Mississippi Senate Bill SB2156

Mississippi 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/23
• Refer: 1/11/23
• Failed: 1/31/23

Caption

Agriculture; provide the Commission of Agriculture and Commerce the exclusive power to inspect petroleum.

Impact

The enactment of SB2156 would influence the regulatory landscape related to petroleum products in Mississippi. By restricting inspection authority to state officials, the bill seeks to enforce uniformity and standard compliance across the state. The implications extend to ensuring that inspections are conducted with transparency and accountability directly by state officials, thus minimizing the risks associated with potential conflicts of interest that could arise from outsourcing these essential duties.

Summary

Senate Bill 2156 is a legislative measure aimed at amending the Mississippi Code to grant exclusive power and authority to the Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce to administer and enforce the Petroleum Products Inspection Law. The bill effectively centralizes the authority over petroleum product inspections, ensuring that these responsibilities remain under the direct control of the commissioner and the agents of the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce. Consequently, this act prohibits contracting out any inspection duties related to petroleum products to third-party entities, aiming to maintain stringent oversight and control over inspections.

Contention

Supporters of SB2156 argue that the bill is necessary to ensure high standards and effective enforcement of petroleum product regulations, viewing it as a protective measure for consumers and the environment. Conversely, critics may raise concerns regarding the potential inefficiencies or resource constraints that could result from consolidating such authority within a government body. The prohibition on third-party inspections could also deter competition and innovative practices in the inspection field, sparking debate over the best approach to balancing regulatory oversight with operational flexibility.