Bill > HB141

This bill establishes the Mississippi Transit Corporation (MTC) as a state government corporation responsible for providing safe, reliable, and cost-effective public transportation services including bus, rail, and light rail. The corporation will be governed by a 17-member board of directors composed of representatives from various state and local government entities and appointed city officials, with board members required to have experience in transportation or related fields. The board will have extensive oversight responsibilities, including establishing ethical guidelines, approving budgets, and monitoring the corporation's operations. The MTC will have broad powers to operate transportation services, including setting fares, acquiring property, issuing bonds, and entering into contracts. The bill includes robust transparency requirements, mandating public hearings before major service changes, annual budget submissions, and regular audits by the State Auditor. Board members will serve without compensation but will be reimbursed for expenses and must undergo training about their fiduciary responsibilities. The corporation is designed to be an independent entity within the state's executive branch, with significant autonomy to manage public transportation services while remaining accountable to state oversight mechanisms. The bill will take effect on July 1, 2025.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2025/pdf/history/HB/HB0141.xml