Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-5 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 19 / Section 61-5
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-5
Status: repealed

(1)(a) Except as otherwise provided by Sections 25-61-9 , 25-61-11 , 25-61-11.2 and 37-153-7 , all public records are hereby declared to be public property, and any person shall have the right to inspect, copy or mechanically reproduce or obtain a reproduction of any public record of a public body in accordance with reasonable written procedures adopted by the public body concerning the cost, time, place and method of access, and public notice of the procedures shall be given by the public body, or, if a public body has not adopted written procedures, the right to inspect, copy or mechanically reproduce or obtain a reproduction of a public record of the public body shall be provided within one (1) working day after a written request for a public record is made. No public body shall adopt procedures which will authorize the public body to produce or deny production of a public record later than seven (7) working days from the date of the receipt of the request for the production of the record.

(b) If a public body is unable to produce a public record by the seventh working day after the request is made, the public body must provide a written explanation to the person making the request stating that the record requested will be produced and specifying with particularity why the records cannot be produced within the seven-day period. Unless there is mutual agreement of the parties, in no event shall the date for the public body's production of the requested records be any later than fourteen (14) working days from the receipt by the public body of the original request.

(2) If any public record contains material which is not exempted under this chapter, the public agency shall redact the exempted material and make the nonexempted material available for examination. Such public agency shall be entitled to charge a reasonable fee for the redaction of any exempted material, not to exceed the agency's actual cost.

(3) Denial by a public body of a request for access to or copies of public records under this chapter shall be in writing and shall contain a statement of the specific exemption relied upon by the public body for the denial. Each public body shall maintain a file of all denials of requests for public records. Public bodies shall be required to preserve such denials on file for not less than three (3) years from the date such denials are made. This file shall be made available for inspection or copying, or both, during regular office hours to any person upon written request.

(4) Where any public body is preparing or conducting a competitive procurement, the time limitations contained in this section shall be tolled until the public body determines it will not issue the procurement, cancels the procurement or issues a notice naming its intended awardee.

(5) This section shall stand repealed on July 1, 2028.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-5-27 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 4 / Section 5-27
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-5-27
Status: in_force

The officer named in the removal petition shall continue to perform the duties of his office until the results of said special removal election shall be officially proclaimed. If, however, the officer named in the petition for removal shall offer his resignation before the issuance of the proclamation for the holding of special removal election, it shall be accepted, shall take effect on the date it is offered, and the vacancy shall be filled as provided by law for the filling of any vacancy in an elective county office. The officer who either resigns or is removed shall not be eligible to fill the vacancy caused by his removal or resignation, or serve as deputy in the office from which he resigns or is removed.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-51-3 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 32 / Section 51-3
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-51-3
Status: in_force

Each agency of state government shall furnish to the director of the commission the necessary information to provide its publications and public records in an electronic form for placement on the official website of the commission. The director of the commission shall transmit this information to each depository. These records shall be made accessible by the depository receiving them to any person desiring to examine the same.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-65-11 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 59 / Section 65-11
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-65-11
Status: in_force

The university, community/junior college or agency internal audit director shall possess the following qualifications:

(a) A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and five (5) years of progressively responsible professional auditing experience as an internal auditor or independent postauditor, electronic data processing auditor or any combination thereof. The auditing experience shall at a minimum consist of audits of units of government or private business enterprises, operating for profit or not for profit; or

(b) A master's degree from an accredited college or university and three (3) years of progressively responsible professional auditing experience as an internal auditor or independent postauditor, electronic data processing auditor or any combination therefor; or

(c) A certificate as a certified internal auditor issued by The Institute of Internal Auditors and three (3) years of progressively responsible professional auditing experience as an internal auditor or independent postauditor, electronic data processing auditor or any combination thereof; or

(d) A certificate as a Certified Public Accountant with at least three (3) years experience.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-55-23 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 15 / 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. § 25-65-15 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 41 / Section 65-15
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-65-15
Status: in_force

Audits shall be conducted in accordance with the Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing published by The Institute of Internal Auditors, Inc., and, when required by law, regulation, agreement, contract or policy, in accordance with Government Auditing Standards issued by the Comptroller General of the United States. All audit reports issued by internal audit staff shall include a statement that the audit was conducted pursuant to the appropriate standards.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-43-2.105 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 13 / 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. § 25-51-1 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 31 / Section 51-1
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-51-1
Status: in_force

The Mississippi Library Commission, hereinafter referred to as the “commission,” shall be the state depository for the public records issued by any government agency for public distribution, including the annual report required under Section 27-101-1 . Each agency publication shall be made available in an electronic form, and the electronic form shall constitute the public record. The record shall be placed on the official website of the commission. The libraries of state agencies, public junior colleges, colleges, public universities and public libraries located in the state may also become depositories of state agency publications that are available on the commission's official website, when designated as such by the director of the commission upon the written request of the applicable government agency.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-41-13 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 32 / Section 41-13
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-41-13
Status: in_force

(1) Any public body which holds its meetings at such times and places and by such procedures as are specifically prescribed by statute shall continue to do so and no additional notice of such meetings shall be required except that:

(a) A notice of the place, date, hour and subject matter of any recess meeting, adjourned meeting, interim meeting or any called special meeting shall be posted within one (1) hour after such meeting is called in a prominent place available to examination and inspection by the general public in the building in which the public body normally meets. A copy of the notice shall be made a part of the minutes or other permanent official records of the public body; and

(b) Except as otherwise provided by law, a notice of a called special meeting shall be posted to the public body's website, if the public body has a website and has the capability to update the website, not less than one (1) hour before the meeting. A copy of this notice shall be transmitted via email or facsimile not less than one (1) hour before the meeting to any citizen and any publication, broadcast and digital media with a general circulation or coverage within the public body's jurisdiction, that has submitted in writing its interest to receive these notices. Any public body may, at its discretion, purge any list of publications, broadcasts or digital media that have requested to receive the notices once every twenty-four (24) months. After the purge, any publication, broadcast or digital media may resubmit in writing its interest to receive the notices. Nothing in this paragraph (b) shall add additional notice requirements for meetings of public bodies held in cases of emergencies. The provision of this paragraph (b) requiring notice to be posted on the public body's website shall not apply to municipalities with a population as determined by the latest federal decennial census of less than twenty-five thousand (25,000) inhabitants, and any county with less than fifty thousand (50,000) according to the latest federal decennial census.

(2) Any public body, other than a legislative committee, which does not have statutory provisions prescribing the times and places and the procedures by which its meetings are to be held shall, at its first regular or special meeting after January 1, 1976, spread upon its minutes the times and places and the procedures by which all of its meetings are to be held.

(3) Notice of any regular meeting held by a state agency, other than a legislative committee, shall be submitted to the Department of Finance and Administration at least twenty-four (24) hours before the meeting in order to be posted on the department's searchable website created by the Mississippi Accountability and Transparency Act, Section 27-104-152 et seq. For purposes of this subsection, the term “ state agency ” means an agency, department, institution, board, commission, council, office, bureau, division, committee or subcommittee of the state. However, the term “state agency” does not include institutions of higher learning, community and junior colleges, counties or municipalities.

(4) During a regular or special session of the Mississippi Legislature, notice of meetings of all committees, other than conference committees, shall be given by announcement on the loudspeaker during sessions of the House of Representatives or Senate or by posting on a bulletin board provided for that purpose by each body.

(5) When not in session, the meeting times and places of all committees shall be kept by the Clerk of the House of Representatives as to House committees and by the Secretary of the Senate as to Senate committees, and shall be available at all times during regular working hours to the public and news media.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-58-1 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 55 / Section 58-1
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-58-1
Status: in_force

(1) For the purposes of this section, the following words shall have the meanings ascribed herein unless the context clearly requires otherwise:

(a) “ Geographic information system ” means a computerized, spatial coordinate mapping and relational data base technology which (i) captures, assembles, stores, converts, manages, analyzes, amalgamates and records, in the digital mode, all kinds and types of information and data; (ii) transforms such information and data into intelligence; and subsequently (iii) retrieves, presents and distributes that intelligence to a user for use in making the intelligent decisions necessary for sound management of private or political affairs.

(b) “ Data base ” means a collection of available information and data assembled into electronic files for efficient and timely management of county and municipal affairs and functions and the exercise of the powers, duties and responsibilities placed upon the governing authorities of a county or municipality by Mississippi law and the Mississippi Constitution.

(c) “ Multipurpose cadastre ” means a uniformly accepted base map registered to the Mississippi State Plane Coordinate System and depicting boundaries of all public properties.

(d) “ Mississippi State Plane Coordinate System ” means the system of plane rectangular coordinates established by the National Geodetic Survey which system is further identified as North American Datum (NAD) 1983.

(2) The board of supervisors of any county and the governing authorities of any municipality are hereby authorized and empowered, in their discretion, to do all things necessary and desirable to create a geographic information system for the county or municipality, as appropriate. Data bases for such a system shall be created under the direct supervision of persons who are experienced in and possess a demonstrated knowledge of the preparation of geographic information systems and of the data bases and the other requirements and activities related thereto.

(3) The board of supervisors of any county and the governing authorities of any municipality are further authorized and empowered, in their discretion, to prepare, or have prepared, a multipurpose cadastre registered to the accuracy standards promulgated by the Federal Geodetic Control Committee established under the provisions of the United States Office of Management and Budget Memoranda A-16.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-55-25 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 19 / Section 55-25
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-55-25
Status: in_force

(1) A duplicate for a lost or destroyed bond shall not issue until there shall have been filed with the officer an affidavit and a bond. The affidavit must be that of some credible person knowing the facts, and it must set forth the ownership of such bond, the number of unpaid coupons, if any, thereto attached, and the description thereof, embracing, if can be, its number, to whom and for what issued, its date, and when mature. The bond must be that of a person to whom the duplicate is to be issued, with at least two (2) sufficient sureties, in a sum equal to double the amount of the lost, destroyed or stolen bond, payable to the state, conditioned to pay all damages which the state, county, city, town, or levee board, as the case may be, may sustain if compelled to pay such bond or coupons, together with all costs and expenses and lawyers' fees, if any, incurred in enforcing the bond.

(2) A duplicate for a lost or destroyed warrant shall not issue until there shall have been filed with the officer an affidavit. The affidavit must be that of some credible person knowing the facts, and it must set forth the ownership of such warrant and the description thereof, embracing, if can be, its number, to whom and for what issued, and its date.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-53-51 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 13 / Section 53-51
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-53-51
Status: in_force

(1) To qualify for the position of information confidentiality officer a person must:

(a) Be an employee of a state agency or institution in a position such that his duties require him to handle or process or supervise the handling or processing of data in conjunction with the use of automated information technology equipment for an agency or institution other than that for whom he is regularly employed.

(b) Have been continuously employed for a period of at least one hundred eighty (180) days by such agency or institution or have successfully been cleared for employment through an investigation that shall consist of a determination as to good moral character and that the prospective employee has not been convicted of a felony. In order to determine the applicant's suitability for employment at the Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services, the applicant shall be fingerprinted. If no disqualifying record is identified at the state level, the fingerprints shall be forwarded by the Mississippi Department of Public Safety to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for a national criminal history record check. A prospective employee may be provisionally employed based on a reference check by the employing agency pending final receipt of the results of a national criminal history record check for a period not to exceed one hundred eighty (180) days.

(c) Successfully complete a suitable instructional course on the subjects of information security, privacy and confidentiality and protection, to be developed and taught under the supervision of the executive director. An employee may work in a provisional capacity under the direct supervision of an information confidentiality officer as part of an on-the-job training program while completing instructional requirements, for a period not to exceed ninety (90) days.

(d) Be duly sworn to the following oath: “I, ______, do solemnly swear to protect and uphold the confidentiality of all information that may come to my knowledge that is designated as ‘confidential information’ by another state agency or institution for which I may handle or process in the normal course of my duties. I swear to exercise reasonable care in the handling and processing of all such designated data and further that I will not reveal or otherwise divulge information from such data obtained. I understand that proven violation of this oath will subject me to forfeiture of my bond and dismissal from employment.”

(2) In order to maintain appropriate liability insurance necessary to cover damages for any nonmalicious act, the Department of Information Technology Services will work in conjunction with the Tort Claims Board.

(3) In order to clear vendors, such as maintenance personnel, security personnel, cleaning personnel, contractors and other vendors with a valid need to gain access into the State Data Centers and campus, the department shall determine these individuals have not been convicted of a felony through a fingerprint-based criminal history background check. If no disqualifying record is identified at the state level, the fingerprints shall be forwarded by the Department of Public Safety to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for a national criminal history record check.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-65-9 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 41 / Section 65-9
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-65-9
Status: in_force

(1) Except as otherwise provided by subsection (2) of this section, each university, community/junior college and state agency shall, subject to specific appropriation of available funding, employ an agency internal audit director who shall be appointed by the university president or chancellor, the community/junior college president, elected official or executive director or his counterpart of a state agency without a governing board or commission. The university president or chancellor, the community/junior college president of the agency head shall ensure that the university, community/junior college or agency shall employ, subject to specific funding being appropriated, a sufficient number of professional and support staff to implement an effective program of internal auditing. Compensation, training, job tenure and advancement of internal auditing staff shall be based upon the rules of the State Personnel Board for other business employees in the system. The internal audit organization shall have organizational status outside the agency's staff or line management functions or units subject to audit, and shall be free of operational and management responsibilities that would impair the ability to make independent audits of any aspects of the agency's operations. An agency, university or community/junior college internal audit director may be terminated by the appointing authority in accordance with State Personnel Board rules and regulations for any state employee after a seven (7) day notification period to the State Auditor.

(2) The university president or chancellor, the community/junior college president or agency head of a university, community/junior college or state agency, respectively, may outsource the internal audit function if he determines that it is more cost efficient than establishing the audit personnel and procedures provided in subsection (1) of this section. Internal audit services may not be outsourced to the same firm or individual who performs independent audit or other consulting services to the university, community/junior college or agency.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-53-23 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 14 / Section 53-23
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-53-23
Status: in_force

The authority shall act upon all appeals of decisions made by the executive director thereof and shall, upon such appeals, approve or disapprove such administrative actions as may be taken by him. The form of an appeal to the full authority from an action or recommendation of the executive director thereof shall be a written communication from the executive head of the agency or agencies involved to the chairman of the authority, stating the objection and a request to appear before the full authority to present the case in point, on which appeal the authority shall take such action as is indicated by the facts presented to or made available to the authority.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-53-101 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 51 / 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.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-53-57 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 19 / Section 53-57
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-53-57
Status: in_force

An information confidentiality officer shall be considered a legal agent of the agency or institution and for the purposes of Sections 25-53-51 through 25-53-59 shall be considered to be an employee of the agency or institution for which he may be processing data at that particular time.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-53-5 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 53 / 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. § 25-53-3 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 17 / Section 53-3
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-53-3
Status: in_force

(1) Whenever the term “ Central Data Processing Authority ” or the term “ authority ,” when referring to the Central Data Processing Authority, is used in any law, rule, regulation, document or elsewhere, it shall be construed to mean the Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services.

(2) For the purposes of this chapter the following terms shall have the meanings ascribed in this section unless the context otherwise requires:

(a) “Central Data Processing Authority” and “CDPA” mean “Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services (MDITS)” and the term “authority” means “board of the MDITS.”

(b) “Bureau of Systems Policy and Planning,” “Bureau of Telecommunications,” “Bureau of Central Data Processing” and “bureau” mean “Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services.”

(c) “ Computer equipment or services ” means any information technology, computer or computer related telecommunications equipment, electronic word processing and office systems, or services utilized in connection therewith, including, but not limited to, all phases of computer software and consulting services, and insurance on all state-owned computer equipment.

(d) “ Acquisition ” of computer or telecommunications equipment or services means the purchase, lease, rental, or acquisition in any other manner of any such computer or telecommunications equipment or services.

(e) “ Agency ” means and includes all the various state agencies, officers, departments, boards, commissions, offices and institutions of the state.

(f) “ Governing authority ” means boards of supervisors, governing boards of all school districts, all boards of directors of public water supply districts, boards of directors of master public water supply districts, municipal public utility commissions, governing authorities of all municipalities, port authorities, commissioners and boards of trustees of any public hospitals and any political subdivision of the state supported wholly or in part by public funds of the state or political subdivisions thereof.

(g) “ Bid ” means any of the valid source selection techniques and competitive procurement methods appropriate to information technology procurement in the public sector, including, but not limited to, competitive sealed bidding, competitive sealed proposals, simplified small purchase procedures, sole source procurements, and emergency procurements.

(h) “ Telecommunications transmission facility ” means any transmission medium, switch, instrument, inside wiring system or other facility which is used, in whole or part, to provide any transmission.

(i) “ Equipment support contract ” means a contract which covers a single, specific class or classes of telecommunications equipment or service and all features associated with that class, through which state agencies may purchase or lease the item of equipment or service specified by issuing a purchase order under the terms of the contract without the necessity of further competitive bidding.

(j) “ Inside wiring system ” means any wiring which:

(i) Directly or indirectly, interconnects any terminal equipment with any other terminal equipment or with any regulated facility or common carrier services; and

(ii) Is located at the premises of the customer and is not inside any terminal equipment.

(k) “ Procurement ” means the selling, buying, purchasing, renting, leasing or otherwise obtaining telecommunications equipment, system or related services, as well as activities engaged in, resulting in or expected to result in selling, buying, purchasing, renting, leasing or otherwise obtaining telecommunications equipment.

(l) “ Telecommunications equipment, systems, related services ” are limited to the equipment and means to provide:

(i) Telecommunications transmission facilities.

(ii) Telephone systems, including voice processing systems.

(iii) Facsimile systems.

(iv) Radio paging services.

(v) Mobile telephone services, including cellular mobile telephone service.

(vi) Intercom and paging systems.

(vii) Video teleconferencing systems.

(viii) Personal communications networks and services.

(ix) Any and all systems based on emerging and future telecommunications technologies relative to (i) through (viii) above.

(m) “ Telecommunications system lease contract ” means a contract between a supplier of telecommunications systems, including equipment and related services, and the Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services through which telecommunications systems, including equipment and related services, may be leased for a term which 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.

(n) “ Tariffed or regulated service ” means telecommunications service offered by common carriers and subject to control by the Mississippi Public Service Commission or the Federal Communications Commission.

(o) “ State Data Center ” means one or more facilities operated by the Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services to provide information technology resources requiring enterprise computing resources or any other centrally managed information resources.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-53-3 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 11 / Section 53-3
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-53-3
Status: in_force

(1) Whenever the term “ Central Data Processing Authority ” or the term “ authority ,” when referring to the Central Data Processing Authority, is used in any law, rule, regulation, document or elsewhere, it shall be construed to mean the Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services.

(2) For the purposes of this chapter the following terms shall have the meanings ascribed in this section unless the context otherwise requires:

(a) “Central Data Processing Authority” and “CDPA” mean “Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services (MDITS)” and the term “authority” means “board of the MDITS.”

(b) “Bureau of Systems Policy and Planning,” “Bureau of Telecommunications,” “Bureau of Central Data Processing” and “bureau” mean “Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services.”

(c) “ Computer equipment or services ” means any information technology, computer or computer related telecommunications equipment, electronic word processing and office systems, or services utilized in connection therewith, including, but not limited to, all phases of computer software and consulting services, and insurance on all state-owned computer equipment.

(d) “ Acquisition ” of computer or telecommunications equipment or services means the purchase, lease, rental, or acquisition in any other manner of any such computer or telecommunications equipment or services.

(e) “ Agency ” means and includes all the various state agencies, officers, departments, boards, commissions, offices and institutions of the state.

(f) “ Governing authority ” means boards of supervisors, governing boards of all school districts, all boards of directors of public water supply districts, boards of directors of master public water supply districts, municipal public utility commissions, governing authorities of all municipalities, port authorities, commissioners and boards of trustees of any public hospitals and any political subdivision of the state supported wholly or in part by public funds of the state or political subdivisions thereof.

(g) “ Bid ” means any of the valid source selection techniques and competitive procurement methods appropriate to information technology procurement in the public sector, including, but not limited to, competitive sealed bidding, competitive sealed proposals, simplified small purchase procedures, sole source procurements, and emergency procurements.

(h) “ Telecommunications transmission facility ” means any transmission medium, switch, instrument, inside wiring system or other facility which is used, in whole or part, to provide any transmission.

(i) “ Equipment support contract ” means a contract which covers a single, specific class or classes of telecommunications equipment or service and all features associated with that class, through which state agencies may purchase or lease the item of equipment or service specified by issuing a purchase order under the terms of the contract without the necessity of further competitive bidding.

(j) “ Inside wiring system ” means any wiring which:

(i) Directly or indirectly, interconnects any terminal equipment with any other terminal equipment or with any regulated facility or common carrier services; and

(ii) Is located at the premises of the customer and is not inside any terminal equipment.

(k) “ Procurement ” means the selling, buying, purchasing, renting, leasing or otherwise obtaining telecommunications equipment, system or related services, as well as activities engaged in, resulting in or expected to result in selling, buying, purchasing, renting, leasing or otherwise obtaining telecommunications equipment.

(l) “ Telecommunications equipment, systems, related services ” are limited to the equipment and means to provide:

(i) Telecommunications transmission facilities.

(ii) Telephone systems, including voice processing systems.

(iii) Facsimile systems.

(iv) Radio paging services.

(v) Mobile telephone services, including cellular mobile telephone service.

(vi) Intercom and paging systems.

(vii) Video teleconferencing systems.

(viii) Personal communications networks and services.

(ix) Any and all systems based on emerging and future telecommunications technologies relative to (i) through (viii) above.

(m) “ Telecommunications system lease contract ” means a contract between a supplier of telecommunications systems, including equipment and related services, and the Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services through which telecommunications systems, including equipment and related services, may be leased for a term which 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.

(n) “ Tariffed or regulated service ” means telecommunications service offered by common carriers and subject to control by the Mississippi Public Service Commission or the Federal Communications Commission.

(o) “ State Data Center ” means one or more facilities operated by the Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services to provide information technology resources requiring enterprise computing resources or any other centrally managed information resources.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-41-1 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 14 / Section 41-1
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-41-1
Status: in_force

It being essential to the fundamental philosophy of the American constitutional form of representative government and to the maintenance of a democratic society that public business be performed in an open and public manner, and that citizens be advised of and be aware of the performance of public officials and the deliberations and decisions that go into the making of public policy, it is hereby declared to be the policy of the State of Mississippi that the formation and determination of public policy is public business and shall be conducted at open meetings except as otherwise provided herein.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-53-171 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 15 / Section 53-171
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-53-171
Status: in_force

(1) There is hereby created the Wireless Communication Commission, which shall be responsible for promoting the efficient use of public resources to ensure that law enforcement personnel and essential public health and safety personnel have effective communications services available in emergency situations, and to ensure the rapid restoration of such communications services in the event of disruption caused by natural disaster, terrorist attack or other public emergency.

(2) The Wireless Communication Commission, hereafter referred to as the “commission,” shall consist of the following:

(a) The Executive Director of the Department of Transportation or his designee;

(b) The Commissioner of Public Safety or his designee;

(c) The Executive Director of the Department of Public Health or his designee;

(d) The Executive Director of the Department of Information Technology Services or his designee;

(e) The Executive Director of the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency or his designee;

(f) The Executive Director of the Mississippi Office of Homeland Security or his designee;

(g) The President of the Mississippi Sheriffs' Association or his designee;

(h) The President of the Mississippi Association of Supervisors or his designee;

(i) The President of the Mississippi Municipal Association or his designee;

(j) The President of the Mississippi Association of Fire Chiefs or his designee;

(k) The President of the Mississippi Association of Police Chiefs or his designee;

(l) The Chief of the Mississippi Highway Safety Patrol or his designee;

(m) The Commissioner of the Department of Corrections or his designee;

(n) The Adjutant General of the Mississippi National Guard or his designee;

(o) The Executive Director of the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality or his designee; and

(p) The Executive Director of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks or his designee.

All members of the commission shall serve a term of not less than four (4) years.

(3) Within forty-five (45) days from April 21, 2005, the Executive Director of the Department of Information Technology Services shall call a meeting of the commission in the City of Jackson, Mississippi, and organize by electing a chairman and other officers from its membership. The commission shall adopt rules which govern the time and place for meetings and governing the manner of conducting its business. The commission shall meet at least monthly and maintain minutes of such meetings. A quorum shall consist of a majority of the membership of the commission.

(4) The commission, in conjunction with the Department of Information Technology Services, shall have the sole authority to promulgate rules and regulations governing the operations of the wireless communications system described in paragraph (a) and shall be vested with all legal authority necessary and proper to perform this function including, but not limited to:

(a) Purchasing, leasing, acquiring and otherwise implementing a statewide wireless communications system to serve wireless users in state and local governments and those private entities that enter into a partnership with the commission. All purchases shall be made in accordance with public purchasing laws and, if required, shall be approved by the Department of Information Technology Services. This system shall enable interoperability between various wireless communications technologies.

(b) Ensuring that federal/state communications requirements are followed with respect to such wireless communications systems.

(c) Providing system planning with all public safety communications systems.

(d) Assisting with establishment of state and local wireless communications.

(e) In consultation with the Department of Information Technology Services, having the authority to permit state and local agencies use of the communications system under the terms and conditions established by the commission.

(f) Providing technical support to users and bearing the overall responsibility for the design, engineering, acquisition and implementation of the statewide communications system and for ensuring the proper operation and maintenance of all equipment common to the system.

(g) Seeking proposals for services through competitive processes where required by law and selecting service providers under procedures provided for by law.

(h) Establishing, in conjunction with the Department of Information Technology Services, policies, procedures and standards which shall be incorporated into a comprehensive management plan for the operation of the statewide communications system.

(i) Having sign-off approval on all wireless communications systems within the state which are owned or operated by any state or local governmental entity, agency or department.

(j) Creating a standard user agreement.

(5) The commission, in conjunction with the Department of Information Technology Services, shall exercise its powers and duties pursuant to this section to plan, manage and administer the wireless communications system. The commission may:

(a) In consultation with the advisory board and the Department of Information Technology Services, establish policies, procedures and standards to incorporate into a comprehensive management plan for use and operation of the communications system.

(b) Enter into mutual aid agreements among federal, state and local agencies for the use of the communications system.

(c) Establish the cost of maintenance and operation of the system and charge subscribers for access and use of the system.

(d) Assess charges for use of the system.

(e) Obtain space through rent or lease of space on any tower under state control. The commission may also rent, lease or sublease ground space as necessary to locate equipment to support antennae on the towers. The costs for use of such space shall be established by the owner/agent for each site when it is determined to be practicable and feasible to make space available.

(f) Provide space through rent or lease of space on any tower under the commission's control. The commission may also rent, lease or sublease ground space as necessary to locate equipment to support antennae on the towers. The costs for use of such space shall be established by the commission when it is determined to be practicable and feasible to make space available.

(g) Refuse to lease space on any tower at any site. All monies collected by the commission for such rents, leases or subleases shall be deposited directly into a special fund hereby created and known as the “Integrated Public Safety Communications Fund.” This fund shall be administered by the Department of Information Technology Services and may be used by the commission to construct, maintain and operate the system.

(h) Rent, lease or sublease ground space on lands acquired by the commission for the construction of privately owned or publicly owned towers. The commission, as part of such rental, lease or sublease agreement, may require space on such towers for antennae as may be necessary for the construction and operation of the wireless communications system.

(i) Enter into and perform use and occupancy agreements concerning the system.

(j) Exercise any power necessary to carry out the intent of this law.

(6) The Department of Transportation, the Department of Public Safety and other commission members may provide to the commission, on a full-time or part-time basis, personnel and technical support necessary and sufficient to effectively and efficiently carry out the requirements of this section.

(7)(a) Expenditures from the Integrated Public Safety Communications Fund shall be administered by the Department of Information Technology Services with expenditures approved jointly by the commission and the Department of Information Technology Services.

(b) The Integrated Public Safety Communications Fund may consist of the following:

(i) Appropriations from the Legislature;

(ii) Gifts;

(iii) Federal grants;

(iv) Fees and contributions from user agencies that the commission considers necessary to maintain and operate the system; and

(v) Monies from any other source permitted by law.

(c) Any monies remaining in the Integrated Public Safety Communications Fund at the end of the fiscal year shall not revert to the State General Fund, but shall remain in the Integrated Public Safety Communications Fund.

(8) Members of the commission shall not receive any compensation or per diem, but may receive travel reimbursement provided for under Section 25-3-41 .

(9) There is hereby created the Wireless Communication Advisory Board for the purpose of advising the Mississippi Wireless Communication Commission in performance of its duties. The advisory board shall be composed of the following:

(a) The Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Senate Public Utilities Committee or their designees;

(b) The Chairman and Vice Chairman of the House of Representatives Public Utilities Committee or their designees;

(c) The Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee or his designee;

(d) The Chairman of the House of Representatives Appropriations Committee or his designee;

(e) The Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee or his designee; and

(f) The Chairman of the House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee or his designee.

Members of the advisory board shall receive per diem and expenses which shall 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; however, no per diem and expenses for attending meetings of the advisory board shall be paid to legislative members while the Legislature is in session.

(10) It is the intent of the Legislature that all state and local government entities make available for purposes of this section all publicly owned wireless communications infrastructure, including, but not limited to, communications towers, transmission equipment, transmission frequencies and other related properties and facilities.

(11) Nothing in this section shall be construed or interpreted to provide for the regulation or oversight of commercial mobile radio services.

(12) Nothing in this section shall be construed to supersede the authority of the Department of Information Technology Services provided in Section 25-53-1 et seq.

(13) From and after July 1, 2016, the expenses of this agency shall be defrayed by appropriation from the State General Fund and all user charges and fees authorized under this section shall be deposited into the State General Fund as authorized by law.

(14) From and after July 1, 2016, no state agency shall charge another state agency a fee, assessment, rent or other charge for services or resources received by authority of this section.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-31-17 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 17 / 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. § 25-7-19 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 4 / Section 7-19
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-7-19
Status: in_force

(1) The sheriffs of the various counties of the State of Mississippi shall charge the following fees:

(a) A uniform total fee in all criminal and civil cases for the service or attempted service of any process, summons, warrant, writ or other notice as may be required by law or the court, each․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․ $ 45.00

(b) In all cases where there is more than one (1) defendant residing at the same household, service on each additional defendant․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․ $ 5.00

(c) After final judgment has been enrolled, notice of further proceedings involving levy of execution on judgments, and attachment and garnishment proceedings, shall be deemed a new suit and the sheriff shall be entitled to the following fee ․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․ $ 45.00

(d) Taking bonds of every kind (for purposes of this fee multiple bonds for criminal charges arising out of a single incident or transaction shall be considered a single bond)․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․ $ 25.00

(e) Attendance in habeas corpus proceeding in vacation, eminent domain court and commitment cases․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․ $ 25.00

(f) On all money made by virtue of any decree, execution or attachment, or other process, the following commissions, to wit:

On the first One Hundred Dollars ($100.00), five percent (5%),

On the second One Hundred Dollars ($100.00), four percent (4%),

On all sums over Two Hundred Dollars ($200.00), three percent (3%).

(g) For all service of all process of every kind and nature issued from without the county wherein it is to be served, a fee of․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․ $ 45.00

In civil cases, all process sent out of the county, where issued to another county for service, shall be accompanied by a fee of Forty-five Dollars ($45.00) to pay the sheriff's fee for his execution of such process unless the clerk or justice shall endorse on the process that the party at whose instance it issued had filed an affidavit of inability to pay costs thereof. All fees sent and unearned, and the whole of it, shall be unearned if the writ be not legally and properly executed and returned, and shall be remitted by the sheriff with the writ at his own expense.

(2)(a) The sheriff shall keep a complete account of every fee of every nature, commission or charge collected by him, and shall file an itemized statement thereof monthly, under oath, with the clerk of the board of supervisors of his county who shall preserve same as a part of the records of his office, and he shall make a remittance to the clerk of the board of supervisors of his county on or before the fifteenth of each month for deposit into the general fund of the county of all said fees, commissions and charges collected during the preceding month. A fee for attempted service of process is unearned absent two (2) documented actual attempts to serve the process.

(b) At least Ten Dollars ($10.00) from each fee collected and deposited into the county's general fund under the provisions of paragraphs (a), (c) and (g) of subsection (1) of this section shall be used for the sheriffs' salaries authorized in Section 25-3-25 , as such Ten Dollar ($10.00) amount was authorized during the 2007 Regular Session in Chapter 331, Laws of 2007, for the purpose of providing additional monies to the counties for sheriffs' salaries.

(3) Any sheriff who shall knowingly fail to collect any fee established by law which was in fact collectible by him or having collected the fee shall fail to keep account of such fee or fail to deposit the fee with the clerk of the board of supervisors as provided by subsection (2), or such other person or office entitled thereto, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor in office and, upon conviction therefor, shall be fined in an amount not to exceed double the amount he failed to collect or pay over, or imprisoned for not to exceed six (6) months in the county jail, or be punished by both such fine and imprisonment.

This provision shall in no way lessen the sheriff's civil liability on his bond, but shall be an additional penalty for misfeasance or nonfeasance in office.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-1-77 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 1 / Section 1-77
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-1-77
Status: in_force

(1) There is created the Bureau of Fleet Management within the Office of Purchasing, Travel and Fleet Management, Department of Finance and Administration, for the purposes of coordinating and promoting efficiency and economy in the purchase, lease, rental, acquisition, use, maintenance and disposal of vehicles by state agencies. The Executive Director of the Department of Finance and Administration may employ a Fleet Management Officer to manage the bureau and carry out its purposes. The bureau may employ other suitable and competent personnel as necessary. The bureau shall encourage the use of fuel efficient or hybrid vehicles appropriate for the state agency's intended purpose and, when feasible, the use of alternative fuels or energy sources, including, but not limited to, ethanol, biodiesel, natural gas or electric power. The bureau shall prepare a fiscal analysis of the cost-effectiveness of using alternative fuel or energy source vehicles by state agencies, and submit a report of that fiscal analysis to the Legislature by December 15, 2009. Not later than July 1, 2014, at least seventy-five percent (75%) of all vehicles to which the bureau holds title in the name of the state must have a fuel economy estimate by the United States Environmental Protection Agency of forty (40) miles per gallon or higher for highway driving.

(2) The Bureau of Fleet Management shall perform the following duties:

(a) To hold title in the name of the State of Mississippi to all vehicles currently in possession of state agencies as defined in Section 25-9-107(d) and to assign vehicles to such agencies for use; however, the bureau shall exempt any agency or agency vehicles from the provisions of this paragraph (a) if it determines that state or federal law requires that title be vested only in the agency;

(b) To establish rules and regulations for state agency use of vehicles;

(c) To gather information and specify proper fleet management practices for state agencies;

(d) To acquire fleet management software and require agencies to provide necessary information for the bureau to properly monitor the size, use, maintenance and disposal of the state's fleet of vehicles; the bureau shall communicate regularly with the fleet managers of each state agency to determine strengths and weaknesses of the various fleet operations; the bureau shall disseminate information to the agencies so that each can take advantage of any beneficial practices being incorporated at other entities; the bureau shall promulgate rules and regulations concerning the mileage reimbursement practices of each state agency;

(e) To carry out responsibilities relative to budget recommendations as provided in Section 27-103-129 ;

(f) To reassign vehicles in the possession of any state agency if the bureau believes that another state agency can make more efficient use of a vehicle.

(g) To investigate at any time the vehicle usage practices of any state agency; and

(h) To require each agency to submit to the bureau a vehicle acquisition/use/disposal plan on an annual basis. From the plans received, the bureau shall evaluate the proposed plans and shall submit a recommendation to the Legislature prior to January 1 of each year.

(3) No state department, institution or agency shall purchase, rent, lease or acquire any motor vehicle, regardless of the source of funds from which the motor vehicle is to be purchased, except under authority granted by the Department of Finance and Administration. The Bureau of Fleet Management, Department of Finance and Administration, shall promulgate rules and regulations governing the purchase, rental, lease or acquisition of any motor vehicle by a state department, institution or agency with regard to the appropriateness of the vehicle to its intended use. The Bureau of Fleet Management, Department of Finance and Administration, shall only grant authority to purchase, rent, lease or acquire a motor vehicle which is the lowest cost vehicle to carry out its intended use. Before the disposal or sale of any vehicle, the Bureau of Fleet Management shall make a determination that the lifetime use and mileage of the vehicle has been maximized and that it would not be feasible for another state agency to use the vehicle.

(4) The department, institution or agency shall maintain proper documentation which provides the intended use of the vehicle and the basis for choosing the vehicle. Such documentation shall show that the department, institution or agency made diligent efforts to purchase, rent, lease or acquire a vehicle that is the lowest cost vehicle for its intended use. Such documentation shall be updated as needed when the intended use of the vehicle or any other facts concerning the vehicle are changed. All such documentation shall be approved by the State Fleet Officer prior to purchase, rental, lease or acquisition or change in use of any vehicle and shall be maintained and made available for review by the State Auditor, any other reviewing agency and the Legislature. The Bureau of Fleet Management shall immediately notify the department head of any agency that has a vehicle found to be in violation of the bureau's rules and regulations. At the same time, the bureau shall notify the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Lieutenant Governor of its findings regarding any such vehicle. If the violation is not rectified within five (5) days of the notice, then the bureau may seize the vehicle and dispose of it as the bureau deems to be in the best interest of the State of Mississippi.

(5) On or before September 1 of each year, the Bureau of Fleet Management shall prepare and deliver to the Senate and House Appropriations Committees and the Joint Legislative Budget Committee a report containing any irregularities that it finds concerning purchases of state-owned vehicles.

(6) The Department of Public Safety and the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks may retain any vehicle seized pursuant to the forfeiture laws of this state, and the total number of vehicles assigned to each such agency shall not be reduced by the number of seized vehicles which the agency retains.

(7) The Bureau of Fleet Management, upon request, shall grant an exemption from the provisions of this section for only any vehicle assigned to a sworn officer of the Department of Public Safety or of the Agricultural and Livestock Theft Bureau of the Department of Agriculture and Commerce and used in undercover operations when the bureau determines that compliance could jeopardize the life, health or safety of the sworn officer.

(8) The provisions of this section shall not apply to any state institution of higher learning.

(9) When making requests for authority to purchase, rent, lease or acquire vehicles as provided in subsection (3) of this section, agencies shall submit the lowest cost vehicle possible to carry out its intended use. Any such request shall be in writing from the agency head, certifying the vehicle requested is the lowest cost option available and acknowledging that any request contrary to this provision shall subject the agency head to penalties as provided in Sections 25-1-91 , 31-7-55 and 31-7-57 , where applicable. The Bureau of Fleet Management shall only approve the lowest cost vehicle, which in its estimation, will carry out the intended use. No agency may purchase any vehicle that the Bureau of Fleet Management has disapproved as being a higher cost option.

(10) No requests authorized under subsections (3) and (9) of this section shall be approved by the Bureau of Fleet Management if the requesting agency has not properly maintained in the fleet/asset reporting system all information required by the Bureau of Fleet Management. Agencies shall correct any inadequacies or discrepancies in the system noted by the Bureau of Fleet Management before the bureau may approve any requests.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-59-27 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 15 / 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. § 25-51-7 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 45 / Section 51-7
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-51-7
Status: in_force

A recorder of documents shall be appointed by the director of the commission in his office, whose functions shall be to administer the provisions of Sections 25-51-1 through 25-51-5, under the supervision of the director of the commission.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-65-7 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 31 / Section 65-7
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-65-7
Status: in_force

The provisions of this chapter shall only apply (a) to the following universities: (i) Alcorn State University, (ii) Delta State University, (iii) Jackson State University, (iv) Mississippi State University, (v) Mississippi State University Agriculture and Forestry Experiment Station, (vi) Mississippi State University Cooperative Extension Service, (vii) Mississippi State University Forest and Wildlife Research Center, (viii) Mississippi State University State Chemical Laboratory, (ix) Mississippi University for Women, (x) Mississippi Valley State University, (xi) The University of Mississippi, (xii) University of Mississippi Medical Center and the (xiii) University of Southern Mississippi; (b) to the following community/junior colleges: (i) Coahoma Community College, (ii) Copiah-Lincoln Community College, (iii) East Central Community College, (iv) East Mississippi Community College, (v) Hinds Community College, (vi) Holmes Community College, (vii) Itawamba Community College, (viii) Jones County Junior College, (ix) Meridian Community College, (x) Mississippi Delta Community College, (xi) Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, (xii) Northeast Mississippi Community College, (xiii) Northwest Mississippi Community College, (xiv) Pearl River Community College and (xv) Southwest Mississippi Community College; and (c) to the following agencies: (i) the Department of Finance and Administration, (ii) the State Tax Commission, (iii) the Department of Education, (iv) the State Department of Health, (v) the Department of Mental Health, (vi) the Department of Agriculture and Commerce, (vii) the Mississippi Development Authority, (viii) the Department of Environmental Quality, (ix) the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, (x) the Department of Corrections, (xi) the Division of Medicaid, (xii) the Department of Rehabilitation Services, (xiii) the Department of Public Safety, (xiv) the Mississippi Employment Security Commission, (xv) the Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services, (xvi) the Public Employees Retirement System, (xvii) the Mississippi Department of Transportation, (xviii) the Mississippi Gaming Commission and (xix) the Mississippi Department of Human Services.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-43-4.103 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 15 / 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. § 25-43-1.104 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 19 / Section 43-1.104
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-43-1.104
Status: in_force

(1) To the extent necessary to avoid a denial of funds or services from the United States which would otherwise be available to the state, the Governor, by executive order, may suspend, in whole or in part, one or more provisions of this chapter. The Governor, by executive order, shall declare the termination of a suspension as soon as it is no longer necessary to prevent the loss of funds or services from the United States.

(2) If any provision of this chapter is suspended pursuant to this section, the Governor shall promptly report the suspension to the Legislature. The report may include recommendations concerning desirable legislation that may be necessary to conform this chapter to federal law, including the exemption, if appropriate, of a particular program from the provisions of this chapter.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-43-1.104 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 13 / Section 43-1.104
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-43-1.104
Status: in_force

(1) To the extent necessary to avoid a denial of funds or services from the United States which would otherwise be available to the state, the Governor, by executive order, may suspend, in whole or in part, one or more provisions of this chapter. The Governor, by executive order, shall declare the termination of a suspension as soon as it is no longer necessary to prevent the loss of funds or services from the United States.

(2) If any provision of this chapter is suspended pursuant to this section, the Governor shall promptly report the suspension to the Legislature. The report may include recommendations concerning desirable legislation that may be necessary to conform this chapter to federal law, including the exemption, if appropriate, of a particular program from the provisions of this chapter.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-65-19 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 19 / Section 65-19
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-65-19
Status: in_force

(1) At the conclusion of each audit, the internal audit director shall submit preliminary findings and recommendations to the person responsible for supervision of the program, activity, function or organizational unit being audited who shall respond in writing to any findings of the internal audit director within forty-five (45) working days or less at the discretion of the university president or chancellor, the community/junior college president or state agency director after receipt of the findings. Such response and, if necessary, the agency internal audit director's response may be included in the final audit report.

(2) University, community/junior college or the agency internal audit director shall submit the final report, which shall be available to the State Auditor upon request, to the head of the university, community/junior college or agency and the State Auditor.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-1-53 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 1 / Section 1-53
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-1-53
Status: in_force

It shall be unlawful for any person elected, appointed or selected in any manner whatsoever to any state, county, district or municipal office, or for any board of trustees of any state institution, to appoint or employ, as an officer, clerk, stenographer, deputy or assistant who is to be paid out of the public funds, any person related by blood or marriage within the third degree, computed by the rule of the civil law, to the person or any member of the board of trustees having the authority to make such appointment or contract such employment as employer. This section shall not apply to any employee who shall have been in said department or institution prior to the time his or her kinsman, within the third degree, became the head of said department or institution or member of said board of trustees; and this section shall not apply to any person seeking appointment as an election worker who has served as an election worker in the election immediately preceding the commencement of a term of office as an election commissioner by his kinsman within the third degree. The provision herein contained shall not apply in the instance of the employment of physicians, nurses or medical technicians by governing boards of charity hospitals or other public hospitals.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-59-13 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 53 / Section 59-13
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-59-13
Status: in_force

The transfer of records to the Mississippi Department of Archives and History shall be in accordance with the following:

(a) Agencies and appointed or elected officials are hereby authorized and empowered to turn over to the department any records no longer in current official use and the department is authorized, after conducting appropriate archival appraisal, to accept such records and to provide for their administration and preservation.

(b) All records of state agencies transferred to the department may be held in the records center or placed directly in the Mississippi State Archives as deemed appropriate.

(c) Title to any record placed in the records center shall remain in the agency transferring such records to the department.

(d) Title to any record transferred to the Mississippi State Archives shall be vested in the department.

(e) The department may make certified copies under seal of any records transferred to it upon the application of any person and said certificates signed by the director shall have the same force and effect as if made by the agency from which the records were received.

(f) The department may prescribe and charge reasonable fees for said services, which shall not be less than the actual cost thereof.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-15-411 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 14 / 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. § 25-65-7 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 51 / Section 65-7
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-65-7
Status: in_force

The provisions of this chapter shall only apply (a) to the following universities: (i) Alcorn State University, (ii) Delta State University, (iii) Jackson State University, (iv) Mississippi State University, (v) Mississippi State University Agriculture and Forestry Experiment Station, (vi) Mississippi State University Cooperative Extension Service, (vii) Mississippi State University Forest and Wildlife Research Center, (viii) Mississippi State University State Chemical Laboratory, (ix) Mississippi University for Women, (x) Mississippi Valley State University, (xi) The University of Mississippi, (xii) University of Mississippi Medical Center and the (xiii) University of Southern Mississippi; (b) to the following community/junior colleges: (i) Coahoma Community College, (ii) Copiah-Lincoln Community College, (iii) East Central Community College, (iv) East Mississippi Community College, (v) Hinds Community College, (vi) Holmes Community College, (vii) Itawamba Community College, (viii) Jones County Junior College, (ix) Meridian Community College, (x) Mississippi Delta Community College, (xi) Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, (xii) Northeast Mississippi Community College, (xiii) Northwest Mississippi Community College, (xiv) Pearl River Community College and (xv) Southwest Mississippi Community College; and (c) to the following agencies: (i) the Department of Finance and Administration, (ii) the State Tax Commission, (iii) the Department of Education, (iv) the State Department of Health, (v) the Department of Mental Health, (vi) the Department of Agriculture and Commerce, (vii) the Mississippi Development Authority, (viii) the Department of Environmental Quality, (ix) the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, (x) the Department of Corrections, (xi) the Division of Medicaid, (xii) the Department of Rehabilitation Services, (xiii) the Department of Public Safety, (xiv) the Mississippi Employment Security Commission, (xv) the Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services, (xvi) the Public Employees Retirement System, (xvii) the Mississippi Department of Transportation, (xviii) the Mississippi Gaming Commission and (xix) the Mississippi Department of Human Services.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-43-3.101 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 31 / Section 43-3.101
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-43-3.101
Status: in_force

(1) In addition to seeking information by other methods, an agency, before filing of a notice of proposed rule adoption under Section 25-43-3.103 , may solicit comments from the public on a subject matter of possible rule-making under active consideration within the agency by causing notice to be filed with the Secretary of State for publication in the administrative bulletin of the subject matter and indicating where, when and how persons may comment.

(2) Each agency may also appoint committees of nonagency personnel or other members of the public to comment, before filing of a notice of proposed rule adoption under Section 25-43-3.103 , on the subject matter of a possible rule-making under active consideration within the agency. The membership of those committees must be filed with the Secretary of State for publication in the administrative bulletin.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-7-55 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 7 / Section 7-55
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-7-55
Status: in_force

A witness shall not be allowed compensation for his attendance in more than one case or on more than one side of the same case at the same time, but he may elect in which of several cases and on which side of a case in which he is summoned for both sides, to claim his attendance. The party who pays a witness shall be entitled to recover of the parties in other cases who were liable to such witness a just proportion of the amount to which the witness was entitled for his attendance as the witness of such parties during the same time; and a person who is compelled to attend court on other business shall not be paid as a witness.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-53-101 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 17 / 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.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-34-19 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 11 / Section 34-19
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-34-19
Status: in_force

If an individual is physically unable to sign a record, the individual may direct an individual other than the notarial officer to sign the individual's name on the record. The notarial officer shall insert “Signature affixed by (name of other individual) at the direction of (name of individual)” or words of similar import.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-7-19 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 3 / Section 7-19
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-7-19
Status: in_force

(1) The sheriffs of the various counties of the State of Mississippi shall charge the following fees:

(a) A uniform total fee in all criminal and civil cases for the service or attempted service of any process, summons, warrant, writ or other notice as may be required by law or the court, each․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․ $ 45.00

(b) In all cases where there is more than one (1) defendant residing at the same household, service on each additional defendant․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․ $ 5.00

(c) After final judgment has been enrolled, notice of further proceedings involving levy of execution on judgments, and attachment and garnishment proceedings, shall be deemed a new suit and the sheriff shall be entitled to the following fee ․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․ $ 45.00

(d) Taking bonds of every kind (for purposes of this fee multiple bonds for criminal charges arising out of a single incident or transaction shall be considered a single bond)․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․ $ 25.00

(e) Attendance in habeas corpus proceeding in vacation, eminent domain court and commitment cases․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․ $ 25.00

(f) On all money made by virtue of any decree, execution or attachment, or other process, the following commissions, to wit:

On the first One Hundred Dollars ($100.00), five percent (5%),

On the second One Hundred Dollars ($100.00), four percent (4%),

On all sums over Two Hundred Dollars ($200.00), three percent (3%).

(g) For all service of all process of every kind and nature issued from without the county wherein it is to be served, a fee of․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․ $ 45.00

In civil cases, all process sent out of the county, where issued to another county for service, shall be accompanied by a fee of Forty-five Dollars ($45.00) to pay the sheriff's fee for his execution of such process unless the clerk or justice shall endorse on the process that the party at whose instance it issued had filed an affidavit of inability to pay costs thereof. All fees sent and unearned, and the whole of it, shall be unearned if the writ be not legally and properly executed and returned, and shall be remitted by the sheriff with the writ at his own expense.

(2)(a) The sheriff shall keep a complete account of every fee of every nature, commission or charge collected by him, and shall file an itemized statement thereof monthly, under oath, with the clerk of the board of supervisors of his county who shall preserve same as a part of the records of his office, and he shall make a remittance to the clerk of the board of supervisors of his county on or before the fifteenth of each month for deposit into the general fund of the county of all said fees, commissions and charges collected during the preceding month. A fee for attempted service of process is unearned absent two (2) documented actual attempts to serve the process.

(b) At least Ten Dollars ($10.00) from each fee collected and deposited into the county's general fund under the provisions of paragraphs (a), (c) and (g) of subsection (1) of this section shall be used for the sheriffs' salaries authorized in Section 25-3-25 , as such Ten Dollar ($10.00) amount was authorized during the 2007 Regular Session in Chapter 331, Laws of 2007, for the purpose of providing additional monies to the counties for sheriffs' salaries.

(3) Any sheriff who shall knowingly fail to collect any fee established by law which was in fact collectible by him or having collected the fee shall fail to keep account of such fee or fail to deposit the fee with the clerk of the board of supervisors as provided by subsection (2), or such other person or office entitled thereto, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor in office and, upon conviction therefor, shall be fined in an amount not to exceed double the amount he failed to collect or pay over, or imprisoned for not to exceed six (6) months in the county jail, or be punished by both such fine and imprisonment.

This provision shall in no way lessen the sheriff's civil liability on his bond, but shall be an additional penalty for misfeasance or nonfeasance in office.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-59-31 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 34 / 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. § 25-62-3 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 15 / Section 62-3
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-62-3
Status: in_force

(1) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, and subject to subsection (3), a public agency shall not do any of the following:

(a) Require any entity organized under Section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code to provide the public agency with personal information.

(b) If in the possession of personal information, a public agency shall not release, publicize or otherwise disclose that personal information without the express written permission of every identified member, supporter, volunteer or donor of the Section 501(c) entity as well as the Section 501(c) entity that received their membership, support, volunteer time or donations.

(c) Request or require a current or prospective contractor with the public agency to provide the public agency with a list of entities organized under Section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code to which it has provided financial or nonfinancial support.

(2) Personal information shall be exempt from disclosure under the Mississippi Public Records Act.

(3) This chapter does not preclude either of the following:

(a) Any lawful warrant for personal information issued by a court of competent jurisdiction; or

(b) A lawful request for discovery of personal information in litigation if both of the following conditions are met:

(i) The requestor demonstrates a compelling need for the personal information by clear and convincing evidence; and

(ii) The requestor obtains a protective order barring disclosure of personal information to any person not directly involved in the litigation. As used in this subparagraph, “ person ” means an individual, partnership, corporation, association, governmental entity or other legal entity.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-15-101 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 13 / 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. § 25-53-105 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 17 / Section 53-105
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-53-105
Status: in_force

The Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services shall administer the provisions of Sections 25-53-109 through 25-53-125 . The purposes and aims of the Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services in carrying out said provisions shall be to coordinate and promote efficiency in the acquisition, operation and maintenance of all telecommunications systems and networks being used by agencies of the state and further to coordinate the compatibility of systems and networks to the state with those of governing authorities so as to promote a uniform, compatible telecommunications system for agencies and governing authorities.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-55-29 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 51 / 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. § 25-43-4.104 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 17 / Section 43-4.104
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-43-4.104
Status: in_force

(1) Prior to submitting proposed permanent rules for adoption, amendment, revision or revocation pursuant to the Mississippi Administrative Procedures Law, the agency shall comply with Section 25-43-3.105(2)(d) in order to determine whether the proposed rules affect small business by preparing an economic impact statement that includes the following:

(a) An identification and estimate of the number of small businesses subject to the proposed regulation;

(b) The projected reporting, recordkeeping and other administrative costs required for compliance with the proposed regulation, including the type of professional skills necessary for preparation of the report or record;

(c) A statement of the probable effect on impacted small businesses;

(d) A description of any less intrusive or less costly alternative methods of achieving the purpose of the proposed regulation, including the following regulatory flexibility analysis:

(i) The establishment of less stringent compliance or reporting requirements for small businesses;

(ii) The establishment of less stringent schedules or deadlines for compliance or reporting requirements for small businesses;

(iii) The consolidation or simplification of compliance or reporting requirements for small businesses;

(iv) The establishment of performance standards for small businesses to replace design or operational standards required in the proposed regulation; and

(v) The exemption of some or all small businesses from all or any part of the requirements contained in the proposed regulations.

(2) If the economic impact statement reflects that a proposed rule may have an economic effect upon small business, the agency shall submit a copy of the proposed rules and the economic impact statement to the committee for its review and comment pursuant to the review and comment provisions of the Mississippi Administrative Procedures Law. During the committee review process, the director or the director's designee of the promulgating agency shall be available at the request of the committee for comment on the proposed regulation.

(3) Within the review and comment period, if the committee determines that the proposed rules may have an economic effect upon small business, the committee may submit to the agency its comments concerning the proposed regulation including its specific recommendations.

(4) A small business that is affected or aggrieved by final agency action to enforce a rule or regulation is entitled to review of agency compliance with the requirements of this act.

(5) To ensure that any final rule continues to minimize economic impact on small businesses in a manner consistent with the stated objectives of applicable statutes, each agency shall, during any periodic review required by this chapter, consider the following factors:

(a) The continued need for the rule;

(b) The nature of complaints or comments received concerning the rule from the public;

(c) The complexity of the rule;

(d) The extent to which the rule overlaps, duplicates, or conflicts with other federal, state and local governmental law or rules; and

(e) The length of time since the rule has been evaluated or the degree to which technology, economic conditions, or other factors have changed in the area affected by the rule.

(6) If an agency's economic impact statement reflects that a proposed rule will have no economic impact upon a small business, or if an agency fails to file an economic impact statement and the committee otherwise determines that the agency's proposed rule will have an economic impact, then the committee may file its own economic impact statement for the agency's proposed rule with the Secretary of State and notify the appropriate agency that the economic impact statement was filed. When the committee files its economic impact statement, if an agency has not completed the regulatory process that is required for the applicable proposed rule to become final, the committee shall have an additional sixty (60) days from the date of filing its economic impact statement with the Secretary of State to submit its comments concerning the proposed regulation and any specific recommendations to the agency, for its consideration. During the additional sixty (60) days' committee review process, the director of the promulgating agency, or his or her designee, shall be available at the request of the committee to comment on the proposed regulation.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-53-17 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 53 / Section 53-17
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-53-17
Status: in_force

The authority shall keep full, complete, and permanent minutes and records of all its proceedings, including the rules and regulations adopted by it, and said minutes shall be signed by the chairman, or vice-chairman, and attested by the secretary.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-7-7 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 5 / Section 7-7
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-7-7
Status: in_force

The clerk of the Supreme Court shall make out a separate, detailed account of fees adjudged against the state, in cases where the state fails in the prosecution or suit or in case of felony where the defendant appeals on pauper oath and the costs cannot be made out of his estate, or against any county, and due him in civil or criminal cases, keeping the fees in each case separate, and shall present it to the attorney general, who shall examine the fee bill in each case and approve it if found to be correct. The fee bill thus approved shall be presented to the supreme court for allowance. If the court allow the same, it shall direct in criminal cases that it be paid out of the county treasury of the county where the prosecution was begun, on the order of the board of supervisors thereof; and in civil cases, that it be paid out of the state or county treasury, as the case may be. The board of supervisors shall allow said claim for fees against the county on presentation of a duly certified copy of the judgment of the supreme court ordering the same to be paid; and the auditor shall issue a warrant, on the order of the supreme court, for such costs against the state in civil cases to be paid by the state treasurer out of the proper appropriation.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-32-15 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 15 / Section 32-15
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-32-15
Status: in_force

The office of public defender may be terminated, in the discretion of the board of supervisors, by entering an order upon the minutes of the board of supervisors six (6) months prior to the expiration of the term of the public defender. Such termination shall be effective at the end of the term of the public defender.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-55-21 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 14 / Section 55-21
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-55-21
Status: in_force

Such duplicate shall correspond in number, date, amount, and unpaid coupons, if any, with the original bond or warrant, and shall in all respects be a copy thereof, and shall have indorsed on its face the word “duplicate,” together with the date of its issuance.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-34-27 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 11 / Section 34-27
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-34-27
Status: in_force

(1) A notarial act performed under federal law has the same effect under the laws of this state as if performed by a notarial officer of this state, if the act performed under federal law is performed by:

(a) A judge, clerk or deputy clerk of a court;

(b) An individual in military service or performing duties under the authority of military service who is authorized to perform notarial acts under federal law;

(c) An individual designated a notarizing officer by the United States Department of State for performing notarial acts overseas; or

(d) Any other individual authorized by federal law to perform the notarial act.

(2) The signature and title of an individual acting under federal authority and performing a notarial act are prima facie evidence that the signature is genuine and that the individual holds the designated title.

(3) The signature and title of an officer described in subsection (1)(a), (b) or (c) conclusively establish the authority of the officer to perform the notarial act.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-53-53 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 34 / Section 53-53
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-53-53
Status: in_force

Information and data shall be considered public record information and data and receive normal handling and processing unless designated as “confidential information” by the agency and institution originating the data. Information and data designated as “confidential information” will receive special handling based on procedures agreed to by the executive director and the agency or institution head and shall be handled in accordance with the oath subscribed to by the confidentiality officer.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-43-1.103 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 13 / Section 43-1.103
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-43-1.103
Status: repealed

(1) This chapter applies to all agencies and all proceedings not expressly exempted under this chapter.

(2) This chapter creates only procedural rights and imposes only procedural duties. They are in addition to those created and imposed by other statutes.

(3) Specific statutory provisions which govern agency proceedings and which are in conflict with any of the provisions of this chapter shall continue to be applied to all proceedings of any such agency to the extent of such conflict only.

(4) The provisions of this chapter shall not be construed to amend, repeal or supersede the provisions of any other law; and, to the extent that the provisions of any other law conflict or are inconsistent with the provisions of this chapter, the provisions of such other law shall govern and control.

(5) An agency may grant procedural rights to persons in addition to those conferred by this chapter so long as rights conferred upon other persons by any provision of law are not substantially prejudiced.

(6) For the purposes of implementing, administering and/or enforcing the provisions of rules and regulations promulgated pursuant to the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Act, the Mississippi State Department of Health and the Mississippi Department of Revenue shall be exempted from this chapter from February 2, 2022, through June 30, 2026. This subsection shall stand repealed on June 30, 2026.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-4-23 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 4 / Section 4-23
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-4-23
Status: in_force

All commission proceedings and records relating to any investigation shall be kept confidential, except this requirement shall not be construed to interfere with the commission's authority, pursuant to paragraph (g) of Section 25-4-17 , paragraphs (d) and (f) of Section 25-4-19 , and pursuant to Section 25-4-21 , or when necessary for prosecutions of violations under Section 25-4-31 .
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-65-31 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 60 / 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. § 25-43-4.105 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 32 / Section 43-4.105
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-43-4.105
Status: in_force

(1) For promulgated regulations, the committee may file a written petition with the agency that has promulgated the regulations opposing all or part of a regulation that has an impact on small business. In addition to distinctly setting forth how the regulation has had an impact on small business, the committee's petition shall address the following factors:

(a) The continued need for the rule;

(b) The nature of complaints or comments received concerning the rule from the public;

(c) The complexity of the rule;

(d) The extent to which the rule overlaps, duplicates or conflicts with other federal, state and local governmental laws or rules; and

(e) The length of time since the rule has been evaluated or the degree to which technology, economic conditions or other factors have changed in the area affected by the rule.

The petition may also renew any earlier comments made by the committee when the regulation was first promulgated, as provided by Section 25-43-4.104(3) . Furthermore, the committee's petition shall make a specific recommendation concerning the regulation, including, but not limited to, whether the regulation should be amended, revised or revoked.

(2) The agency shall submit a written response of its determination to the committee within sixty (60) days after receipt of the petition. If the agency determines that the petition merits the amendment, revision, or revocation of a regulation, the agency may initiate proceedings in accordance with the applicable requirements of the Mississippi Administrative Procedures Law. If the agency determines that the petition is without merit, the committee may submit within thirty (30) days additional data in support of its petition.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-62-5 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 15 / Section 62-5
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-62-5
Status: in_force

(1) A person alleging a violation of this chapter may bring a civil action for appropriate injunctive relief.

(2) A court, in rendering a judgment in an action brought under this section, shall award all or a portion of the costs of litigation, including reasonable attorney fees and witness fees, to the complainant in the action if the court determines that the award is appropriate.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-34-27 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 14 / Section 34-27
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-34-27
Status: in_force

(1) A notarial act performed under federal law has the same effect under the laws of this state as if performed by a notarial officer of this state, if the act performed under federal law is performed by:

(a) A judge, clerk or deputy clerk of a court;

(b) An individual in military service or performing duties under the authority of military service who is authorized to perform notarial acts under federal law;

(c) An individual designated a notarizing officer by the United States Department of State for performing notarial acts overseas; or

(d) Any other individual authorized by federal law to perform the notarial act.

(2) The signature and title of an individual acting under federal authority and performing a notarial act are prima facie evidence that the signature is genuine and that the individual holds the designated title.

(3) The signature and title of an officer described in subsection (1)(a), (b) or (c) conclusively establish the authority of the officer to perform the notarial act.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-59-1 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 34 / Section 59-1
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-59-1
Status: in_force

This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the “Mississippi Archives and Records Management Law of 1981.”
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-43-1.106 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 34 / Section 43-1.106
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-43-1.106
Status: in_force

(1)(a) Whenever, under this chapter, a party or any person is permitted or required to file with an agency any pleading, motion or other document, filing must be made by delivery of the document to the agency, by mailing it to the agency or by transmitting it to the agency by electronic means, including, but not limited to, facsimile transfer or e-mail. Filing by electronic means is complete when the electronic equipment being used by the agency acknowledges receipt of the material. If the equipment used by the agency does not automatically acknowledge transmission, service is not complete until the filing party obtains an acknowledgment from the agency. Filing by mail is complete upon receipt by the agency.

(b) The agency may implement this section by agency rule.

(2)(a) Whenever service is required by this chapter, and whether the service is made by a party, an agency or a presiding officer, service of orders, notices, pleadings, motions and other documents upon a party shall be made by delivering a copy to the party, by transmitting it to the party by electronic means, including, but not limited to, facsimile transfer or e-mail, or by mailing it to the party at the party's last known address. Delivery of a copy means handing it to a party, leaving it at the office of a party with a person in charge thereof, or leaving it at the dwelling house or usual place of abode of the party with some person of suitable age and discretion then residing therein. Service by electronic means is complete when the electronic equipment being used by the party being served acknowledges receipt of the material. If the equipment used by the party being served does not automatically acknowledge the transmission, service is not complete until the sending party obtains an acknowledgment from the recipient. Service by mail is complete upon mailing.

(b) Whenever service is required or permitted to be made upon a party who is represented by an attorney of record in the proceedings, the service shall be made upon such attorney.

(c) Whenever an agency issues an order or serves a notice or other document, the order or notice or other document shall be dated and shall be deemed to have been issued on the day it is served on the parties to the matter. If the order or notice or other document is to be served by mail, it shall be dated and shall be deemed to have been issued on the day it is mailed.

(3)(a) In computing any period of time prescribed or allowed by this Article 1, by order of an agency, or by any applicable statute or agency rule, the day of the act, event or default from which the designated period of time begins to run shall not be included. The last day of the period so computed shall be included, unless it is a Saturday, a Sunday or a legal holiday, as defined by statute, or any other day when the agency's office is in fact closed, whether with or without legal authority, in which event the period runs until the end of the next day which is not a Saturday, a Sunday, a legal holiday or any other day when the agency's office is closed. When the period of time prescribed or allowed is less than seven (7) days, intermediate Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays shall be excluded in the computation. In the event any legal holiday falls on a Sunday, the next following day shall be a legal holiday.

(b) Whenever a party has the right or is required to do some act or take some proceedings within a prescribed period after the service of a notice, order, pleading, motion or other paper upon him and the notice or paper is served upon him by mail, three (3) days shall be added to the prescribed period.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-43-3.114 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 14 / Section 43-3.114
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-43-3.114
Status: repealed

(1) At least every five (5) years, each agency shall review all of its rules to determine whether any rule should be repealed, amended or a new rule adopted.

(2) At least every three (3) years, each board subject to supervision by the Occupational Licensing Review Commission shall review all of its rules to determine whether any rule should be repealed, amended or a new rule adopted, and shall submit a report of the review to the Occupational Licensing Review Commission.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-65-25 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 32 / Section 65-25
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-65-25
Status: in_force

(1) The university, community/junior college or agency head shall make available to the internal audit director adequate resources specifically appropriated to ensure the professional development and continuing professional education of the internal audit staff.

(2) The internal audit director shall cooperate with the State Auditor or other external auditor in the exchange of technical assistance and access to current information concerning audit techniques, policies and procedures.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-59-27 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 13 / 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. § 25-60-1 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 41 / Section 60-1
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-60-1
Status: in_force

There is hereby created the Local Government Records Committee. The committee shall be composed of the following members: the Attorney General, or his designee; the Secretary of State, or his designee; the State Auditor of Public Accounts, or his designee; the Chairman of the State Tax Commission, or his designee; the Director of the State Department of Archives and History, or his designee; a representative from each of the following organizations, to be designated by the head of each organization for a term of two (2) years with a limit of not more than two (2) terms: the Family Research Association of Mississippi, Inc., the Mississippi Association of Supervisors, The Mississippi Bar, the Mississippi Chancery Clerks' Association, the Mississippi Circuit Clerks' Association, the Mississippi City Clerks' Association, the Mississippi Historical Society, the Mississippi Municipal Association, the Mississippi Sheriffs' Association, the Mississippi Superintendents of Education Association, the Mississippi Tax Assessors' Association and the Mississippi Tax Collectors' Association; and one (1) resident of this state appointed by the Governor for a term of two (2) years with a limit of not more than two (2) terms. The Director of the Department of Archives and History shall be chairman of the committee. Members of the committee shall receive per diem as provided in Section 25-3-69 , and shall be reimbursed for necessary expenses and travel as provided in Section 25-3-41 .

It is the duty of the committee to review, approve, disapprove, amend or modify records control schedules submitted by the Local Government Records Office, municipalities, municipal courts and counties for the disposition of records based on administrative, legal, fiscal or historical value. When the Mississippi Supreme Court designates the Department of Archives and History as the records management agency for courts, it is the duty of the committee to review, approve, disapprove, amend or modify records control schedules submitted by justice, county, circuit and chancery courts. Such records control schedules, once approved, shall be authoritative and directive, and shall have the force and effect of law.

It is the duty of municipalities and counties to cooperate with the committee in complying with the provisions of this section.

The committee is authorized to promulgate any rules and regulations necessary to implement the authority granted to it in this section.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-53-13 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 11 / Section 53-13
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-53-13
Status: in_force

In order to have a quorum for a meeting of the authority, at least three (3) members of the authority must be present.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-59-5 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 14 / 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. § 25-3-45 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 1 / Section 3-45
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-3-45
Status: in_force

It shall be unlawful for any person to claim, receive, approve, or allow any item of expense for official travel in excess of that authorized by Section 25-3-41 .

If any person shall knowingly and wilfully violate any of the provisions of said section, such person shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be punished by a fine of not more than Two Hundred Fifty Dollars ($250.00) and, in addition, shall be removed from the office or position which he holds. Such person shall also be civilly liable for the full amount of the expense account illegally received, allowed, or approved by him, and the person receiving same shall be so liable whether the violation be wilful or not.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-43-1.104 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 34 / Section 43-1.104
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-43-1.104
Status: in_force

(1) To the extent necessary to avoid a denial of funds or services from the United States which would otherwise be available to the state, the Governor, by executive order, may suspend, in whole or in part, one or more provisions of this chapter. The Governor, by executive order, shall declare the termination of a suspension as soon as it is no longer necessary to prevent the loss of funds or services from the United States.

(2) If any provision of this chapter is suspended pursuant to this section, the Governor shall promptly report the suspension to the Legislature. The report may include recommendations concerning desirable legislation that may be necessary to conform this chapter to federal law, including the exemption, if appropriate, of a particular program from the provisions of this chapter.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-32-3 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 31 / Section 32-3
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-32-3
Status: in_force

(1) When the office of public defender is established, the circuit judge or the senior circuit judge, if there be more than one (1) circuit judge, shall appoint a practicing attorney to serve the county or counties as public defender until the end of the term of office of the district attorney and thereafter for a term of four (4) years and said term shall coincide with the term of the district attorney. Such appointee shall be selected from a list of two (2) or more attorneys recommended by the county or regional bar association. In the event a vacancy shall occur in the office of the public defender, the circuit judge or the senior circuit judge, if there be more than one (1) circuit judge, shall appoint another person to serve as public defender until the end of the regular term of office.

(2) Assistant public defenders may be authorized by the board of supervisors, or boards of supervisors if two (2) or more counties are acting jointly. The public defender shall appoint all assistant public defenders. Such assistant public defenders may be compensated in such an amount as may be authorized by the respective board of supervisors; provided, however, that in no case may such assistant public defenders receive compensation in an amount greater than that received by the public defender.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-62-9 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 59 / 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. § 25-32-11 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 17 / Section 32-11
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-32-11
Status: in_force

The duties of the public defender shall include the investigation of charges against the defendant and all facts surrounding the same, and shall include courtroom and appellate appearances on behalf of the defendant in all cases originating in state and county courts. The public defender shall have free access to the accused who shall have process to compel the attendance of witnesses in his favor.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-53-11 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 53 / 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. § 25-41-3 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 17 / Section 41-3
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-41-3
Status: in_force

For purposes of this chapter, the following words shall have the meaning ascribed herein, to wit:

(a) “ Public body ” means any executive or administrative board, commission, authority, council, department, agency, bureau or any other policymaking entity, or committee thereof, of the State of Mississippi, or any political subdivision or municipal corporation of the state, whether the entity be created by statute or executive order, which is supported wholly or in part by public funds or expends public funds, and any standing, interim or special committee of the Mississippi Legislature. The term “public body” includes the governing board of a charter school authorized by the Mississippi Charter School Authorizer Board and the board of trustees of a community hospital as defined in Section 41-13-10 . The term “public body” includes the Mississippi Lottery Corporation. There shall be exempted from the provisions of this chapter:

(i) The judiciary, including all jury deliberations;

(ii) Law enforcement officials;

(iii) The military;

(iv) The State Probation and Parole Board;

(v) The Workers' Compensation Commission;

(vi) Legislative subcommittees and legislative conference committees;

(vii) The arbitration council established in Section 69-3-19 ;

(viii) License revocation, suspension and disciplinary proceedings held by the Mississippi State Board of Dental Examiners; and

(ix) Hearings and meetings of the Board of Tax Appeals and of the hearing officers and the board of review of the Department of Revenue as provided in Section 27-77-15 .

(b) “ Meeting ” means an assemblage of members of a public body at which official acts may be taken upon a matter over which the public body has supervision, control, jurisdiction or advisory power, including an assemblage through the use of video or teleconference devices that conforms to Section 25-41-5 .
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-17-1 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 15 / Section 17-1
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-17-1
Status: in_force

For purposes of this chapter:

(a) “State agency” means every state institution, board, commission, council, department or unit thereof created by the Mississippi Constitution or statutes.

(b) “Local governmental entity” means any county, municipality, school district, public hospital or other political subdivision of the state.

(c) “Cafeteria plan” means a written plan providing benefits to eligible employees which meets the requirements of Section 125 et seq. of the Internal Revenue Code and regulations thereunder.

(d) “Salary reduction agreement” means a written agreement between an eligible employee and a state agency or local governmental entity whereby the employee agrees to reduce his or her salary by a stated amount or an amount equal to the cost of benefits selected under a cafeteria plan and the state agency or local governmental entity agrees to contribute such amount to cover the cost of the benefits selected by the eligible employee.

(e) “Eligible employee” means an officer or employee of a state agency or local governmental entity who elects to participate in a cafeteria plan described in paragraph (c) of this section. The term includes state agency officers and employees whether or not engaged in state service, as defined in Section 25-9-107, Mississippi Code of 1972 . The term does not include individuals:

(i) Engaged as independent contractors; or

(ii) Whose periods of employment are on an intermittent or irregular basis, or who are employed on less than half-time basis unless the individual is employed in a position classified as a job-sharing position.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-13-23 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 13 / Section 13-23
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-13-23
Status: in_force

All other employees of the Mississippi highway safety patrol who are not covered by this chapter shall continue as members of the Public Employees' Retirement System of Mississippi as set forth in Sections 25-11-1 through 25-11-139 , and shall continue to be subject to all provisions of said sections.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-15-14 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 15 / Section 15-14
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-15-14
Status: in_force

Any elected state or district official who does not run for reelection or who is defeated before being entitled to receive a retirement allowance shall be eligible to continue to participate in the State and School Employees Health Insurance Plan under the same conditions and coverages for retired employees.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-59-21 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 58 / Section 59-21
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-59-21
Status: in_force

No person may destroy, sell, loan or otherwise dispose of any public record without the consent of the director. The department shall adopt reasonable rules and regulations, not inconsistent with this chapter, which shall be binding on all state agencies and appointed and elected state officials, relating to the destruction and disposal of records. Such rules and regulations shall include, but not be limited to: procedures for complying and submitting to the department lists and schedules of records proposed for disposal; procedures for the physical destruction or other disposal of records; and standards for the reproduction of records for security and with a view to the disposal of the original record.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-51-1 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 32 / Section 51-1
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-51-1
Status: in_force

The Mississippi Library Commission, hereinafter referred to as the “commission,” shall be the state depository for the public records issued by any government agency for public distribution, including the annual report required under Section 27-101-1 . Each agency publication shall be made available in an electronic form, and the electronic form shall constitute the public record. The record shall be placed on the official website of the commission. The libraries of state agencies, public junior colleges, colleges, public universities and public libraries located in the state may also become depositories of state agency publications that are available on the commission's official website, when designated as such by the director of the commission upon the written request of the applicable government agency.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-11.2 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 41 / 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. § 25-65-23 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 11 / Section 65-23
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-65-23
Status: in_force

(1) The state or other external auditor, in connection with planning independent postaudits of the same agency, shall give appropriate consideration to internal audit reports and the resolution of findings therein.

(2) Appropriate legislative committees may inquire into the reasons or justifications for failure of the university, community/junior college or agency to correct the deficiencies reported in internal audits.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-53-115 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 32 / Section 53-115
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-53-115
Status: in_force

No agency shall rent, lease, lease/purchase, purchase or in any way own or pay for the operation of any telecommunications system out of any funds available for the use by that agency without the written approval of the bureau.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-31-35 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 13 / Section 31-35
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-31-35
Status: in_force

(1) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (2) of this section, it shall be unlawful and shall constitute a high misdemeanor for any district attorney to hold himself out to the general public or otherwise as being engaged in the private practice of law, whether or not he anticipates receiving any form of remuneration from his clients or any person seeking his advice. Any district attorney who shall be found guilty of violation of this provision shall be removed from office by the circuit judge of the county where such violation occurred.

(2) Any person not serving as a legal assistant to the district attorney who is appointed by the Governor to serve as district attorney to fill a vacancy occurring in such office until such office shall be filled by a special or regular election as provided by Sections 23-15-193 , 23-15-833 and 23-15-843 shall be allowed to engage in the private practice of law while holding the office of district attorney pursuant to such appointment.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-3-57 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 1 / Section 3-57
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-3-57
Status: in_force

In case any judge of the Supreme Court or the Court of Appeals or of a circuit court or chancery court shall fail to attend at any term of court which either of them is required by law to hold, or in case the Attorney General or any district attorney shall fail to attend at any court which he is required to attend officially, it shall be the duty of the clerk of such court to certify the number of days such judge, chancellor, Attorney General, or district attorney was absent at each term of the court to the Auditor of Public Accounts, who shall deduct twice the number of days so certified from the time for which the salary of such officer may be estimated, unless such officer shall make oath, and file the same in the Auditor's office, that his absence was occasioned by sickness of himself or his family, or that his attendance was prevented by high water, the prevalence of an epidemic or contagious disease, or by accident not within his control.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-3-59 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 1 / Section 3-59
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-3-59
Status: in_force

In case a public service commissioner shall fail to attend at any meeting or session of the public service commission appointed for the transaction of business, he shall be subject to a pro rata deduction from his salary; and the executive secretary of said commission or, in his absence, the commissioner or commissioners present shall certify to the auditor of public accounts the number of days such commissioner was absent at each meeting or session. The auditor shall deduct twice the number of days so certified from the time for which the salary of such commissioner may be estimated, unless such commissioner shall make and file an affidavit in the auditor's office that his absence was occasioned by sickness of himself or a member of his family, or by the prevalence of an epidemic or a contagious disease, or by means not within his control.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-7-19 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 1 / Section 7-19
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-7-19
Status: in_force

(1) The sheriffs of the various counties of the State of Mississippi shall charge the following fees:

(a) A uniform total fee in all criminal and civil cases for the service or attempted service of any process, summons, warrant, writ or other notice as may be required by law or the court, each․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․ $ 45.00

(b) In all cases where there is more than one (1) defendant residing at the same household, service on each additional defendant․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․ $ 5.00

(c) After final judgment has been enrolled, notice of further proceedings involving levy of execution on judgments, and attachment and garnishment proceedings, shall be deemed a new suit and the sheriff shall be entitled to the following fee ․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․ $ 45.00

(d) Taking bonds of every kind (for purposes of this fee multiple bonds for criminal charges arising out of a single incident or transaction shall be considered a single bond)․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․ $ 25.00

(e) Attendance in habeas corpus proceeding in vacation, eminent domain court and commitment cases․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․ $ 25.00

(f) On all money made by virtue of any decree, execution or attachment, or other process, the following commissions, to wit:

On the first One Hundred Dollars ($100.00), five percent (5%),

On the second One Hundred Dollars ($100.00), four percent (4%),

On all sums over Two Hundred Dollars ($200.00), three percent (3%).

(g) For all service of all process of every kind and nature issued from without the county wherein it is to be served, a fee of․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․ $ 45.00

In civil cases, all process sent out of the county, where issued to another county for service, shall be accompanied by a fee of Forty-five Dollars ($45.00) to pay the sheriff's fee for his execution of such process unless the clerk or justice shall endorse on the process that the party at whose instance it issued had filed an affidavit of inability to pay costs thereof. All fees sent and unearned, and the whole of it, shall be unearned if the writ be not legally and properly executed and returned, and shall be remitted by the sheriff with the writ at his own expense.

(2)(a) The sheriff shall keep a complete account of every fee of every nature, commission or charge collected by him, and shall file an itemized statement thereof monthly, under oath, with the clerk of the board of supervisors of his county who shall preserve same as a part of the records of his office, and he shall make a remittance to the clerk of the board of supervisors of his county on or before the fifteenth of each month for deposit into the general fund of the county of all said fees, commissions and charges collected during the preceding month. A fee for attempted service of process is unearned absent two (2) documented actual attempts to serve the process.

(b) At least Ten Dollars ($10.00) from each fee collected and deposited into the county's general fund under the provisions of paragraphs (a), (c) and (g) of subsection (1) of this section shall be used for the sheriffs' salaries authorized in Section 25-3-25 , as such Ten Dollar ($10.00) amount was authorized during the 2007 Regular Session in Chapter 331, Laws of 2007, for the purpose of providing additional monies to the counties for sheriffs' salaries.

(3) Any sheriff who shall knowingly fail to collect any fee established by law which was in fact collectible by him or having collected the fee shall fail to keep account of such fee or fail to deposit the fee with the clerk of the board of supervisors as provided by subsection (2), or such other person or office entitled thereto, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor in office and, upon conviction therefor, shall be fined in an amount not to exceed double the amount he failed to collect or pay over, or imprisoned for not to exceed six (6) months in the county jail, or be punished by both such fine and imprisonment.

This provision shall in no way lessen the sheriff's civil liability on his bond, but shall be an additional penalty for misfeasance or nonfeasance in office.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-55-17 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 31 / Section 55-17
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-55-17
Status: in_force

The board of supervisors shall have power to re-establish any of its records that may be lost, destroyed, or stolen, in the same manner as other courts. It may, of its own motion and without petition or process, re-establish any levy for taxes or other public or legislative matter and make the same of record; and in all proceedings thereafter in respect thereto the same shall be conclusively presumed to have been correctly re-established, except in respect to rights which may have accrued before the order of re-establishment and, as to such rights, the same shall be prima facie correct.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-34-11 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 17 / Section 34-11
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-34-11
Status: in_force

(1) A notarial officer who takes an acknowledgment of a record, takes a verification of a statement on oath or affirmation (jurat), or witnesses or attests to a signature, must determine, from personal knowledge or satisfactory evidence of the identity of the individual, that the individual appearing in person before the officer has the identity claimed and that the signature on the record is the signature of the individual.

(2) A notarial officer who makes or notes a protest of a negotiable instrument must determine the matters set forth in Section 75-3-505(b) .
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-55-29 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 45 / 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. § 25-4-101 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 4 / Section 4-101
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-4-101
Status: in_force

The Legislature declares that elective and public office and employment is a public trust and any effort to realize personal gain through official conduct, other than as provided by law, or as a natural consequence of the employment or position, is a violation of that trust. Therefore, public servants shall endeavor to pursue a course of conduct which will not raise suspicion among the public that they are likely to be engaged in acts that are in violation of this trust and which will not reflect unfavorably upon the state and local governments.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-31-33 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 31 / Section 31-33
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-31-33
Status: in_force

The board of supervisors of any county having a population in excess of two hundred thousand (200,000) according to the federal decennial census of 1970 shall contribute a sum equal to Four Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($4,500.00) per year, payable monthly, to supplement the salary of the district attorney of that county, provided that he serves full time; and shall contribute a sum equal to Three Thousand Dollars ($3,000.00) per year, payable monthly, per full-time legal assistant to supplement the salary of each full-time legal assistant to the district attorney of that county.

The board of supervisors of any Class 1 county bordering on the Gulf of Mexico and having two (2) judicial districts shall contribute a sum equal to Four Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($4,500.00) per year, payable monthly, to supplement the salary of the district attorney of that county provided that he serves full time; and shall contribute a sum equal to Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) per year, payable monthly, to supplement the salary of each full-time legal assistant to the district attorney of that county.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-11-101 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 11 / Section 11-101
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-11-101
Status: in_force

A retirement system is hereby established and placed under the management of the board of trustees for the purpose of providing retirement allowances and other benefits under the provisions of this article for officers and employees in the state service and their beneficiaries. The retirement system provided by this article shall go into operation as of the first day of the month following the effective date thereof, when contributions by members shall begin and benefits shall become payable.

This system shall be an agency of the State of Mississippi having all the powers and privileges of a public corporation and shall be known as the “Public Employees' Retirement System of Mississippi.” By such name all of its business shall be transacted, all of its funds invested, and all of its cash and securities and other property held; but in ordinary correspondence the word “system” may be used instead of the full title. After appropriation for administrative expenses and after payment of investment management fees and costs, all funds of the system shall be held in trust in the custody of the board of trustees as funds of the beneficiaries of the trust. The Joint Legislative Committee on Performance Evaluation and Expenditure Review is hereby authorized and directed to have performed random actuarial evaluations, as necessary, of the funds and expenses of the Public Employees' Retirement System and to make annual reports to the Legislature on the financial soundness of the system.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-31-10.1 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 19 / 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. § 25-65-25 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 11 / Section 65-25
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-65-25
Status: in_force

(1) The university, community/junior college or agency head shall make available to the internal audit director adequate resources specifically appropriated to ensure the professional development and continuing professional education of the internal audit staff.

(2) The internal audit director shall cooperate with the State Auditor or other external auditor in the exchange of technical assistance and access to current information concerning audit techniques, policies and procedures.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-55-27 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 55 / 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. § 25-53-5 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 51 / 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. § 25-59-25 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 31 / Section 59-25
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-59-25
Status: in_force

(1) No person acting in compliance with the provisions of this chapter shall be held personally liable. If it becomes necessary for archivists or records analysts on the staff of the department to inspect closed or restricted records in order to appraise them for archival significance those archivists or records analysts shall not be held liable under law for such inspection. It shall be unlawful for such archivists or records analysts to divulge any information contained in the closed or restricted records.

(2) Whenever laws and regulations prescribe where a record series must be kept, the custodian of such records shall be considered in compliance with those laws, rules and regulations if he transfers the records to a local holding area, a records center or the Mississippi State Archives when he does so in accordance with an approved records control schedule. All local governmental bodies in this state are hereby authorized and empowered, in their discretion, to transfer records, after the expiration of time when such bodies no longer have to retain the records, to a public library or to a local historical or archival group which has been incorporated and operates as a private, nonprofit corporation. Any local governmental body which desires to transfer records to a local historical or archival group or public library shall have certification from the department prior to the records being transferred indicating that such entity has satisfied all the rules and regulations of the department and that the department has officially approved such entity as a records depository. The title to all records transferred to any local historical or archival group or public library shall remain in the local governmental body which transfers the records to such entity, and the ultimate authority over the records shall continue to reside with the person charged with the responsibility for making and keeping the records. Any local governmental body may also request certification from the department of the body's own record storage area for records which the body determines to retain in its custody.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-53-29 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 15 / Section 53-29
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-53-29
Status: in_force

(1) For the purposes of this section the term “ bureau ” shall mean the “Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services.” The authority shall have the following powers and responsibilities to carry out the establishment of policy and provide for long-range planning and consulting:

(a) Provide a high level of technical expertise for agencies, institutions, political subdivisions and other governmental entities as follows: planning; consulting; project management; systems and performance review; system definition; design; application programming; training; development and documentation; implementation; maintenance; and other tasks as may be required, within the resources available to the bureau.

(b) Publish written planning guides, policies and procedures for use by agencies and institutions in planning future electronic information service systems. The bureau may require agencies and institutions to submit data, including periodic electronic equipment inventory listings, information on agency staffing, systems under study, planned applications for the future, and other information needed for the purposes of preparing the state master plan. The bureau may require agencies and institutions to submit any additional data required for purposes of preparing the state master plan.

(c) Inspect agency facilities and equipment, interview agency employees and review records at any time deemed necessary by the bureau for the purpose of identifying cost-effective applications of electronic information technology. Upon conclusion of any inspection, the bureau shall issue a management letter containing cost estimates and recommendations to the agency head and governing board concerning applications identified that would result in staff reductions, other monetary savings and improved delivery of public services.

(d) Conduct classroom and on-site training for end users for applications and systems developed by the bureau.

(e) Provide consulting services to agencies and institutions or Mississippi governmental subdivisions requesting technical assistance in electronic information services technology applications and systems. The bureau may submit proposals and enter into contracts to provide services to agencies and institutions or governmental subdivisions for such purposes.

(2) The bureau shall annually issue a three-year master plan in writing to the Governor, available on request to any member of the Legislature, including recommended statewide strategies and goals for the effective and efficient use of information technology and services in state government. The report shall also include recommended information policy actions and other recommendations for consideration by the Governor and members of the Legislature.

(3) The bureau shall make an annual report in writing to the Governor, available on request to any member of the Legislature, to include a full and detailed account of the work of the authority for the preceding year. The report shall contain recommendations to agencies and institutions resulting from inspections or consulting contracts. The report shall also contain a summary of the master plan, progress made, and legislative and policy recommendations for consideration by the Governor and members of the Legislature.

(4) The bureau may charge fees to agencies and institutions for services rendered to them. The bureau may charge fees to vendors to recover the cost of providing procurement services and the delivery of procurement awards to public bodies. The amounts of such fees shall be set by the authority upon recommendation of the Executive Director of the MDITS, and all such fees collected shall be paid into the fund established for carrying out the purposes of this section.

(5) It is the intention of the Legislature that the employees of the bureau performing services defined by this section be staffed by highly qualified persons possessing technical, consulting and programming expertise. Such employees shall be considered nonstate service employees as defined in Section 25-9-107(c)(x) and may be compensated at a rate comparable to the prevailing rate of individuals in qualified professional consulting firms in the private sector. Such compensation rates shall be determined by the State Personnel Director. The number of such positions shall be set by annual appropriation of the Legislature. Qualifications and compensation of the bureau employees shall be set by the State Personnel Board upon recommendation of the Executive Director of the MDITS. The total number of positions and classification of positions may be increased or decreased during a fiscal year depending upon work load and availability of funds.

(6) The bureau may, from time to time, at the discretion of the Executive Director of the MDITS, contract with firms or qualified individuals to be used to augment the bureau's professional staff in order to assure timely completion and implementation of assigned tasks, provided that funds are available in the fund established for carrying out the purposes of this section. Such individuals may be employees of any agency, bureau or institution provided that these individuals or firms meet the requirements of other individuals or firms doing business with the state through the Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services. Individuals who are employees of an agency or institution may contract with the Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services only with the concurrence of the agency or institution for whom they are employed.

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 (MDITS) 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. § 25-34-45 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 13 / Section 34-45
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-34-45
Status: in_force

The Secretary of State must maintain an electronic database of notaries public:

(a) Through which a person may verify the authority of a notary public to perform notarial acts; and

(b) Which indicates whether a notary public has notified the Secretary of State that the notary public will be performing notarial acts on electronic records.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-58-3 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 58 / 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. § 25-61-12 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 34 / Section 61-12
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-12
Status: in_force

(1) The home address, any telephone number of a privately paid account or other private information of any law enforcement officer, criminal investigator, judge or district attorney or the spouse or child of the law enforcement officer, criminal investigator, judge or district attorney shall be exempt from the Mississippi Public Records Act of 1983. This exemption does not apply to any court transcript or recording if given under oath and not otherwise excluded by law.

(2)(a) When in the possession of a law enforcement agency, investigative reports shall be exempt from the provisions of this chapter; however, a law enforcement agency, in its discretion, may choose to make public all or any part of any investigative report.

(b) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prevent any and all public bodies from having among themselves a free flow of information for the purpose of achieving a coordinated and effective detection and investigation of unlawful activity. Where the confidentiality of records covered by this section is being determined in a private hearing before a judge under Section 25-61-13 , the public body may redact or separate from the records the identity of confidential informants or the identity of the person or persons under investigation or other information other than the nature of the incident, time, date and location.

(c) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to exempt from public disclosure a law enforcement incident report. An incident report shall be a public record. A law enforcement agency may release information in addition to the information contained in the incident report.

(d) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to require the disclosure of information that would reveal the identity of the victim.

(3) Personal information of victims, including victim impact statements and letters of support on behalf of victims that are contained in records on file with the Mississippi Department of Corrections and State Parole Board, shall be exempt from the provisions of this chapter.

(4) Records of a public hospital board relating to the purchase or sale of medical or other practices or other business operations, and the recruitment of physicians and other health care professionals, shall be exempt from the provisions of this chapter.
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-53-237 — MS Code / Title 25 / Chapter 34 / Section 53-237
Miss. Code Ann. § 25-53-237
Status: in_force

Within forty-five (45) days of April 8, 2024, the Executive Director of the Mississippi Office of Homeland Security shall call a meeting of the board. The board shall adopt rules which govern the time of meetings, place of meetings, and the manner of conducting the business of the board. The board shall meet at least monthly and select one (1) of the ex officio nonvoting members of the board to serve as secretary, whose role it shall be to maintain minutes of each meeting of the board. After the conclusion of each meeting, the board shall send the minutes of the meeting to the Governor, Lieutenant Governor and the Chairmen of the Technology Committees of the Mississippi Senate and the Mississippi House of Representatives.

A quorum shall be a majority of the voting members of the board.

After twelve (12) consecutive monthly meetings, the board may vote to meet less frequently; however, the board shall meet at least once quarterly.