Senate Bill 2313

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 79-11-504, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO AUTHORIZE AND DIRECT THE SECRETARY OF STATE TO PROMULGATE REGULATIONS PROHIBITING THE IMPOSITION OF ANNUAL FILING OR REPORTING REQUIREMENTS ON CHARITABLE NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS WHICH ARE MORE STRINGENT THAN THOSE REQUIREMENTS FOR STATE AGENCIES; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI: SECTION 1. Section 79-11-504, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

79-11-504. The Secretary of State shall have the authority to:

(a) Promulgate rules of procedure and regulations necessary for the administration of Sections 79-11-501 through 79-11-529, Mississippi Code of 1972, subject to the provisions of the Mississippi Administrative Procedures Law.

(b) Honor written requests from interested persons for interpretative opinions regarding registration and exemptions from registration.

(c) Publish and disseminate information to the public concerning persons subject to Sections 79-11-501 through 79-11-529, Mississippi Code of 1972.

(d) Perform any other functions and duties which may be necessary to carry out the provisions of Sections 79-11-501 through 79-11-529, Mississippi Code of 1972.

(e) Promulgate regulations to ensure that no annual filing or reporting requirements on a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization shall be more stringent that such requirements applicable to other state agencies. The purpose of this paragraph (e) is to minimize burdens on the charitable sector in Mississippi and create a grantmaking environment centered on effectiveness. This paragraph (e) shall not be applicable to state grant compliance and state contract compliance, fraud investigation or law enforcement action against nonprofit organizations.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2024.