Municipal ordinance for granting of utility franchises or use of streets; remove municipal approval of.

HB 1211 removes two procedural requirements for Mississippi municipalities when granting utility franchises or street usage rights. Specifically, it eliminates the need for municipal ordinances on these matters to receive voter approval (a majority of qualified electors) and removes the requirement that such ordinances be read by the municipal clerk before final passage. This change directly affects local governments in Mississippi that issue utility franchises or permit street usage, streamlining their ordinance process. The bill simplifies administrative steps without altering the substantive authority of municipalities to grant such franchises. The law took effect after being signed by the governor on March 6, 2025.