Mississippi 2022 Regular Session

Mississippi House Bill HC4

Introduced

1/5/22

Refer

1/5/22

Failed

2/1/22

Caption

Constitution; amend to reconstitute the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning.

Impact

The implications of this amendment are significant for the governance of higher education in Mississippi. By streamlining the board’s membership, the bill intends to facilitate more agile decision-making processes and a closer alignment between the board's governance and the state's educational priorities. Detractors may argue, however, that reducing the number of trustees could limit diverse perspectives and expertise on the board, which could influence essential decisions about the direction and funding of state institutions.

Summary

House Concurrent Resolution 4 (HC4) proposes an amendment to Section 213A of the Mississippi Constitution of 1890, aimed at restructuring the Board of Trustees for State Institutions of Higher Learning. The proposed amendment seeks to reduce the board's membership from twelve to ten members and revise the terms of office from nine years to four years. This change aims to refresh the board’s composition more frequently and enhance accountability within the management of state educational institutions.

Contention

Notable points of contention surround the proposed amendment, particularly concerning the balance of power between the Governor's office and the board regarding appointments. While the Governor will select board members based on recommendations from university presidents and student government associations, critics may contend that this could lead to politicization of appointments, undermining the intended independence of the board. Additionally, there are concerns regarding the alignment of term lengths with institutional needs and stability, considering shorter terms could potentially disrupt the strategic oversight required for effective governance.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MS SB2726

State institutions of higher learning; require board of trustees to close three institutions by 2028.

MS H0446

An act relating to the reconstitution of the University of Vermont Board of Trustees

MS H0198

An act relating to the reconstitution of the University of Vermont Board of Trustees

MS HB0210

Higher Education Board of Trustees Amendments

MS HB479

State Institutions of Higher Learning; authorize six-year contracts for teaching staff and administrative employees.

MS HB996

(Constitutional Amendment) Abolishes the Board of Regents, LSU board, Southern University board, and UL board and creates the La. University System Board of Trustees (OR SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)

MS HB1590

PERS; reconstitute membership of board and rescind scheduled employer's contribution increase.

MS HB351

State Institutions of Higher Learning; authorize program to provide devices to students when necessary for remote learning.

MS HB1332

State Institutions of Higher Learning; authorize program to provide devices to students when necessary for remote learning.

MS SB140

Constitutional Amendment to abolish the Board of Regents and the postsecondary management boards and transfer their powers, duties, and responsibilities to a newly created La. Postsecondary Education Board of Trustees. (2/3 - CA13s1(A)) (OR INCREASE GF EX See Note)