Mississippi 2024 Regular Session

Mississippi House Bill HB813

Introduced
1/31/24  
Refer
1/31/24  

Caption

Elected officials; increase surety bond required for certain.

Impact

The increase in bond amounts reflects a legislative intention to enhance trust in public office by ensuring that those who handle taxpayer money are held to higher standards of financial responsibility. By raising the bond requirements for these positions, the bill also aims to potentially reduce the risk of financial malfeasance by ensuring that officials have more significant personal stakes in upholding their duties. This change could, in turn, lead to improved governance practices among public officials and instill public confidence in governmental operations.

Summary

House Bill 813 aims to amend various sections of the Mississippi Code to increase the surety bond amounts required for several elected officials and public employees entrusted with handling public funds. Specifically, the amendments address the bond requirements for positions such as judges, clerks of courts, sheriffs, constables, and municipal officers. The bill sets forth new financial penalties for these officials, raising the bonds substantially from previous amounts to ensure greater financial accountability and protection against mismanagement or misuse of public funds.

Contention

Although the bill is primarily aimed at strengthening financial security, there may be discussions regarding the implications of the increased bond amounts on smaller municipalities and less wealthy counties. Opponents may raise concerns that higher bonding requirements could deter qualified candidates from running for office, particularly in rural areas where financial resources might be strained. Furthermore, discussions surrounding the effectiveness and necessity of such increases often surface, with advocates for lower bonds arguing that existing safeguards are sufficient to mitigate financial risks.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MS HB821

Notaries; revise residency requirements of.

MS SB2582

Board of Cosmetology; increase fines for certain actions and revise licensing requirements and appeals process.

MS HB512

State agencies; authorize Governor to terminate certain appointed agency officials.

MS HB878

Construction certificate of responsibility; increase to $75,000.00 and align bond requirement.

MS HB1312

Term limits; all elected officials limited to serving only two consecutive terms in office.

MS HB693

Aldermen and councilmen; increase the maximum amount of surety bond that may be given by.

MS HB410

Alderman and councilmen; increase the maximum amount of surety bond that may be given by.

MS HB859

Public special purpose schools; exempt from certain audit requirements.

MS HB178

Electric Power Association Law; bring forward entirely and amend election provisions of.

MS SB2833

"Fair Access to Elections Act"; enact certain requirements regarding the conduct of elections.

Similar Bills

MS HB404

Elected officials; increase surety bond required for certain.

MS SB2781

Appropriations; make various corrections to FY2022 appropriations bills.

MS HB1353

Budget; provide for various transfers of funds, create various special funds.

MS HB840

State budget; revise provisions of several FY22 appropriation bills.

MS HB603

Budget; provide for various transfers of funds, and create various special funds.

MS SB2446

Appropriations; revise certain transfers, fund authority, and FY2023 appropriations.

MS HB1089

State budget; revise provisions of several FY 23 funds and authorize reimbursement of certain costs of MDA.

MS HB1707

2023 Local Improvements Projects Fund; clarify and correct names and purposes of certain projects funded from.