Mississippi Senate Bill SB2787

Mississippi 2022 Regular Session

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

Caption

Line-item Appropriation Transparency Act; revise conditions by which a state agency may provide pass-through funding.

Impact

If enacted, SB2787 will impose stricter regulations on the distribution of state funds to recipient entities. It mandates that state agencies can only provide funds in alignment with a written agreement that includes contingency measures, such as a disbursement schedule that phases funding throughout the year based on compliance with reporting requirements. This change is aimed at ensuring that taxpayer dollars are managed effectively and can be traced transparently, improving the fiscal responsibility of both state agencies and recipient entities.

Summary

Senate Bill 2787 aims to amend Section 27-104-351 of the Mississippi Code of 1972, focusing on the conditions under which state agencies can provide pass-through funding to recipient entities such as local government entities and private organizations. The bill is designed to enhance accountability and transparency within the state's funding processes, requiring that prior to disbursing any funds, state agencies must enter into written agreements with recipient entities. These agreements must specify detailed reporting requirements regarding the expenditure of the funds, thereby ensuring that the state maintains oversight of how public money is used.

Contention

There are concerns regarding the potential bureaucratic burden that SB2787 may impose on both state agencies and recipient entities. Critics argue that the detailed reporting requirements could slow down the distribution of vital funds, particularly to local governments that depend on timely access to state money for essential services. On the other hand, supporters assert that the increase in transparency is necessary to prevent misuse of funds, particularly concerning public accountability in the financial dealings between state agencies and recipient entities.