Elected officials; increase surety bond required for certain.

HB 404 increases the minimum financial bond amounts required for Mississippi elected officials who handle public funds. The bill raises bonds to $100,000 for justice court judges and county assessors, and to $60,000 for notaries public and county tax collectors. These bonds must be provided by licensed surety companies and cover misconduct during an official’s term. The policy strengthens financial accountability for public fund handling without changing eligibility requirements.