Mississippi House Bill HB205

Mississippi 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/17/24
• Refer: 1/17/24
• Failed: 3/27/24

Caption

Bonds; create rural counties and municipalities cellular and broadband grant program and authorize issuance of bonds.

Impact

The bill authorizes the issuance of $15 million in state general obligation bonds to fund the Rural Counties and Municipalities Cellular and Broadband Fund. These bonds are considered general obligations of the state, with the full faith and credit of Mississippi backing them. Funds generated from this initiative will help cover up to 25% of the project costs for businesses applying for grants, enabling them to implement important infrastructure projects tailored to their community's needs.

Summary

House Bill 205 proposes the establishment of a grant program aimed at assisting businesses with costs related to providing and expanding cellular and broadband access in rural counties and municipalities within Mississippi. This bill recognizes the critical need for enhanced connectivity in underserved areas, aiming to bridge the digital divide and facilitate economic growth in rural regions. To achieve this, the bill assigns the Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) the responsibility of administering the grant program and creating a dedicated fund for these efforts.

Contention

While the bill supports the expansion of essential services in rural areas, it may face scrutiny regarding the management of the funding and governance of the grant distribution process. Questions may arise regarding which businesses will be prioritized and how the MDA will ensure that the funds are used effectively. Concerns about transparency and accountability in the administration of the grant program could be significant points of contention during discussions in the legislative process.