Mississippi Senate Bill SB2697

Mississippi 2022 Regular Session

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

Caption

State universities; require to develop mechanism for compiling data on state-funded projects and submit annual report.

Impact

This legislation is expected to provide a clearer understanding of how state funds are utilized across various public universities. By mandating a comprehensive compilation of expenditures and project types, SB2697 seeks to ensure that legislative bodies are fully informed about state investments in higher education. Furthermore, the bill aligns with broader efforts to improve fiscal management and strategic planning within the state’s educational framework.

Summary

Senate Bill 2697 aims to enhance transparency and accountability within state-funded universities in Mississippi. The bill requires the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning and other public universities to develop a mechanism for compiling data related to capital outlay projects. The resulting mechanism will enable these institutions to produce an annual report detailing cumulative expenditure totals, the total number of projects by type, and the categorization of these projects by facility type.

Contention

Although the bill establishes an institutional framework for reporting and accountability, some concerns have been raised about the potential administrative burden it may impose on the universities. Critics argue that the requirements for detailed reporting could strain resources, diverting attention and funding away from educational priorities. On the other hand, supporters assert that the benefits of improved transparency and data availability justify any additional workload.