecuting attorney or in the municipality of the municipal prosecuting attorney. Such agreement shall be filed with the circuit court clerk of any county where such agreement shall be operative. Such agreement shall be binding upon the district attorney and county prosecuting attorney or municipal prosecuting attorney until dissolved by either of them in writing upon five (5) days' notice.

(5) Where any statute of this state confers a jurisdiction, responsibility, duty, privilege or power upon a county attorney or county prosecuting attorney, either solely, jointly or alternatively with a district attorney, such county prosecuting attorney shall be responsible for the prosecution, handling, appearance, disposition or other duty conferred by such statute. Any such provision shall not be construed to bestow such responsibility, jurisdiction or power upon the district attorney where there is no elected county prosecuting attorney, and any such matter shall be handled pursuant to Section 19-3-49, Mississippi Code of 1972 .

(6) The district attorney or his designated assistant, or the county prosecuting attorney or his designated assistant, shall assist the Attorney General in appeals from his district to the Mississippi Supreme Court and in other post judgment proceedings, and shall appear for oral argument before the Supreme Court when directed by the Supreme Court.

(7) The several district attorneys shall submit reports of revenues and expenditures and shall submit budget requests as required for State General Fund agencies. For purposes of budget control, the several offices of district attorney shall be considered General Fund agencies and the budget and accounts of the several offices, including salaries, travel expenses, office expenses and any other expenditures or revenues, shall be consolidated for all districts as far as such consolidation is practical.

All revenue or funds allocated or expended by a district attorney, whether such funds are appropriated from state funds, or whether such funds are received from county funds, grants or otherwise, shall be reported to the Legislative Budget Office.

(8) A district attorney shall be authorized to assign the duties of employees regardless of the source of funding for such employees.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-53-191 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 53 / Section 53-191
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-53-191
Status: in_force

(1) For the purposes of this section, the following terms shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section unless the context otherwise clearly requires:

(a) “ Department ” means the Mississippi Department of Information Technology.

(b) “ State agency ” means any agency, department, commission, board, bureau, institution or other instrumentality of the state.

(c) “ Wireless communication device ” means a cellular telephone, pager or a personal digital assistant device having wireless communication capability.

(2) Before a wireless communication device may be assigned, issued or made available to an agency officer or employee, the agency head, or his designee, shall sign a statement certifying the need or reason for issuing the device. No officer or employee of any state agency, except for an officer or employee of the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency, shall be assigned or issued more than one (1) such wireless communication device. No officer or employee of any state agency to whom has been assigned, issued or made available the use of a wireless communication device, the cost of which is paid through the use of public funds, shall use such device for personal use.

(3) A state agency shall not reimburse any officer or employee for use of his or her personal wireless communication device.

(4) Every state agency that, at the expense of the state agency, assigns, issues or makes available to any of its officers or employees a wireless communication device shall obtain and maintain detailed billing for every wireless communication device account. A list of approved vendors for the procurement of wireless communication devices and the delivery of wireless communication device services shall be developed for all state agencies by the Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services. The department shall exercise the option of selecting one (1) vendor from which to procure wireless communication devices and to provide wireless communication device services, or if it deems such to be most advantageous to the state agencies, it may select multiple vendors. The department shall select a vendor or vendors on the basis of lowest and best bid proposals. A state agency may not procure a wireless communication device from any vendor or contract for wireless communication device services with any vendor unless the vendor appears on the list approved by the department. A contract entered into in violation of this section shall be void and unenforceable.

(5) The department shall promulgate a model acceptable use policy defining the appropriate use of all wireless communication devices. The department shall include in its definition of appropriate use a prohibition on the downloading, accessing, or using of a prohibited technology pursuant to the National Security on State Devices and Networks Act. The acceptable use policy should specify that these resources, including both devices and services, are provided at the state agency's expense as tools for accomplishing the business missions of the state agency; that all those resources are for business use; and that more than incidental personal use of those resources is prohibited. The acceptable use policy should require that each official and employee issued one (1) of the above devices or authorized to access one (1) of the above services sign the policy and that the signed copy be placed in the personnel file of the official or employee. The acceptable use policy should also require that the use of these resources be tracked, verified and signed by the official or employee and the supervisor of the official or employee at each billing cycle or other appropriate interval. All state agencies shall adopt the model policy or adopt a policy that is, at minimum, as stringent as the model policy and shall provide a copy of the policy to the department.

(6) All state agencies shall purchase or acquire only the lowest cost cellular telephone, pager or personal digital assistance device which will carry out its intended use.

(7) The University of Mississippi Medical Center and its employees, the Mississippi State University Extension Service and its agents and faculty members, the Mississippi State University Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station and its faculty members, the Mississippi State University Forestry and Wildlife Research Center and its faculty members, and the Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine and its faculty members shall be exempt from the application of this section.

(8) Employees of State Institutions of Higher Learning shall be exempt from the provisions of this section when incurring international usage charges for the business-related use of their personal wireless communication devices during business-related international travel. Such exemption shall only apply after a determination by the employer-institution that reimbursement to the employee for the use of his or her personal wireless communication device is the lowest-cost option to prevent business interruption during such travel.

(9) The State Auditor shall conduct necessary audits to ensure compliance with the provisions of this section.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-55-29 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 15 / Section 55-29
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-55-29
Status: in_force

The mutilation, loss, or destruction of the registration or poll-books in any county shall be remedied as provided in the chapter on “Registration and Elections.”
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-2 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 17 / Section 61-2
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-2
Status: in_force

It is the policy of this state that public records shall be available for inspection by any person unless otherwise provided by this chapter; furthermore, providing access to public records is a duty of each public body and automation of public records must not erode the right of access to those records. As each public body increases its use of, and dependence on, electronic record keeping, each public body must ensure reasonable access to records electronically maintained, subject to records retention.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-32-19 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 11 / Section 32-19
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-32-19
Status: in_force

The public defender and the board of supervisors may cooperate with any individual or public agency, whether state or federal, or with any institution of higher learning of the State of Mississippi, to obtain by gift, grant or otherwise any financial, professional, investigatory or research or other assistance; provided, however, that any grants or any financial assistance whatever for the purpose herein set out shall be paid over to the board of supervisors and administered by it for the purposes herein set forth. The board shall have the authority to use any financial assistance or grants to extend and expand the facilities of the office.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-7-57 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 3 / Section 7-57
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-7-57
Status: in_force

Witnesses in criminal cases shall be allowed the same compensation as in civil cases, but the prosecutor shall not be allowed compensation as a witness, nor shall any person be allowed for his attendance as a witness in more than one criminal case on the same day. The compensation of witnesses on behalf of the state shall be allowed in open court, the order therefor entered upon the minutes, and a certificate of same shall be delivered to the party entitled thereto. Said certificate shall be negotiable and shall be paid by the county treasurer of the county in which the offense was committed upon presentation by the payee or the holder in due course. The clerk shall keep an account of all such certificates and shall tax the amount thereof in the bill of costs if the defendant shall be sentenced to pay the costs and, when collected, the same shall be paid into the county treasury. A witness shall not receive compensation for attendance before the grand jury.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-34-35 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 19 / Section 34-35
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-34-35
Status: in_force

(1) A notary public is responsible for the security of the notary public's stamping device and may not allow another individual to use the device to perform a notarial act. On resignation from, or the revocation or expiration of, the notary public's commission, or on the expiration of the date set forth in the stamping device, if any, the notary public must disable the stamping device by destroying, defacing, damaging, erasing or securing it against use in a manner that renders it unusable. On the death or adjudication of incompetency of a notary public, the notary public's personal representative or guardian or any other person knowingly in possession of the stamping device must render it unusable by destroying, defacing, damaging, erasing or securing it against use in a manner that renders it unusable.

(2) If a notary public's stamping device is lost or stolen, the notary public or the notary public's personal representative or guardian must notify promptly the Secretary of State upon discovery that the device is lost or stolen.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-62-1 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 62 / Section 62-1
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-62-1
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings as defined in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

(a) “ Personal information ” means any list, record, register, registry, roll, roster or other compilation of data of any kind that directly or indirectly identifies a person as a member, supporter or volunteer of, or donor of financial or nonfinancial support to, any entity organized under Section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code . Personal information does not include information reportable to the Secretary of State pursuant to Section 79-11-503(1)(b) .

(b) “ Public agency ” means any state or local governmental unit, however designated, including, but not limited to, this state; any department, agency, office, commission, board, division or other entity of this state; any political subdivision of this state, including, but not limited to, a county, city, township, village, school district, community college district or any other local governmental unit, agency, authority, council, board or commission; or any state or local court, tribunal or other judicial or quasi-judicial body.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-11 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 55 / Section 61-11
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-11
Status: in_force

The provisions of this chapter shall not be construed to conflict with, amend, repeal or supersede any constitutional law, state or federal statutory law, or decision of a court of this state or the United States which at the time this chapter is effective or thereafter specifically declares a public record to be confidential or privileged, or provides that a public record shall be exempt from the provisions of this chapter.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-43-2.102 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 15 / Section 43-2.102
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-43-2.102
Status: in_force

(1) In addition to other requirements imposed by any provision of law, and subject to any confidentiality provisions established by law, each agency shall make all written final orders available for public inspection and copying and index them by name and subject.

(2) A written final order available for public inspection pursuant to subsection (1) may not be relied on as precedent by an agency to the detriment of any person until it has been made available for public inspection and indexed in the manner described in subsection (1) of this section. This provision is inapplicable to any person who has actual, timely knowledge of the order. The burden of proving that knowledge is on the agency.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-43-3.103 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 41 / Section 43-3.103
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-43-3.103
Status: repealed

(1) At least twenty-five (25) days before the adoption of a rule an agency shall cause notice of its contemplated action to be properly filed with the Secretary of State for publication in the administrative bulletin. The notice of proposed rule adoption must include:

(a) A short explanation of the purpose of the proposed rule and the agency's reasons for proposing the rule;

(b) The specific legal authority authorizing the promulgation of rules;

(c) A reference to all rules repealed, amended or suspended by the proposed rule;

(d) Subject to Section 25-43-2.101(5) , the text of the proposed rule;

(e) Where, when and how persons may present their views on the proposed rule; and

(f) Where, when and how persons may demand an oral proceeding on the proposed rule if the notice does not already provide for one.

(2) Within three (3) days after its proper filing with the Secretary of State for publication in the administrative bulletin, the agency shall cause a copy of the notice of proposed rule adoption to be provided to each person who has made a timely request to the agency to be placed on the mailing list maintained by the agency of persons who have requested notices of proposed rule adoptions. An agency may mail the copy to the person and may charge the person a reasonable fee for such service, which fee may be in excess of the actual cost of providing the person with a mailed copy. Alternatively, the agency may provide the copy via the Internet or by transmitting it to the person by electronic means, including, but not limited to, facsimile transfer or e-mail at no charge to the person, if the person consents to this form of delivery.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-7 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 31 / Section 61-7
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-7
Status: in_force

(1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, each public body may establish and collect fees reasonably calculated to reimburse it for, and in no case to exceed, the actual cost of searching, reviewing and/or duplicating and, if applicable, mailing copies of public records. Any staff time or contractual services included in actual cost shall be at the pay scale of the lowest level employee or contractor competent to respond to the request. Such fees shall be collected by the public body in advance of complying with the request.

(2) A public body may establish a standard fee scale to reimburse it for the costs of creating, acquiring and maintaining a geographic information system or multipurpose cadastre as authorized and defined under Section 25-61-1 et seq. , or any other electronically accessible data. Such fees must be reasonably related to the costs of creating, acquiring and maintaining the geographic information system, multipurpose cadastre or other electronically accessible data, for the data or information contained therein or taken therefrom and for any records, papers, accounts, maps, photographs, films, cards, tapes, recordings or other materials, data or information relating thereto, whether in printed, digital or other format. In determining the fees or charges under this subsection, the public body may consider the type of information requested, the purpose or purposes for which the information has been requested and the commercial value of the information.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-4-27 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 3 / Section 4-27
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-4-27
Status: in_force

Each person specified under Section 25-4-25 shall file a statement in accordance with the provisions of this chapter in the manner and format prescribed by the commission which shall be certified as to the accuracy and completeness of the information set forth to the best knowledge of the person submitting the statement. The commission shall develop a system of electronic filing for use by persons required to file a statement of economic interest. The commission shall implement the electronic filing system on or before January 1, 2010. Any person required to file with the commission shall file electronically on and after January 1, 2010. The statement shall include the following information for the preceding calendar year:

(a) The name and mailing address of the filer;

(b) The title, position and offices whereby the person is required to file;

(c) All other occupations of the filer and his household members;

(d) The names and addresses of all businesses in which the filer or a household member held a position, and the name of the position, if the person or a household member:

(i) Receives more than Two Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($2,500.00) per year in income from the business;

(ii) Owns ten percent (10%) or more of the fair market value in the business;

(iii) Owns an ownership interest in the business, the fair market value of which exceeds Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00); or

(iv) Is an employee, director or officer of the business;

(e) Any representation or intervention for compensation by a person specified under Section 25-4-25(a) and (d) for any person or business before any authority of state or local government, excluding the courts; provided, however, that this provision shall not apply where the representation involves only uncontested or routine matters. The statement shall identify the person represented and the nature of the business involved; and

(f) The filing party shall list all public bodies from which he or a household member received compensation in excess of One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00).
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-19 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 53 / Section 61-19
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-19
Status: in_force

Within sixty (60) days after the end of each regular session of the Legislature, each agency or department of the State of Mississippi shall include on the Internet website of the agency or department a separate section that provides a legislative update on any legislation enacted at the legislative session that revises the powers and duties of the agency or department. The agency or department shall include a link to the legislative update section on the home page of the website. The legislative update section shall contain a summary of the revisions made to the powers and duties of the agency or department by the legislation, and a contact section or link so that members of the public may comment on or ask questions about the revisions or the effect of the revisions in the legislation. The legislative update section shall remain on the website of the agency or department until January 1st of the following year.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-15-411 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 11 / Section 15-411
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-15-411
Status: in_force

There is created in the State Treasury a special fund to be designated as the “Mississippi First Responders Health and Safety Trust Fund” to be administered by the Commissioner of Insurance, upon appropriation by the Legislature, to assist the state, municipalities, counties and fire protection districts with providing benefits required by the Mississippi First Responders Health and Safety Act. The commissioner shall notify the Chairmen of the House and Senate Insurance Committees in advance of any distributions made from this fund. This fund shall consist of monies provided to it through the provisions of Section 83-34-4(6) , and any monies which may be appropriated to it by the Legislature. Unexpended amounts remaining in the fund at the end of a fiscal year shall not lapse into the State General Fund, and any interest earned on amounts in the fund shall be deposited to the credit of the fund.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-45-13 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 19 / Section 45-13
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-45-13
Status: in_force

(1) It is the intent of the Legislature by Sections 25-45-13 through 25-45-17 to make permitting more effective in order to improve economic development within the State of Mississippi. In accordance with this intent, the Mississippi Department of Economic Development shall coordinate and implement the terms and provisions of Sections 25-45-1 through 25-45-9 , which provide for “one-stop permitting,” and serve as liaison between all agencies of the state affected by those sections in order to implement same, through the functions outlined as follows:

(a) Participating in the initial permit contact with industry;

(b) Providing general permit information;

(c) Arranging meetings with pertinent regulatory agencies;

(d) Acting as industry's advocate in obtaining environmental permits; and

(e) Considering various data bases and other relevant planning information to assist the industrial prospect in the location and permitting process.

(2) A Department of Economic Development representative shall:

(a) Attend all meetings of the permit board created by Section 49-17-28 and all permit considerations by agencies of the State of Mississippi; and

(b) Prepare reports as needed, including incidences of unusual delays in permit issuance, and make recommendations from time to time for improvement of the permit issuance process.

(3) The Department of Economic Development shall prepare and publish:

(a) A directory or inventory of business and industry permits;

(b) A guide to required environmental permits in Mississippi; and

(c) A master permit information form.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-15-11 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 11 / Section 15-11
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-15-11
Status: in_force

(1) The board is authorized to execute a contract or contracts to provide the benefits under the plan. Such contract or contracts may be executed with one or more corporations or associations licensed to transact life and accident and health insurance business in this state; however, no such contract shall be executed with any corporation, association or company domiciled in any other state except that such corporation, association or company shall meet the conditions and terms for a like contract established by the state of the domicile of such corporation, association or company for a Mississippi corporation, association or company. No corporation, association or company with less than five (5) years' experience in the life and health field may bid. All of the benefits to be provided under the plan may be included in one or more similar contracts, or the benefits may be classified into different types with each type included under one or more similar contracts issued by the same or different companies.

The board shall supply the statistical information upon which a quotation is to be calculated, upon request, to all carriers licensed in the state. Bids may be accepted at the discretion of the board, and the board shall have the right to adjust rates on an annual basis if the board shall deem such adjustment necessary. The plan for active employees shall be on retention accounting basis, and a separate retention accounting basis shall be used for retired employees. Any additional written information the carrier wishes to submit, supporting the proposed benefits and premium rate, may accompany the proposal. After receiving the proposals, the board shall determine whether to contract with the carrier which has been determined to have submitted the lowest and best bid, or to reject all such bids and receive new proposals.

The board shall authorize any corporation licensed to transact accident and health insurance business in this state issuing any such contract to reinsure portions of such contract with any other such corporation which elected to be a reinsurer and is legally competent to enter into a reinsurance agreement. The board may designate one or more of such corporations as the administering corporation or corporations. Each employee who is covered under any such contract or contracts shall receive a certificate setting forth the benefits to which the employee is entitled thereunder, to whom such benefits shall be payable, to whom claims should be submitted, and summarizing the provisions of the contract principally affecting the employee. Such certificate shall be in lieu of the certificate which the corporation or corporations issuing such contract or contracts would otherwise issue.

The board may, as of the end of any contract year, discontinue any contract or contracts it has executed with any corporation or corporations and replace it or them with a contract or contracts in any other corporation or corporations meeting the requirements of this section.

The board may reject any and all bids and contracts under this section and may elect for the state to become a self-insurer; however, administration and service of any such self-insured program may be contracted to a third party by the board.

Any contract with a third party to administer the plan shall be bid and entered into in accordance with the procedures provided in Section 25-15-301 .

(2) By September 30 of each year, the board shall report to the Joint Legislative Budget Committee, Senate Insurance Committee, House Insurance Committee, Senate Education Committee, House Education Committee and Joint Legislative Committee on Performance Evaluation and Expenditure Review the condition of the State and School Employees Life and Health Insurance Plan. Such report shall contain for the most recently completed fiscal year, but not be limited to, the following:

(a) The plan's financial condition at the close of the fiscal year.

(b) The history of yearly claims paid and premiums received for each premium class, including, but not limited to, active employees, dependents and retirees.

(c) The history of loss ratios for the active employees, dependents and retirees premium classes as well as historical trend of such ratios. For the purposes of this section, the term “ loss ratios ” means claims paid by the plan for each premium class divided by premiums received by the plan for insurance coverage of the members in that premium class.

(d) Budgetary information, including:

(i) A detailed breakdown of all expenditures of the plan, administrative and otherwise, for the most recently completed fiscal year and projected expenditures, administrative and otherwise, for the current and next fiscal year;

(ii) A schedule of all contracts, administrative and otherwise, executed for the benefit of the plan during the most recent completed fiscal year and those executed and anticipated for the current fiscal year; and

(iii) A description of the processes used by the board to procure all contracts, administrative and otherwise, as well as a description of the scope of services to be provided by each contractor.

Budgetary information shall be provided in a format designated by the Joint Legislative Budget Committee.

The Joint Legislative Budget Committee, Senate Insurance Committee, House Insurance Committee, Senate Education Committee, House Education Committee and Joint Legislative Committee on Performance Evaluation and Expenditure Review may request additional information or reports from the board on an as-needed basis.

(3) Annually, the board shall request, and the Department of Audit shall conduct, a comprehensive audit of the State and School Employees Life and Health Insurance Plan. For purposes of this section, the audit required herein shall be separate and distinct from any audit prepared in conjunction with the development of the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR).
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-53-241 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 51 / Section 53-241
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-53-241
Status: in_force

(1) There is created in the State Treasury a special fund to be known as the “Cyber Security Review Board Fund.” Any funds which may be needed for administrative and travel expenses shall be deposited in this special fund by the Department of Public Safety from the department's regular support appropriation. The Cyber Security Review Board Fund is a special trust fund, and the interest earned thereon shall be credited to the fund.

(2) The Department of Public Safety shall adopt regulations for the administration of the fund. The commissioner shall administer the fund, and expenditures may be made from the fund upon requisition by the commissioner. The department shall spend monies in the fund by an annual appropriation approved by the Legislature.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-55-31 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 11 / Section 55-31
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-55-31
Status: in_force

A lost, stolen, or destroyed record shall not constitute constructive notice longer than three (3) years from the loss, theft, or destruction thereof, unless within that time the instrument shall be again placed on the record, or proceedings be begun to perfect the record. In all cases where the record of any instrument affecting the title, lien, or interest in real estate is lost or destroyed by tornado, fire, or otherwise, any person claiming to be the owner of or having a legal interest in or title to any real estate described in or affected by said lost or destroyed record may file his petition to the chancery court of the county in which the record has been lost or destroyed, setting forth a description of the land involved, with a statement of petitioner's claim and the nature thereof, the names, places of residence, and post-office addresses of all persons known to the petitioner to have or claim any interest in land by virtue of such lost or destroyed record or having a recordable instrument affecting the title to such land described in or affected by the lost or destroyed instrument or instruments, and giving in clear and succinct language petitioner's claim to or ownership of the land involved, with a prayer that summons be issued and served on all persons named as defendants, whether resident or nonresident. Upon the filing of such petition, the clerk of the chancery court shall issue summons for the defendants as in other cases in equity, returnable at a day not less than four (4) weeks nor more than eight (8) weeks from such filing, and requiring all defendants to appear and plead, answer, or demur to the petition. When the summons has been personally served upon the resident defendants not less than five (5) days before the return-day and proof of publication has been made for any nonresident defendants, as now required by law, and no one of the named defendants appears and contests the petition, then the chancery court or presiding chancellor, either in term time or vacation, may forthwith hear said petition, adjudicate the sufficiency of process, render any and all necessary decrees pro confesso and enter a final decree or decrees disposing of said petition. If any defendant appears and contests the petition, the chancery clerk shall promptly notify the chancellor of the district in writing of the pendency of said petition and the contest thereon, and the chancellor shall then notify the chancery clerk to set the matter for hearing at some future date not less than ten (10) days thereafter. The clerk shall give the parties or their solicitors of record not less than five (5) days' notice by letter addressed to the parties or their solicitors, advising that the matter will be heard on the day named, and on the day set for the hearing the chancellor shall hear and determine the controversy as other suits in chancery and enter a decree in accordance with his finding. The chancellor may by his final decree adjudicate the execution of any lost or destroyed or stolen instruments involved in the proceeding, and may order the final decree recorded as provided by law in other cases affecting land titles.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-43-4.103 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 11 / Section 43-4.103
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-43-4.103
Status: in_force

(1) There is established a Small Business Regulatory Review Committee.

(2) The duties of the committee shall be to:

(a) Provide agencies with input regarding proposed permanent rules which may have an economic impact upon small business and for which a notice of intended action is published by the Secretary of State on or after July 1, 2012;

(b) Review any rule promulgated by a state agency for which notice has been given by the agency to the committee that the proposed rule has or may have an economic effect upon small business and make recommendations to the agency and or the Legislature regarding the need for a rule or legislation;

(c) Petition an agency to amend, revise, or revoke an existing regulation based on an economic impact on small business; and

(d) Advise and assist agencies in complying with the provisions of and perform any and all acts and duties set forth and authorized in the Mississippi Small Business Regulatory Flexibility Act.

(3) The committee is assigned to the Mississippi Development Authority for administrative purposes only. The department shall act as a coordinator for the committee, and shall not be required to provide legal counsel for the committee.

(4) The committee shall consist of twelve (12) members, appointed as follows:

(a) Four (4) members to be appointed by the Governor, one (1) of whom shall be the Executive Director of the Mississippi Development Authority, or his designee;

(b) Four (4) members to be appointed by the Lieutenant Governor, two (2) of whom may be State Senators who own small businesses; and

(c) Four (4) members to be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, two (2) of whom may be State Representatives who own small businesses.

Any legislative member appointed to the committee shall serve as an ex officio, nonvoting member.

(5) The appointing authorities shall appoint members of the committee for which no qualifications are specified under subsection (4) from:

(a) Lists of nominees, which may include small business owners, association representatives and small business regulatory advisors who have legal or accounting experience, submitted by the following business organizations:

(i) National Federation of Independent Business;

(ii) Mississippi Manufacturers Association;

(iii) Mississippi Retail Association;

(iv) Mississippi Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Stores Association;

(v) Mississippi Minority Contractors Association;

(vi) Mississippi Economic Council;

(vii) Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation; and

(viii) Any local chamber of commerce; and/or

(b) Small business owners or operators not affiliated with or nominated by the business organizations listed in paragraph (a) of this subsection.

(6) Appointments to the committee shall be representative of a variety of small businesses in this state. Except as otherwise provided in this section, appointed members shall be either current or former owners or principal officers of a small business.

(7) The initial appointments to the committee shall be made within sixty (60) days from July 1, 2012. The Mississippi Development Authority shall provide the name and address of each appointee to the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Secretary of State.

(8)(a) Members initially appointed to the committee shall serve for terms ending December 31, 2014. Thereafter, appointed members shall serve two-year terms that expire on December 31 of the second year.

(b) The Governor shall appoint the initial chair of the committee from the appointed members for a term ending December 31, 2014. Subsequent chairs of the committee shall be elected by the committee from the appointed members for two-year terms that expire on December 31 of the second year.

(9) Members of the committee shall not receive any compensation.

(10) The committee shall meet as determined by the chair of the committee.

(11) A majority of the voting members of the committee shall constitute a quorum to do business. The concurrence of a majority of the members of the committee present and voting shall be necessary to make any action of the committee valid.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-10 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 53 / Section 61-10
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-10
Status: in_force

(1) Except as otherwise provided in Section 25-61-11.2 , any public body that uses sensitive software, as defined in Section 25-61-9 , or proprietary software must not thereby diminish the right of the public to inspect and copy a public record. A public body that uses sensitive software, as defined in Section 25-61-9 , or proprietary software to store, manipulate, or retrieve a public record will not be deemed to have diminished the right of the public if it either: (a) if legally obtainable, makes a copy of the software available to the public for application to the public records stored, manipulated, or retrieved by the software; or (b) ensures that the software has the capacity to create an electronic copy of each public record stored, manipulated, or retrieved by the software in some common format such as, but not limited to, the American Standard Code for Information Interchange.

(2) A public body shall provide a copy of the record in the format requested if the public body maintains the record in that format, and the public body may charge a fee which must be in accordance with Section 25-61-7 .

(3) Before a public body acquires or makes a major modification to any information technology system, equipment, or software used to store, retrieve, or manipulate a public record, the public body shall adequately plan for the provision of public access and redaction of exempt or confidential information by the proposed system, equipment or software.

(4) A public body may not enter into a contract for the creation or maintenance of a public records data base if that contract impairs the ability of the public to inspect or copy the public records of that agency, including public records that are online or stored in an information technology system used by the public body.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-43-4.102 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 31 / Section 43-4.102
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-43-4.102
Status: in_force

As used in this article:

(a) “Agency” is defined in Section 25-43-1.102 .

(b) “ Department ” means the Mississippi Development Authority.

(c) “ Committee ” means the Small Business Regulatory Review Committee.

(d) “Rule” is defined in Section 25-43-1.102 , except that the term “rule” shall not include emergency or preemptive rules.

(e) “ Small business ” means a for-profit business entity employing fewer than one hundred (100) full-time employees or having gross annual sales or revenues of less than Ten Million Dollars ($10,000,000.00).
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-7 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 19 / Section 61-7
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-7
Status: in_force

(1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, each public body may establish and collect fees reasonably calculated to reimburse it for, and in no case to exceed, the actual cost of searching, reviewing and/or duplicating and, if applicable, mailing copies of public records. Any staff time or contractual services included in actual cost shall be at the pay scale of the lowest level employee or contractor competent to respond to the request. Such fees shall be collected by the public body in advance of complying with the request.

(2) A public body may establish a standard fee scale to reimburse it for the costs of creating, acquiring and maintaining a geographic information system or multipurpose cadastre as authorized and defined under Section 25-61-1 et seq. , or any other electronically accessible data. Such fees must be reasonably related to the costs of creating, acquiring and maintaining the geographic information system, multipurpose cadastre or other electronically accessible data, for the data or information contained therein or taken therefrom and for any records, papers, accounts, maps, photographs, films, cards, tapes, recordings or other materials, data or information relating thereto, whether in printed, digital or other format. In determining the fees or charges under this subsection, the public body may consider the type of information requested, the purpose or purposes for which the information has been requested and the commercial value of the information.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-55-5 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 55 / Section 55-5
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-55-5
Status: in_force

In any county in which the record of deeds, or any material part thereof, may be destroyed, the chancellor may examine into the matter; and if he find any abstracts, copies, minutes, or extracts from said records existing after such destruction, he shall appoint two (2) persons learned in such matters to act with him, and the three (3) shall investigate the same. If they find that the abstracts, copies, minutes, or extracts were fairly made before such destruction of the records, and that they contain material and substantial parts of the destroyed records, they shall so certify to the board of supervisors; and thereupon the board of supervisors shall have power to purchase such abstracts, minutes, copies, or extracts, or any part thereof, or to procure copies thereof and to pay therefor, out of the county treasury, a reasonable compensation.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-32-9 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 11 / Section 32-9
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-32-9
Status: in_force

(1) When any person shall be arrested and charged with a felony, a misdemeanor or an act of delinquency, then the arresting authority shall afford such person an opportunity to sign an affidavit stating that such person is an indigent and unable to employ counsel. Upon the signing of such affidavit by such person, the public defender shall represent said person unless the right to counsel be waived by such person. Provided further, a statement shall be executed by the alleged indigent, under oath, listing all assets available to the indigent for the payment of attorney's fees, including the ownership of any property, real or personal, and setting out therein the alleged indigent's employment status, number of dependents, income from any source, the ability of his parents or spouse to provide an attorney's fee, and any other information which might prove or disprove a finding of indigency. The affidavit and statement shall be a part of the record in the case and shall be subject to review by the appropriate court. Based on review of the affidavit, statement or other appropriate evidence, if the appropriate court finds that the defendant is not indigent, said court shall terminate the representation of the defendant by the public defender.

When any person shall be arrested and charged with a misdemeanor, the presiding judge or justice, upon determination that the person is indigent as provided in this section, and that representation of the indigent is required, shall appoint the public defender whose duty it shall be to provide such representation. No person determined to be an indigent as provided in this section shall be imprisoned as a result of a misdemeanor conviction unless he was represented by the public defender or waived the right to counsel.

(2) The accused shall have such representation available at every critical stage of the proceedings against him where a substantial right may be affected.

(3) The public defender shall also represent persons in need of mental treatment, as provided under Sections 41-21-61 et seq. The chancery court may tax costs as provided in Sections 41-21-79 and 41-21-85 .
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-62-1 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 61 / Section 62-1
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-62-1
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings as defined in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

(a) “ Personal information ” means any list, record, register, registry, roll, roster or other compilation of data of any kind that directly or indirectly identifies a person as a member, supporter or volunteer of, or donor of financial or nonfinancial support to, any entity organized under Section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code . Personal information does not include information reportable to the Secretary of State pursuant to Section 79-11-503(1)(b) .

(b) “ Public agency ” means any state or local governmental unit, however designated, including, but not limited to, this state; any department, agency, office, commission, board, division or other entity of this state; any political subdivision of this state, including, but not limited to, a county, city, township, village, school district, community college district or any other local governmental unit, agency, authority, council, board or commission; or any state or local court, tribunal or other judicial or quasi-judicial body.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-31-6 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 15 / Section 31-6
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-31-6
Status: in_force

Legal assistants to district attorneys shall be regularly licensed and practicing attorneys having been duly admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of the State of Mississippi, and shall have the power and authority, under the direction and supervision of the district attorney, to perform all of the duties required of that office. Said legal assistants may be removed at the discretion of the duly elected and acting district attorney, or for cause by the senior circuit judge of the district.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-43-4.107 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 31 / Section 43-4.107
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-43-4.107
Status: in_force

(1) Notwithstanding any other law of this state, any agency authorized to assess administrative penalties or administrative fines upon a business may waive or reduce any administrative penalty or administrative fine for a violation of any statute, ordinance, or rules by a small business under the following conditions:

(a) The small business corrects the violation within thirty (30) days or less after receipt of a notice of violation or citation;

(b) The violation was the result of an excusable misunderstanding of an agency's interpretation of a rule; or

(c) The agency determines that the small business is making a good-faith effort to comply with the statute, ordinance or rule.

(2) Subsection (1) of this section shall not apply when:

(a) A small business fails to exercise good faith in complying with the statute, ordinance or rule;

(b) A violation involves criminal conduct;

(c) A violation results in serious health, safety or environmental impact; or

(d) The penalty or fine is assessed pursuant to a federal law or regulation and for which no waiver or reduction is authorized by the federal law or regulation.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-53-59 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 31 / Section 53-59
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-53-59
Status: in_force

Any information confidentiality officer who shall intentionally and wilfully violate his oath by releasing or divulging confidential information without proper authority shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and sentenced to not exceeding one (1) year in jail or a fine of not exceeding One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00), or both.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-31-17 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 19 / Section 31-17
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-31-17
Status: in_force

It shall be the duty of the district attorney, when requested by the county depository or the board of supervisors, or the clerk thereof, to give his opinion in writing upon all cases concerning the revenue or expenses of the county, and with the approval of the Attorney General to institute and prosecute to effect, before the proper court, all persons indebted to the state or any county within his district.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-34-15 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 17 / Section 34-15
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-34-15
Status: in_force

If a notarial act relates to a statement made in or a signature executed on a record, the individual making the statement or executing the signature must appear physically in person before the notarial officer at the time of the notarial act.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-43-1.107 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 32 / Section 43-1.107
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-43-1.107
Status: in_force

Every agency as defined in this chapter shall, no later than October 1, 2003, file with the Secretary of the Senate and the Clerk of the House a report which outlines any conflicts between this chapter and any other laws affecting the agency. This report shall include proposed legislation to bring the other laws into conformity with the requirements of this chapter. The Secretary of State shall, no later than December 1, 2003, file with the Secretary of the Senate and the Clerk of the House a list of sections which the Secretary of State believes conflict with this chapter. The Secretary of the Senate and the Clerk of the House shall maintain a list of agencies which have complied with this section.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-34-41 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 31 / Section 34-41
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-34-41
Status: in_force

(1) An individual qualified under subsection (2) may apply to the Secretary of State for a commission as a notary public. The applicant must comply with and provide the information required by rules established by the Secretary of State and pay any application fee.

(2) An applicant for a commission as a notary public must:

(a) Be at least eighteen (18) years of age;

(b) Be a citizen or permanent legal resident of the United States;

(c) Be a resident of Mississippi for not less than thirty (30) days immediately preceding the date of the application;

(d) Be able to read and write English;

(e) Not be disqualified to receive a commission under Section 25-34-43 ; and

(f) Meet such other requirements as the Secretary of State may establish by rule.

(3) Before issuance of a commission as a notary public, an applicant for the commission must execute the oath of office prescribed by Section 268 of the Constitution and submit it to the Secretary of State.

(4) Before issuance of a commission as a notary public, the applicant for a commission must submit to the Secretary of State an assurance in the form of a surety bond or its functional equivalent in the amount of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) pursuant to the rules set forth by the Secretary of State. The assurance must be issued by a surety or other entity licensed by the Mississippi Department of Insurance. The assurance must cover acts performed during the term of the notary public's commission and must be in the form prescribed by the Secretary of State. If a notary public violates a law with respect to notaries public in this state, the surety or issuing entity is liable under the assurance. The surety or issuing entity must give thirty (30) days' notice to the Secretary of State before canceling the assurance. The surety or issuing entity must notify the Secretary of State not later than thirty (30) days after making a payment to a claimant under the assurance. A notary public may perform notarial acts in this state only during the period that a valid assurance is on file with the Secretary of State.

(5) On compliance with this section, the Secretary of State shall issue a commission as a notary public to an applicant for a term of four (4) years.

(6) A commission to act as a notary public authorizes the notary public to perform notarial acts. The commission does not provide the notary public any immunity or benefit conferred by the laws of this state on public officials or employees.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-65-17 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 14 / Section 65-17
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-65-17
Status: in_force

(1) Audit reports shall be confidential but shall be provided on a quarterly basis to the governing board or commission of the university, the community/junior college or the state agency. State agencies without a governing board or commission shall have the quarterly report provided to the Governor and the State Auditor.

(2) When the university, community/junior college or agency internal audit director or a member of his or her staff receives from an individual a complaint or information protected by whistleblower or other legislation, the name or identity of the individual shall not be disclosed without the written consent of the individual, or unless required by law or judicial processes.

(3) The director and the internal audit staff shall have access to all personnel and any records, data and other information of the university, community/junior college or state agency deemed necessary to carry out assigned duties. The university, community/junior college or agency internal audit director shall maintain the confidentiality of any public records that are made confidential by law, and shall be subject to the same penalties as the custodian of those public records for violating confidentiality statutes.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-43-2.105 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 11 / Section 43-2.105
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-43-2.105
Status: in_force

In accordance with the rule-making requirements of this chapter, the Secretary of State shall adopt model rules of procedure appropriate for use by as many agencies as possible. The model rules must deal with all general functions and duties performed in common by several agencies. Each agency may adopt as much of the model rules as is practicable under its circumstances. To the extent an agency adopts the model rules, it shall do so in accordance with the rule-making requirements of this chapter.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-59-5 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 59 / Section 59-5
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-59-5
Status: in_force

The archival and records management agency of the state of Mississippi shall be the Mississippi Department of Archives and History.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-1-21 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 1 / Section 1-21
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-1-21
Status: in_force

Each surety, other than a surety company, on the official bond of any public officer or employee shall make affidavit before some officer competent to administer oaths that he is worth a certain sum, to be specified, in land owned and held by him in his own name and right in fee simple, or for life or a term of not less than twenty (20) years, and situated in the county, over and above all legal exemptions and all his debts and liabilities, including the amount of his liability on any other official bond where the term of office for which the same was given has not expired or where it has expired within a period of five (5) years from the date of such affidavit; and such affidavit shall be endorsed on or annexed to the bond.

Said surety shall set forth in such affidavit a full and clear description of the land, the actual cash value thereof, and the amount of any encumbrance thereon, if any.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-32-1 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 15 / Section 32-1
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-32-1
Status: in_force

Should the board of supervisors of any county or the boards of supervisors of two (2) or more counties in the same circuit court district determine by order spread upon their minutes that the county or counties have a sufficient number of indigent defendant cases to establish an office of public defender, the board of supervisors or boards of supervisors are authorized and empowered, in their discretion, to establish the office, provide office space, personnel and funding for the office, and to perform any and all functions necessary for the efficient operation of such an office to the end that adequate legal defense for indigent persons accused of crime shall be provided at every critical stage of their cases as an alternative to court appointed counsel. Said order shall specify whether the public defender shall be full-time or part-time.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-43-2.105 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 14 / Section 43-2.105
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-43-2.105
Status: in_force

In accordance with the rule-making requirements of this chapter, the Secretary of State shall adopt model rules of procedure appropriate for use by as many agencies as possible. The model rules must deal with all general functions and duties performed in common by several agencies. Each agency may adopt as much of the model rules as is practicable under its circumstances. To the extent an agency adopts the model rules, it shall do so in accordance with the rule-making requirements of this chapter.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-58-21 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 34 / Section 58-21
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-58-21
Status: in_force

(1) There is established the Mississippi Coordinating Council for Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems, hereinafter referred to as the “council.” The council shall set and assure enforcement of policies and standards to make it easier for remote sensing and geographic information system users around the state to share information and to facilitate cost-sharing arrangements to reduce the costs of acquiring remote sensing and geographic information system data. The council shall not oversee or regulate the activities of higher education entities where it relates to the fields of teaching or research; however, the council shall be informed of these activities for the purpose of coordinating these higher education activities with other public remote sensing and GIS initiatives to achieve the maximum benefit for the State of Mississippi and its taxpayers. The council's responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

(a) Coordination of remote sensing and geographic information system activities within Mississippi;

(b) Establishing policies and standards to guide Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services (MDITS) in the review and approval of state and local government procurement of both hardware and software development relating to remote sensing and geographic information systems;

(c) Oversight of MDITS' implementation of these responsibilities;

(d) Preparing a plan, with proposed state funding priorities, for Mississippi's remote sensing and geographic information system activities, including development, operation and maintenance of the Mississippi Digital Earth Model;

(e) Oversight of the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality's development and maintenance of the Mississippi Digital Earth Model, including establishing policies and standards for the procurement of remote sensing and geographic information system data by state and local governmental entities and establishing the order in which the seven (7) core data layers shall be developed;

(f) Designating Mississippi's official representative to the National States Geographic Information Council and to any other national or regional remote sensing or geographical information system organizations on which Mississippi has an official seat;

(g) Establishing and designating the members of an advisory committee made up of policy level officials from major state, local, regional and federal agencies, including, but not limited to, the National Association of Space Administration, the Mississippi Institute for Forestry Inventory, the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, the Mississippi Public Utilities Staff, the Department of Marine Resources, the county E911 coordinator, the State Health Officer, the Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce, the State Tax Commission, the Council of Consulting Engineers and the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, as well as members of the private sector;

(h) Creating a staff level technical users committee, in which any public or private sector entity in Mississippi interested in remote sensing and geographic information may be allowed to participate;

(i) Coordinating with the State Tax Commission to assure that state and local governmental entities do not have to comply with two (2) sets of requirements imposed by different organizations.

(2) The Mississippi Coordinating Council for Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems will be composed of the following members:

(a) The Executive Director of the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality;

(b) The Executive Director of the Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services;

(c) The Executive Director of the Mississippi Department of Transportation;

(d) The Executive Director of the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency;

(e) The Executive Director of the Mississippi Development Authority;

(f) The Secretary of State;

(g) The Executive Director of the Mississippi Forestry Commission;

(h) The Director of the Mississippi State Board of Registered Professional Geologists;

(i) A representative from the Institutions of Higher Learning, appointed by the Commissioner of the Institutions of Higher Learning;

(j) One (1) mayor, serving a municipality, appointed by the Executive Director of the Mississippi Municipal League;

(k) The Executive Director of the Mississippi Municipal League or his designee who will serve as the member;

(l) One (1) county supervisor appointed by the Executive Director of the Mississippi Association of Supervisors;

(m) The Executive Director of the Mississippi Association of Supervisors or his designee who will serve as the member;

(n) A member of the Tax Assessors/Collectors Association or the executive director of the association, to be appointed by the president of that association;

(o) A representative of the Planning and Development Districts, appointed by the Governor;

(p) A Senator, as a nonvoting member, appointed by the Lieutenant Governor;

(q) A Representative, as a nonvoting member, appointed by the Speaker of the House;

(r) A county surveyor who is a member of the Mississippi Association of Professional Surveyors, appointed by the president of the association; and

The members listed in paragraphs (a) through (g) may appoint a designee, but the designee must be the head of an office, bureau, division or branch within the member's agency.

The members of the council shall serve for a term concurrent with their service as an elected or appointed official or concurrent with the term of the appointing official.

The Executive Director of the Department of Environmental Quality shall serve as council chair and the Executive Director of Information Technology Services as vice chair for the first two (2) years. After the first two (2) years, the council shall elect from its members a chair and vice chair, for terms to be specified by the council.

With regard to the designee chosen by the Executive Director of the Mississippi Municipal League or the Executive Director of the Mississippi Association of Supervisors, the designee shall become a permanent member of the council for a term concurrent with the term of the appointing executive director.

(3) At the direction of the chairman of the council and contingent upon the availability of sufficient funds, each member may receive reimbursement for reasonable expenses, including travel expenses in accordance with rates established pursuant to Section 25-3-41 , incurred in attending meetings of the council. Any member of the council who is also a state employee may not receive per diem compensation for attending meetings of the study committee, but may be reimbursed in accordance with Section 25-3-41 for mileage and actual expenses incurred in the performance of the duties, if authorized by vote, at a meeting of the council, which action must be recorded in the official minutes of the meeting. Legislative members of the council will be paid from the contingent expense funds of their respective houses in the same amounts as provided for committee meetings when the Legislature is not in session.

(4) The council may accept money from any source, public or private, to be expended in implementing the duties under this section.

(5) The council may utilize staff employed by the agencies affected by this section and any other assistance made available to it.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-62-7 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 17 / Section 62-7
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-62-7
Status: in_force

A person who knowingly violates this chapter is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment of not more than ninety (90) days or a fine of not more than One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) or both.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-53-101 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 31 / Section 53-101
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-53-101
Status: in_force

The Legislature hereby declares it essential to the creation and maintenance of an efficient, modern, economically feasible, telecommunications system that there should be full cooperation and cohesive planning and effort by and between the several state agencies and that it is the responsibility of the said Legislature to provide statutory authority therefor. The Legislature, therefore, declares and determines that the responsibility for these and other related purposes shall be vested in the Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services.