Mississippi 2022 Regular Session

Mississippi House Bill HB476

Introduced

1/6/22

Refer

1/6/22

Failed

2/1/22

Caption

Departments of Human Services and Child Protection Services; extend repealer on exemption from certain Procurement Review Board Requirements.

Impact

The impact of HB 476 centers on the regulatory framework that governs how state departments engage in contracting processes. By extending the notice requirement and protections from disapproval of contracts by the Public Procurement Review Board, the bill aims to simplify the operational processes for the Department of Human Services and the Department of Child Protection Services, thereby maintaining the status quo in terms of their ability to enter into contracts without additional layers of oversight.

Summary

House Bill 476 seeks to amend existing Mississippi law, specifically Section 27-104-7 of the Mississippi Code of 1972, which governs the procedures related to personal and professional services contracts entered into by the Department of Human Services and the Department of Child Protection Services. This legislation intends to extend the repeal date of the existing provisions that require these departments to notify the Public Procurement Review Board of proposed contracts. The changes to the law will ensure that these departments continue to operate under certain contracting exemptions until at least July 1, 2025.

Contention

There may be points of contention related to the potential for reduced oversight in public expenditure, as critics could argue that extending these exemptions could lead to less accountability regarding funds allocated for personal and professional services. However, proponents of the bill suggest that these changes are necessary to allow the departments to function effectively and efficiently without the delays that may arise from additional bureaucratic processes.