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Bill > HB329


MS HB329

MS HB329
Reverse auction; revise method of receiving bids through for agencies and governing authorities.


summary

Introduced
01/08/2026
In Committee
02/16/2026
Crossed Over
02/09/2026
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2026 Regular Session

Bill Summary

An Act To Amend Section 31-7-13, Mississippi Code Of 1972, To Revise The Reverse Auction Method For Receiving Bids To Differentiate Between Agencies And Governing Authorities; To Provide That If An Agency Determines That A Reverse Auction Is Not In The Best Interest Of The Agency, Then That Determination Must Be Approved By The Public Procurement Review Board; To Provide That If A Governing Authority Determines That A Reverse Auction Is Not In The Best Interest Of The Governing Authority, Then That Determination Must Be Approved By The Governing Board Of The Governing Authority; To Require The Agency Or Governing Authority To Submit An Explanation As To Why A Reverse Auction Is Not In The Best Interest Of The Agency Or Governing Authority; And For Related Purposes.

AI Summary

This bill revises the process for how government agencies and local governing authorities in Mississippi receive bids for purchases and contracts, specifically focusing on "reverse auctions," which are online bidding events where sellers lower their prices. Previously, reverse auctions were the primary method for bids on purchases over $75,000. Now, if an agency or a governing authority (like a county or city government) decides a reverse auction isn't in their best interest, they must get approval: agencies need approval from the Public Procurement Review Board, and governing authorities need approval from their own governing board. Both must provide a written explanation for why the reverse auction is not suitable, and governing authorities must record this decision in their official minutes. The bill also clarifies that reverse auctions are not to be used for public construction projects, including the purchase of materials for them, and exempts individual state higher education institutions from this reverse auction requirement.

Committee Categories

Government Affairs, Labor and Employment

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Referred To Accountability, Efficiency, Transparency (on 02/16/2026)

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