Mississippi 2022 Regular Session

Mississippi House Bill HB1414

Introduced
1/17/22  
Refer
1/17/22  

Caption

ARPA Expenditures Ombudsman; establish to oversee all expenditures of ARPA funds.

Impact

The establishment of the ombudsman role under HB1414 introduces a structured oversight mechanism for ARPA fund expenditures in the state. By preparing an annual report detailing how these funds are spent, who benefits from them, and suggestions for improving fund allocations, the legislation aims to ensure that public resources are managed effectively. This is particularly crucial in the context of large-scale funding supplements intended to respond to urgent economic and social needs post-pandemic.

Summary

House Bill 1414 aims to establish the position of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Expenditures Ombudsman in Mississippi. The appointed ombudsman, selected by the Governor, will serve a term until December 31, 2026. This role is designed to oversee all expenditures of ARPA funds made by the state legislature, the governor, and various state agencies. A significant function of the ombudsman will be soliciting public feedback regarding ongoing ARPA fund expenditure, which is intended to enhance transparency and accountability in the use of federal relief funds.

Contention

While HB1414 is generally perceived as a positive step towards increased transparency, potential points of contention may arise related to the effectiveness of the ombudsman's involvement. Critics might question whether a single position can sufficiently oversee vast expenditures or if it may serve more as a bureaucratic measure without substantial influence over actual spending practices. Discussions surrounding this bill might also touch on concerns of political bias in appointment processes and whether the ombudsman will genuinely reflect public interests or merely align with governmental agendas.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MS HB330

ARPA Expenditures Ombudsman; establish to oversee all expenditures of ARPA funds.

MS HB547

ARPA Expenditures Ombudsman; establish to oversee all expenditures of ARPA funds.

MS HB218

ARPA Expenditures Ombudsman; establish to oversee all expenditures of ARPA funds.

MS SB2805

American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Ombudsman; establish in DFA.

MS SB2718

ARPA; allow funds deobligated from existing ARPA grants to be reallocated to existing subgrantees.

MS HB2

Relative to state fees, funds, revenues, and expenditures.

MS HB2

Relative to state fees, funds, revenues, and expenditures.

MS HB1706

Programs funded with ARPA funds; revise certain provisions and bring forward sections of.

MS HB604

New programs funded with ARPA funds; revise certain provisions and bring forward sections of.

MS HB1127

ARPA programs and funds; require agencies to make certain reports regarding.

Similar Bills

MS HB547

ARPA Expenditures Ombudsman; establish to oversee all expenditures of ARPA funds.

MS HB330

ARPA Expenditures Ombudsman; establish to oversee all expenditures of ARPA funds.

MS HB218

ARPA Expenditures Ombudsman; establish to oversee all expenditures of ARPA funds.

MS SB2805

American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Ombudsman; establish in DFA.

NJ A1468

Requires Governor to appoint Chief Accountability Officer to supervise all State ombudsmen, compliance officers, comptrollers, and other officers with substantially similar positions.

NJ S2270

Requires Governor to appoint Chief Accountability Officer to supervise all State ombudsmen, compliance officers, comptrollers, and other officers with substantially similar positions.

NJ S483

Requires Governor to appoint Chief Accountability Officer to supervise all State ombudsmen, compliance officers, comptrollers, and other officers with substantially similar positions.

NJ A2242

Requires Governor to appoint Chief Accountability Officer to supervise all State ombudsmen, compliance officers, comptrollers, and other officers with substantially similar positions.