Bill > SB2002

This bill amends Section 19-5-22 of the Mississippi Code to expand the options for hearing officers in disputes regarding delinquent solid waste (garbage or rubbish) collection fees. Currently, counties can assess fees for waste collection against property owners and generators, with potential late fees and liens. The bill specifically modifies the provisions for handling delinquent fees by allowing boards of supervisors to designate hearing officers from three potential sources: 1) from among the board's own members, 2) from the county staff, or 3) from some other qualified and impartial external person. The bill includes important restrictions on these hearing officers, mandating that they cannot be the board's attorney, a tax collector's staff member, have a personal interest in the hearing's outcome, or be related to the board member or the person owing the fees. This change aims to provide more flexible and potentially more accessible options for resolving disputes about unpaid waste collection fees while maintaining procedural fairness and impartiality in the hearing process. The bill preserves existing provisions about potential consequences of delinquent fees, such as restrictions on motor vehicle license renewals, and takes effect immediately upon passage.

Government Affairs

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2025/pdf/history/SB/SB2002.xml