Mississippi House Bill HB578

Mississippi 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/16/23
• Refer: 1/16/23
• Failed: 1/31/23

Caption

IHL board; delete repealer on authority to oversee certain construction projects funded by state general obligation bonds.

Impact

The amendment retains the IHL board's control over construction and maintenance projects at state institutions, reinforcing the board's authority over financial management and oversight of public funds. By removing the repealer, it ensures that the financial and contractual frameworks for such projects remain intact, thus providing stability in the administration of higher education infrastructure funding within the state.

Summary

House Bill 578 aims to amend Section 37-101-15 of the Mississippi Code by deleting the repealer on the provision that allows the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL) to oversee and administer certain contracts for construction and maintenance projects funded by state general obligation bonds. This legislative change is intended to ensure ongoing authorization for the board to manage construction projects without the risk of losing this authority due to statutory expiration.

Contention

There may be some discussion regarding the balance of power between state administration and local institution autonomy, as continuing this authority in the board raises concerns about local institutions' flexibility in handling their construction contracts. Such concerns typically center around whether centralized control may limit responsiveness to local needs or specific institutional requirements, although proponents argue it is necessary for unified oversight of state resources.