MississippiState regulators can arrange outside audits of certain city-run utilities
City-owned and operated utilities pay for annual outside audits that state regulators can arrange after D or F health ratings or certain local requests.
What it does
State regulators can arrange annual outside audits of city-owned and operated utilities after D or F health ratings, a mayor's request, or a supermajority request from aldermen or council members. Utilities pay.
Argument forOutside audits could help state regulators spot utility problems when health ratings are poor or local leaders request a review.
Argument againstMaking utilities pay for outside audits could leave them with less money for maintenance or other services.
More detail
The Public Service Commission can hire outside firms to conduct annual audits. The audit authority covers public utilities that cities both own and operate. An audit requires a D or F Department of Health rating under House Bill 1632 of 2026, a mayor's request, or a request from a supermajority of the city's aldermen or city council. A supermajority means more votes than a simple majority; the law does not specify the exact threshold here. The utility pays for its audit. Violations of the audit rules carry a civil fine set by the Public Service Commission. The law took effect July 1, 2026, and excludes actions or proceedings already pending that day. Audit findings must reach the Public Service Commission and Public Utilities Staff by December 1 each year.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Apr 8Approved by Governor Tate ReevesBecame Law
- Apr 2Enrolled Bill SignedTo Governor
- Apr 2Enrolled Bill Signed
- Mar 31Conference Report Adopted
- Vote recorded Adopt Conference Report. Result: pass.Lower
- Vote recorded Adopt Conference Report. Result: pass.Upper
- Mar 31Conference Report Adopted
- Mar 30Conference Report Filed
- Mar 30Conference Report Filed
- Mar 17Conferees Named Carter,Williams,McMahan
- Mar 12Conferees Named Powell,McKnight,Rushing
- Mar 12Decline to Concur/Invite Conf
- Mar 11Returned For Concurrence
- Mar 10Passed As AmendedPassed Senate
- Vote recorded Passage as Amended. Result: pass.Upper
- Mar 10AmendedMajor
- Mar 3Title Suff Do PassMinor
- Feb 17Referred To EnergyMinor
- Feb 12Transmitted To SenateMinor
- Feb 10Passed As AmendedPassed House
- Vote recorded Passage as Amended. Result: pass.Lower
- Feb 10AmendedMajor
- Feb 10Committee Substitute AdoptedMajor
- Jan 28Title Suff Do Pass Comm SubMinor
- Jan 19Referred To Public UtilitiesIntroduced
Government & Ethics