Mississippi House Bill HB1118

Mississippi 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/17/22
• Refer: 1/17/22
• Failed: 2/1/22

Caption

Public body; to add "subcommittee" to the definition of.

Impact

The implications of HB 1118 extend to legislative practices, particularly concerning the openness of subcommittees in governmental processes. By extending the classification of public bodies to include subcommittees, the bill seeks to foster a culture of scrutiny and oversight, potentially leading to more public involvement in the legislative process. This revision is anticipated to require subcommittees to comply with established open meeting laws, thereby increasing citizen access to and awareness of government operations.

Summary

House Bill 1118, introduced by Representative Shanks, aims to amend Section 25-41-3 of the Mississippi Code of 1972, revising the definition of 'public body' within the framework of laws governing open meetings. The notable change included in this bill is the addition of 'subcommittee' to the definition of 'public body.' This amendment intends to enhance transparency and accountability in the workings of subcommittees by ensuring that their meetings adhere to the same regulations that apply to other public bodies. The bill underscores the need for open and accessible governance.

Contention

While proponents of HB 1118 argue that including subcommittees under the open meetings law will strengthen democratic processes by promoting transparency and public trust, there may be concerns raised by some legislators about the practicality of this requirement. The discussions around the bill may highlight tensions between the need for operational transparency and the operational efficiency of legislative committees. Critics might contend that this change could lead to logistical challenges or hinder the ability of subcommittees to operate effectively.