Mississippi House Bill HB1766

Mississippi 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/7/24
• Refer: 3/7/24
• Failed: 3/27/24

Caption

Appropriation; IHL for Jackson State University Campus Safety Project.

Impact

The bill identifies six main areas for funding allocation aimed at improving campus safety: upgrades to emergency phone towers, enhanced outdoor lighting, the installation of additional cameras, improved access controls, acquisition of safety equipment, and securing campus access points. These measures are intended to address the growing concerns regarding safety on university campuses, particularly in light of recent incidents that have heightened awareness of campus safety issues across the nation.

Summary

House Bill 1766 is a legislative act that proposes an appropriation of $13,920,775 to the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning for the fiscal year 2025. This funding is specifically earmarked for a campus safety project at Jackson State University. The aim of this financial support is to enhance the safety and security of its students, faculty, and staff through various improvements outlined in the bill.

Contention

While the bill may gain broad support due to its focus on safety, there are potential points of contention that could arise from its implementation. Critics may raise concerns about the adequacy of the funding, the effectiveness of the proposed safety measures, and whether the focal areas of improvement will truly meet the unique needs of the university community. The reliance on state funds for such initiatives may also lead to discussions regarding prioritization of spending and resource allocation within the state budget.