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Bill

HB 429

Counties; authorize to pay poll workers certain mileage.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Bryant Clark

Mississippi counties gain discretionary authority to reimburse poll workers for mileage expenses to improve recruitment and retention for election administration.

Died In Committee
#apportionmentandelections #countyaffairs
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Bill Summary · HB 429

Legislative bill overview

HB 429 would authorize Mississippi counties to compensate poll workers for mileage expenses incurred while performing their duties. The bill allows counties discretionary authority to reimburse poll workers for travel costs, rather than requiring a state-mandated reimbursement program.

Why is this important

Poll worker recruitment and retention have become increasingly challenging nationwide, as the role demands long hours for modest compensation. Mileage reimbursement could make poll worker positions more financially viable, particularly in rural counties where workers may travel significant distances between precincts or polling locations. This addresses a practical barrier to recruiting adequate staffing for elections.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost variability: Counties with different resources would offer different reimbursement levels, potentially creating inequities in compensation across the state
  • Implementation details: The bill provides no guidance on mileage rates, approval processes, or budget mechanisms, leaving implementation unclear
  • Scope limitations: Mileage reimbursement alone may not adequately address broader poll worker compensation concerns, including base pay rates that remain low in many states

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

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