Mississippi 2023 Regular Session

Mississippi House Bill HB1387

Introduced
1/16/23  
Refer
1/16/23  

Caption

Salaries; increase for members of the Mississippi Senate and Mississippi House of Representatives.

Impact

If enacted, HB1387 would alter the existing statutes governing legislative compensation. The adjustment in salary structure could reflect changing economic conditions and possibly attract more qualified candidates to serve in the legislature. The bill emphasizes the need for adequate compensation for public officials, asserting that competitive salaries are crucial for effective governance and service. The change in compensation structure would come into effect on July 1, 2023, ahead of the outlined increase.

Summary

House Bill 1387 aims to amend Section 5-1-41 of the Mississippi Code of 1972 to increase the salary of each member of the Mississippi Senate and House of Representatives. This increase is significant as it proposes to adjust the compensation for lawmakers to be equal to fifteen percent of the annual salary of the Governor of Mississippi, starting January 1, 2024. The bill seeks to ensure that legislative salaries are more aligned with the state's highest executive official, potentially improving overall compensation equity among government employees.

Contention

While increasing compensation for lawmakers may seem beneficial, concerns may arise regarding public perception. Critics may argue that raising salaries during times of economic hardship or budget constraints could alienate constituents. The bill underscores the ongoing debate about the adequacy of pay for public service roles, especially as compensation levels have been previously contentious issues among different stakeholder groups, including citizens and advocacy organizations for government accountability. The discussion surrounding HB1387 also includes considerations over whether such salary increases can be justified in the face of broader state funding requirements and priorities.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MS HB384

Salaries; increase for members of the Mississippi Senate and House of Representatives.

MS HB901

Salaries; increase for members of the Mississippi House of Representatives and Senate.

MS HB1267

Elected statewide and certain district officials; increase salaries of.

MS HB1619

Salaries of state officers; bring forward sections that regulate.

MS HB1401

Salary increases for legislators; make effective for term of office after term in which salary is increased.

MS SB2794

Legislators; allow office expense allowance for every month of the term.

MS HB148

Weddings; authorize members of the Mississippi House of Representatives and Mississippi Senate to solemnize.

MS HB1011

Legislative compensation schedule; revise.

MS HB1207

Legislative compensation schedule; revise.

MS HB233

Mississippi Highway Patrol and MBN officers; increase salaries of.

Similar Bills

MS SB2727

Mississippi K-12 and Postsecondary Mental Health Task Force; create and provide membership and duties.

MS HB1267

Elected statewide and certain district officials; increase salaries of.

MS SB2596

Mississippi K-12 and Postsecondary Mental Health Task Force; extend operation of.

MS SB2504

Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks; set term of executive director and create Division of Parks and Recreation.

MS HB929

Mississippi Freedom Trail Commission; establish.

MS HB1639

Delta Regional Health Authority; create task force on the establishment of.

MS SB2116

Mississippi Department of Labor; create.

MS HB58

Mississippi Department of Labor; create.