Bill > HB839

This bill revises the Governor's emergency powers in Mississippi by amending Section 33-15-11 of the Mississippi Code of 1972, specifically concerning utility shutoffs during declared emergencies. Previously, the Governor had broad authority to suspend regulatory statutes to cope with disasters. Now, while the Governor can still suspend such statutes, this authority is limited regarding utility shutoffs. Instead of directly suspending utility shutoffs, the Governor can only suspend the rules that would prevent local governing authorities from having the discretion to suspend water, electric, sewer, and natural gas shutoffs during an emergency, and the Governor cannot mandate that local authorities suspend these services. This change grants local governments more control over decisions regarding utility shutoffs in their areas during emergencies.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2026/pdf/history/HB/HB0839.xml