The position of state treasurer was enumerated as part of the executive branch in Mississippi's first constitution in 1817.

[2] The 1832 constitution stipulated that the treasurer was to be popularly elected to serve a two-year term.

[4] Under Article 5, Section 134, of the Mississippi Constitution, the state treasurer is elected every four years.

[6] The constitution requires the treasurer to review and approve all contracts for the provision of "stationery, printing, paper, and fuel" for state agencies and the legislature.

They are also ex officio a member of several other state boards, including the State Bond Commission, Public Employees Retirement Board, Mississippi Business Finance Corporation, Mississippi Development Bank, License Tag Commission, Tort Claims Board, Mississippi Windstorm Underwriting Association Board, Mississippi Guaranty Pool Board, Economic Development Strategic Planning Task Force, State Prison Emergency and management board, and the Historic Properties Trust Fund Advisory Committee.