MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2023 Regular Session

To: Public Utilities

By: Representative Bounds

House Bill 809

(As Passed the House)

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 77-2-7, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REMOVE THE REQUIREMENT THAT THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION SUBMIT TO THE GOVERNOR A LIST OF QUALIFIED CANDIDATES FOR THE POSITION OF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE PUBLIC UTILITIES STAFF; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

     BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

     SECTION 1.  Section 77-2-7, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

     77-2-7.  (1)  An executive director of the Public Utilities Staff shall be appointed, on or before July 1, 1990, by the Governor, * * *from recommended candidates to be selected by the Public Service Commission, with the advice and consent of the Senate, to serve for a term of six (6) years.  * * *On or before May 15, 1990, the Public Service Commission shall submit to the Governor a list of not less than three (3) and no more than six (6) qualified candidates for the position of executive director.  The Governor shall appoint the executive director from the list of qualified candidates nominated.  Within sixty (60) days prior to the expiration of the term of the executive director, the Public Service Commission shall submit the names of candidates to the Governor in the manner provided herein. Whenever any vacancy shall occur in the position of executive director * * *the Public Service Commission shall nominate and, the Governor shall appoint an executive director, as provided herein, to fill the unexpired term.  The executive director shall serve at the will and pleasure of the Governor. 

     (2)  The executive director of the Public Utilities Staff shall hold at least a bachelors degree and shall have extensive managerial experience with a thorough knowledge of public utility economics and the principles of utility service and rate construction.  The executive director of the Public Utilities Staff shall possess the ability to analyze quantitative and qualitative data and to develop and adjust regulatory strategies or policies to attain commission objectives.  The salary of the executive director shall be set by the Personnel Board and shall be such that it is comparable to salaries of those holding similar positions in other state and federal agencies and commensurate with the duties and responsibilities imposed on this official position which affects the broad interests of the State of Mississippi.  Nothing herein shall be construed to prevent reappointment of the executive director for consecutive terms.

     SECTION 2.  This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2023.

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