House Bill 273

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 25-3-40, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE THAT THE MISSISSIPPI COMPENSATION PLAN SHALL PROVIDE SALARY INCREASES IN AMOUNTS ABOVE THE NATIONAL POVERTY GUIDELINES AS ESTABLISHED BY THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES; TO CLARIFY THAT THE INTENT OF THE LEGISLATURE IS TO MAXIMIZE THE ANNUAL SALARIES OF ALL STATE EMPLOYEES ABOVE THE NATIONAL POVERTY GUIDELINES ESTABLISHED BY THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

SECTION 1. Section 25-3-40, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

25-3-40. * * * Each year * * * the Mississippi Compensation Plan shall be amended to provide salary increases in such amounts and percentages above the national poverty guidelines established by the United States Department of Health and Human Services as might be recommended by the Legislative Budget Office and as may be authorized by funds appropriated by the Legislature for the purpose of granting incentive salary increases as deemed possible dependent upon the availability of general and special funds.

It is hereby declared to be the intent of the Mississippi Legislature to implement the minimum wage as enacted by statutory law of the United States Congress subject to funds being available for that purpose. It is also the intent and purpose of this section to maximize annual salary increases of all state employees above the national poverty guidelines established by the United States Department of Health and Human Services and consistent with the availability of funds as might be determined by the Mississippi Legislature at its regular annual session and to provide that all salary increases shall be consistent with the provisions of this section.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2007.