Mississippi House Bill HB661

Mississippi 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/16/23
• Refer: 1/16/23
• Failed: 2/22/23

Caption

Appropriation; State Aid Road Fund to reimburse for monies expended to counties due to provisions of House Bill 779, 2019 Regular Session.

Impact

By providing designated funds from the State General Fund to the State Aid Road Fund, HB661 may have significant implications for local governments, ensuring they are not financially strained by fulfilling state obligations. This reinforces the state's role in funding essential infrastructure projects, which are often critical for public safety and health. The act will take effect on July 1, 2023, allowing for prompt implementation of the financial support needed to sustain local road projects and maintenance efforts.

Summary

House Bill 661 focuses on appropriating funds to the State Aid Road Fund, specifically to reimburse counties for expenditures related to provisions set forth in House Bill 779 from the 2019 Regular Session. This legislation allocates a total of $26,500,000 for the fiscal year 2024, signaling the State's commitment to maintaining and improving local infrastructure through financial support. The bill is intended to ensure that counties are compensated for any costs incurred in the execution of state mandates, thereby avoiding any financial burden imposed solely on local governments.

Contention

While there is no prominent contention documented in the details of HB661, discussions surrounding appropriations can sometimes reflect broader issues regarding state versus local governance. Stakeholders may question the adequacy of funding levels or the process of determining how reimbursements are calculated. Some advocacy groups may also argue for increased transparency in the allocation process or for a more robust commitment from the state government to support infrastructure beyond mere reimbursement for prior expenditures.