Mississippi House Bill HB351

Mississippi 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/23
• Refer: 1/9/23
• Failed: 1/31/23

Caption

State Institutions of Higher Learning; authorize program to provide devices to students when necessary for remote learning.

Impact

This bill modifies existing procurement laws in Mississippi by allowing emergency purchases for technology directly related to fulfilling educational needs under specific circumstances. It amends Section 31-7-13, ensuring that expenses incurred for these emergency technology needs are treated as emergency purchases, which can expedite the procurement process. This change is significant as it addresses the administrative burdens that may have hindered timely support for students, ensuring that institutions can swiftly respond to unforeseen transitions in learning environments.

Summary

House Bill 351 aims to establish a program that provides devices and connectivity technology to students of state institutions of higher learning who lack such technology, particularly when institutions transition from in-person classes to remote learning due to declared public health emergencies or other states of emergency. The program is designed to ensure that all students are able to continue their education uninterrupted during such circumstances, reflecting a commitment to adapting to the changing educational needs caused by health crises.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support for addressing the urgent need for equitable access to education technology, concerns may arise regarding the accountability and oversight associated with these expedited purchases. Opponents might raise questions about the potential for misuse of emergency purchase provisions if not properly regulated. Furthermore, the implications of such a law on existing state procurement processes could also become a point of contention, with potential debates on ensuring transparency and fairness in the allocation of resources for educational institutions.