Senate Bill 2401

AN ACT TO CREATE A NEW SECTION TO PROHIBIT CERTAIN PUBLICATIONS BY STATE AGENCIES EXCEPT THOSE REQUIRED BY LAW; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

SECTION 1. (1) No state department, agency or institution shall print or cause to be printed any bulletin, leaflet, Christmas card, personalized memorandum stationery, or other similar communication, magazine, circular, book, report, or similar publication, except those required by law.

(2) The provisions of this section shall not be construed to prohibit the printing or publication of any printed matter required by any federal law or regulation in order that the state or any department or agency thereof may obtain or receive federal funds, grants, or assistance. The provisions of this section shall apply to printed matter printed pursuant to any such federal law or regulation to the extent that this section does not conflict with any such law or regulation.

(3) The Mississippi Development Authority is not prohibited from printing, or causing to be printed, any new promotional materials that enhance the development and implementation of cultural, recreational, and tourism programs when funds have been appropriated for that purpose.

(4) Any administrative head of any branch, department, agency, or entity who violates any provision of this section and any employee who, without the authorization of his administrative superior, violates any provision of this section shall be personally liable for the cost of any printing in violation of this section. Any funds of, administered by, or under the control of any branch, department, agency, official, employee, or other entity of state government expended on any printing in violation of this section may be recovered by the state in a civil action instituted by the Attorney General or any taxpayer.

(5) Any person who violates the provisions of this section shall be assessed a fine by the court of proper jurisdiction in an amount not to exceed Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00).

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2015.