Bill > HB835

This bill amends Section 33-15-11 of the Mississippi Code of 1972 to revise the Governor's emergency authority regarding utility shutoffs. Specifically, it allows the Governor to suspend statutes, orders, rules, or regulations to authorize local governing authorities to suspend water, electric, sewer, and natural gas shutoffs during an emergency, but it prohibits the Governor from requiring local authorities to suspend such shutoffs. The bill also maintains the Governor's other emergency powers, such as suspending state business procedures, transferring agency functions, and commandeering private property. The bill is intended to give local authorities discretion in handling utility shutoffs during emergencies.