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Bill

Bill

SB 2002

Boards of Supervisors; authorize to designate persons to serve as hearing officers for delinquent solid waste fees.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Dean Kirby

Mississippi counties gain authority to appoint hearing officers to adjudicate delinquent solid waste fee disputes before enforcement actions proceed.

Approved by Governor
#countyaffairs
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 2002

Legislative bill overview

SB 2002 authorizes Mississippi Boards of Supervisors to designate hearing officers to conduct proceedings for residents and businesses with delinquent solid waste fees. This empowers local governments to establish a formal dispute resolution process rather than relying solely on collection or court proceedings. The bill streamlines the administrative handling of unpaid waste management fees at the county level.

Why is this important

Solid waste management is essential infrastructure, and unpaid fees can disrupt funding for these services. Creating a hearing officer process allows property owners to formally dispute charges before enforcement escalates, potentially reducing litigation costs and court dockets while ensuring fair due process. This balances government revenue collection with individual rights to challenge alleged debts.

Potential points of contention

  • Due process scope: The bill doesn't specify what standards hearing officers must follow, what evidence is admissible, or what appeal rights exist after a hearing decision
  • Qualification requirements: No clarity on minimum qualifications, training, or independence standards for designated hearing officers, raising fairness concerns
  • Debt collection implications: Unclear how hearing outcomes interact with existing collection mechanisms, liens, or foreclosure processes for property owners who lose hearings

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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