Mississippi 2023 Regular Session

Mississippi House Bill HB1715

Introduced

2/20/23

Refer

2/20/23

Engrossed

2/21/23

Refer

2/23/23

Enrolled

4/3/23

Passed

4/14/23

Caption

Appropriation; Health Department for funding the ARPA Rural Water Associations Infrastructure Grant Program.

Impact

The bill is significant as it directly disburses federal funds under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to support local water associations. This move aims to elevate public health standards by assuring that rural populations have access to safe and reliable water supplies. The Mississippi Department of Health is designated to oversee the allocation of these funds, which involves stringent compliance checks to ensure that expenditures meet federal criteria, reinforcing accountability in the process.

Summary

House Bill 1715, also known as the appropriation for the ARPA Rural Water Associations Infrastructure Grant Program, seeks to allocate $74 million from the Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund to the Mississippi State Department of Health. This funding is intended to support projects aimed at enhancing rural water supply systems, improving access to clean water, and building essential infrastructure within these communities. The bill outlines that the funding will be in effect from the passage of the act until June 30, 2024, reflecting an urgent need to address water infrastructure challenges in rural areas following federal guidelines.

Sentiment

General sentiment around HB 1715 appears to be positive, particularly among proponents who see it as a critical step towards fulfilling public health needs in underfunded rural areas. The overwhelming support in the voting process, where the bill passed with 117 votes in favor and just 2 against, illustrates a strong consensus among legislators about the importance of investing in rural water infrastructure. This bipartisan support highlights the recognition of the essential role that clean water plays in community health and development.

Contention

While there appears to be broad support for the bill, some concerns may arise regarding the oversight and management of the appropriated funds. The bill requires that the Mississippi Department of Health conduct individualized assessments before disbursing the funds, ensuring that grants comply with federal guidelines and are used efficiently. Potential points of contention could stem from the implementation of these compliance measures, as well as the ability of local water associations to meet the stringent criteria set forth, which could affect their eligibility for funding.

Latest MS HB1715 Activity

View All Events: MS 2023 Regular Session HB1715

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MS HB1774

ARPA Rural Water Associations Infrastructure Grant Program; extend repealer on exemption from certain Public Procurement Review Board requirements.

MS HB335

Appropriation; Department of Health for MAGnet Community Health Disparity Program.

MS HB935

MS Association of Independent Colleges and Universities Infrastructure Grant Program Act of 2022; extend repealer on.

MS HB412

Appropriation; DFA for making grants under the Mississippi Hospital Recovery Trust Program.

MS HB68

Appropriation; DFA for making grants under the Mississippi Hospital Recovery Trust Program.

MS HB940

MS Municipality and County Water Infrastructure Grant Program Act of 2022; extend repealer on.

MS HB966

Municipality and County Water Infrastructure Grant Program; extend repealer on DEQ's exemption from Public Procurement Review Board requirements.

MS HB934

Independent Schools Infrastructure Grant Program Act of 2022; extend repealer on.

MS HB419

Appropriation; Department of Health for making care grants under the Mississippi Qualified Health Center Grant Program.

MS HB67

Appropriation; Department of Health for making care grants under the Mississippi Qualified Health Center Grant Program.

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MD HB390

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MD HB0390

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MD HB350

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MD SB319

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PA SB160

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024.

PA SB1220

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026.