Appropriation; Audit, Department of.

This bill appropriates approximately $14.2 million in state funds to cover the salaries and operating expenses of the Mississippi Department of Audit for the 2025 fiscal year. The legislation authorizes the department to maintain a permanent workforce of 156 employees and establishes strict rules to prevent salary increases for current staff unless new positions are added. It also sets specific performance targets for audits, investigations, and technical assistance services, while requiring the department to prioritize purchasing from the Mississippi Industries for the Blind. Additionally, the bill allocates $30,000 for employee training and provides up to $1 million specifically for non-budgeted law enforcement activities related to federal equitable sharing programs.