Mississippi House Bill HB922

Mississippi 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/16/23
• Refer: 1/16/23
• Engrossed: 2/7/23
• Refer: 2/14/23
• Enrolled: 3/14/23
• Passed: 3/22/23

Caption

Alcorn State University; update references to in code to reflect current name designation.

Impact

The primary impact of HB 922 is its contribution to the administrative accuracy of the Mississippi Code. By updating references, the Bill ensures that Alcorn State University and associated institutions are correctly recognized in legal documents. This amendment will help prevent confusion regarding institutional identities and governance and facilitate the state's engagement with federal agencies and private lenders regarding grants and funding opportunities. Furthermore, it reinforces the importance of maintaining up-to-date regulatory frameworks in governance and education.

Summary

House Bill 922 aims to amend several sections of the Mississippi Code to update references to Alcorn State University and other state institutions of higher learning to reflect their current name designations. This legislation is part of broader efforts to ensure that official state documentation accurately represents educational institutions. By making these necessary changes, the bill seeks to enhance the clarity and precision of the legal framework governing state higher education institutions.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding the bill appears to be overwhelmingly positive, as it addresses an essential administrative need without generating significant controversy. Supporters, including lawmakers and educational leaders, expressed a consensus that the timely update of institutional names reflects institutional pride and respect for educational entities. The perception is that accurately representing these institutions in law is crucial for preserving their identities and enhancing their reputations.

Contention

There were minimal points of contention regarding HB 922, largely due to its straightforward nature of updating statutory language to align with current institutional designations. However, discussions in committee hearings highlighted the necessity of periodically reviewing and revising state codes to ensure ongoing relevance. This legislative process indirectly underscores the challenges of legacy issues in state law, where outdated references can lead to administrative inefficiencies.