Mississippi 2024 Regular Session

Mississippi House Bill HB1615

Introduced
2/19/24  
Refer
2/19/24  
Engrossed
3/7/24  
Refer
3/22/24  

Caption

Public procurement laws; exempt certain purchases and contracts for landmark buildings from.

Impact

The enactment of HB 1615 would significantly alter existing public purchasing laws, specifically in how governmental entities manage contracts related to historically significant sites. By exempting purchases associated with these buildings from standard review processes, the bill could lead to faster renovations and repairs. However, this change may also raise concerns regarding oversight and transparency in government contracting processes, as the usual checks and balances would no longer apply for these specific cases.

Summary

House Bill 1615 aims to amend the Mississippi Public Procurement Law by providing specific exemptions for certain purchases and contracts related to the renovation, repair, restoration, or improvements of the State Capitol Building and other historical buildings or sites that are designated as both National Historic Landmarks and Mississippi Landmarks. This legislation seeks to expedite procurement processes for such projects by allowing the Department of Finance and Administration to bypass usual review and approval requirements from the Public Procurement Review Board, thus facilitating quicker action on essential restoration efforts.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 1615 appears to be largely supportive among stakeholders focused on historic preservation, as many argue that the preservation of significant historical sites should be prioritized and facilitated through expedited processes. Conversely, critics may voice concerns over the potential lack of accountability and the implications of removing financial oversight, perhaps fearing misuse of funds or inadequate assessments of market rates for contracts.

Contention

One notable point of contention is the perceived balance between efficient government action in preserving historic landmarks and the need for transparency in public spending. Proponents might argue that removing bureaucratic obstacles is necessary to protect state heritage sites effectively. In contrast, opponents could push back against the idea that exemptions from review standards might lead to potential favoritism or corruption in awarding contracts, highlighting the need for stringent regulations even in expedited scenarios.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MS HB875

Public purchases; revise bidding requirements for certain projects and other related to Mississippi Landmarks.

MS HB879

Public purchasing law; amend to allow competitive bids over $75,000.00 to be advertised on the procurement portal.

MS SB2845

Construction manager at risk program; exempt under public bidding laws.

MS HB1391

Minority set-aside contracts; prohibit municipalities from utilizing.

MS HB1032

"Mississippi Security Drone Act of 2023"; enact to prohibit the purchase of unmanned aircraft systems from non-U.S. manufacturers.

MS SB2355

Socially and economically disadvantaged small business; establish program to encourage participation in state contracts by.

MS HB614

"Collegiate Computerized Educational Device (C-CompED) Act"; authorize public postsecondary educational institutions to purchase wireless communication devices for students.

MS HB249

MS Medical Cannabis Act; extend repealers to certain state laws for Departments of Health and Revenue in connection with.

MS HB878

Construction certificate of responsibility; increase to $75,000.00 and align bond requirement.

MS HB702

Reverse auction; revise method of receiving bids through for agencies and governing authorities.

Similar Bills

MS SB2399

Public procurement bid requirements; exempt DFA for certain purchases of services at Capitol Building and historical properties.

MS HB875

Public purchases; revise bidding requirements for certain projects and other related to Mississippi Landmarks.

MS SB2882

Department of Archives and History; exempt from state procurement for exhibits.

MS HB1420

Public procurement laws; exempt certain contracts for museums.

MS HB555

Public procurement laws; exempt certain purchases and contracts for landmark buildings from for certain time.

MS HB1616

Public purchasing law; revise certain provisions related to schools and school districts.

MS SB2304

Bidding procedures; create exceptions for certain construction and service contracts at National and State Landmarks.

MS SB2517

Mississippi Regional Preneed Disaster Cleanup Act; create.