Appropriation; Insurance, Department of.

HB 1799 provides $22,068,556 in funding for the Mississippi Department of Insurance for the fiscal year 2025, covering expenses from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025. The bill authorizes the department to maintain 131 permanent staff positions while establishing strict rules to prevent using these funds for salary increases or promotions for existing employees. Additionally, the legislation sets specific performance targets for licensing insurance agents, conducting fire inspections, and handling customer inquiries, requiring the department to report on its progress toward these goals. The act also includes provisions for purchasing equipment with a preference for the Mississippi Industries for the Blind and mandates that public announcements about grants must acknowledge state funding.