Bill > HB400

This bill amends Mississippi law to expand the grounds for removing appointed state officers by introducing a new provision for removal based on "willful neglect." The bill defines willful neglect as including specific actions such as failing to respond to a subpoena, not complying with court-ordered fund repayments or agreements with the State Auditor or Attorney General, and missing more than three consecutive meetings of a board or commission (with telephonic participation not counting as attendance). The removal process can be initiated by the Governor, State Auditor, Senate, or House of Representatives by filing a complaint with the Attorney General. If the Attorney General determines the allegations are well-founded, they must petition the Hinds County Circuit Court to remove the officer. An officer removed under these provisions would be permanently barred from future appointments in the executive branch. The bill maintains existing provisions for removal due to criminal convictions and also specifies that the new regulations will take effect on July 1, 2025, providing a clear timeline for implementation of these expanded removal criteria for appointed state officers.

Justice

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2025/pdf/history/HB/HB0400.xml