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Bill > HB218


MS HB218

MS HB218
ARPA Expenditures Ombudsman; establish to oversee all expenditures of ARPA funds.


summary

Introduced
01/10/2025
In Committee
01/10/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
02/04/2025

Introduced Session

2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

An Act To Establish The Position Of The American Rescue Plan Act (arpa) Expenditures Ombudsman, Who Shall Be Appointed By The Governor For A Term That Expires On December 31, 2026; To Provide That The Ombudsman Shall Oversee All Expenditures Of Arpa Funds Made By The Legislature, The Governor And All State Agencies And Solicit Feedback From The Public About The Ongoing Expenditure Of Arpa Funds In The State; To Provide That The Ombudsman Shall Prepare An Annual Report On How Arpa Funds Are Being Expended, Who The Funds Are Helping, And What Improvements Can Be Made In The Allocation Of The Funds, And The Report Shall Be Provided To The Governor And The Legislature And Shall Be Made Available To The Public; To Provide That The Annual Compensation Of The Ombudsman For The Performance Of His Or Her Duties Shall Be Paid From Arpa Funds That Are Appropriated By The Legislature For That Purpose; And For Related Purposes.

AI Summary

This bill establishes the position of an American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Expenditures Ombudsman in Mississippi, who will be appointed by the Governor for a term ending on December 31, 2026. The ombudsman will have broad oversight responsibilities, including monitoring all ARPA fund expenditures made by the Legislature, Governor, and state agencies, as well as actively seeking public input about how these federal pandemic relief funds are being spent. Annually, the ombudsman must prepare a comprehensive report detailing how ARPA funds are being used, identifying the specific beneficiaries of these funds, and recommending potential improvements in fund allocation. This report will be submitted to the Governor and Legislature and made publicly available. The ombudsman's annual compensation will be funded directly from ARPA funds appropriated by the Legislature for this purpose. The bill aims to increase transparency and accountability in the use of federal pandemic relief money by creating an independent oversight role to track and assess fund expenditures.

Committee Categories

Budget and Finance

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Died In Committee (on 02/04/2025)

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