Emergency licenses for out-of-state contractors; authorize counties and cities to issue in state of emergency.

HB 770 allows Mississippi counties and cities to issue emergency licenses to out-of-state contractors during declared emergencies. It directly affects contractors from other states who need temporary authorization to work on repairs or construction in emergency zones. To qualify, applicants must provide proof of a valid home-state license (not "grandfathered" licenses), a recent criminal background check, a bond ($15,000 for home builders, $5,000 for specialty contractors), and a $100 fee. These licenses are limited to one specific emergency event, capped at $100,000 per project for home builders and $35,000 for specialty contractors, and valid only within the declared emergency area and duration.