Mississippi House Bill HB697

Mississippi 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/17/22
• Refer: 1/17/22
• Failed: 2/1/22

Caption

Local governments capital improvements revolving loan program; include certain fire trucks.

Impact

The primary impact of HB 697 is the expansion of eligible projects under the revolving loan program managed by the Mississippi Development Authority. By allowing local governments to finance the purchase of necessary fire trucks, this bill aims to improve emergency response times and enhance public safety for communities. As many municipalities face budgetary constraints, the ability to secure funding for critical fire equipment could prove essential in modernizing their fleets and ensuring adequate fire protection services.

Summary

House Bill 697 aims to amend Section 57-1-301 of the Mississippi Code of 1972, revising the definition of 'capital improvements' specifically for the Local Governments Capital Improvements Revolving Loan Program. The bill's amendment includes the purchase of certain fire trucks valued at $100,000 or less as a qualifying capital improvement. This inclusion recognizes the importance of fire protection and emergency services in enhancing community infrastructure, thereby supporting local governments in their efforts to maintain and improve safety services.

Contention

While the bill seems to have widespread support among those focused on public safety, some debates could arise regarding the funding allocation and prioritization of resources. Legislators discussing the bill may express varying opinions on whether this change meaningfully addresses the broader needs of local governments or if it merely focuses on the acquisition of equipment without holistically addressing fire-based emergency services. Additionally, there may be concerns about the utilization and maintenance costs associated with new fire trucks, which could impact local budgets in the long term.