Mississippi House Bill HB322

Mississippi 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/8/26
• Refer: 1/8/26
• Failed: 2/3/26

Caption

AN ACT TO CREATE NEW SECTION 37-4-2, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE THAT ALL PUBLIC COMMUNITY AND JUNIOR COLLEGES SHALL BE UNDER THE AUTHORITY AND CONTROL OF THE MISSISSIPPI COMMUNITY COLLEGE BOARD; TO AMEND SECTION 37-4-3, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE FOR THE RECONSTITUTION FOR THE MISSISSIPPI COMMUNITY COLLEGE BOARD, TO CONSIST OF TWELVE MEMBERS APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR, SUBJECT TO THE ADVICE AND CONSENT OF THE SENATE, OF WHICH SUCH MEMBERS SHALL SERVE A TERM OF SIX YEARS; TO PROVIDE FOR THE TERMS OF THE INITIAL MEMBERS OF THE RECONSTITUTED BOARD, WHICH SHALL COMMENCE ON JANUARY 1, 2027; TO PRESCRIBE THE PROCEDURE FOR SELECTING BOARD MEMBERS IN THE EVENT A VACANCY OCCURS; TO PRESCRIBE THE POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE BOARD; TO AMEND SECTION 37-4-4, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PRESCRIBE THE QUALIFICATIONS OF MEMBERS SELECTED FOR APPOINTMENT TO THE MISSISSIPPI COMMUNITY COLLEGE BOARD; TO CREATE NEW SECTION 37-4-6, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO AUTHORIZE THE BOARD TO APPOINT A COMMISSIONER OF COMMUNITY COLLEGES; TO PRESCRIBE THE POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE COMMISSIONER OF COMMUNITY COLLEGES, INCLUDING HIS OR HER ABILITY TO HIRE NECESSARY PERSONNEL; TO AMEND SECTION 37-4-7, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PRESCRIBE THE POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE MISSISSIPPI COMMUNITY COLLEGE BOARD; TO CREATE NEW SECTION 37-4-8, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO AUTHORIZE THE BOARD TO ADOPT AND HAVE AN OFFICIAL SEAL IN SUCH FORM AS IT DEEMS APPROPRIATE FOR ITS OFFICIAL USE; TO CREATE NEW SECTION 37-4-10, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REQUIRE THE MISSISSIPPI COMMUNITY COLLEGE BOARD TO DEVELOP A SYSTEM OF MANPOWER MANAGEMENT WHICH SHALL BE IMPLEMENTED IN ALL COMMUNITY AND JUNIOR COLLEGES UNDER ITS CONTROL; TO AMEND SECTION 37-4-11, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CLARIFY THAT THE OVERSIGHT AND ACCOUNTABILITY OF THE STATE-FUNDED INDUSTRIAL TRAINING PROGRAMS, POSTSECONDARY ADULT SHORT-TERM TRAINING PROGRAMS AND WORKFORCE EDUCATION PROGRAMS SHALL BE ADMINISTERED BY THE MISSISSIPPI COMMUNITY COLLEGE BOARD; TO CREATE NEW SECTION 37-4-12, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO AUTHORIZE THE BOARD TO ESTABLISH A RESERVE FUND TO RECEIVE FUNDS FROM STATE, FEDERAL OR PRIVATE SOURCES FOR THE PURPOSE OF GUARANTEEING PAYMENT OF LOANS OBTAINED BY COLLEGE STUDENTS FROM PUBLIC OR PRIVATE LENDERS OR BANKING INSTITUTIONS; TO CREATE NEW CODE SECTION 37-4-17, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO AUTHORIZE THE BOARD TO ENTER INTO LONG-TERM LEASES WITH PRIVATE INDIVIDUALS OR CORPORATIONS OF ANY LAND OR LAND WITH EXISTING AUXILIARY FACILITIES FOR THE PURPOSE OF ERECTING OR RENOVATING, FURNISHING, MAINTAINING AND EQUIPPING AUXILIARY FACILITIES THEREON FOR ACTIVE FACULTY, STAFF AND/OR STUDENTS; TO CREATE NEW SECTION 37-4-19, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CREATE AN ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO THE MISSISSIPPI COMMUNITY COLLEGE BOARD FOR THE LEASE OF THE PROPERTY ON COMMUNITY AND JUNIOR COLLEGE CAMPUSES FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF HOUSE AND DORMITORY FACILITIES WITH PRIVATE FINANCE; TO CREATE NEW SECTION 37-4-21, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE THE MANNER BY WHICH ARCHITECTS SHALL BE SELECTED TO FULFILL THE OBLIGATIONS OF THE LEASE CONTRACT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF SAID FACILITIES ON A COMMUNITY OR JUNIOR COLLEGE CAMPUS; TO CREATE NEW CODE SECTION 37-4-23, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO AUTHORIZE THE USE OF THE DESIGN-BUILD SYSTEM OF CONTRACT DELIVERY; TO CREATE NEW SECTION 37-4-25, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PERMIT LEASEHOLDERS TO PROTECT AND ENFORCE ANY AND ALL RIGHTS GRANTED UNDER THE LEASE; TO CREATE NEW SECTION 37-4-27, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE THAT ANY LEASES EXECUTED UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ACT SHALL BE LEGAL INVESTMENTS FOR TRUSTEES AND OTHER FIDUCIARIES, AND FOR BANKS, TRUST COMPANIES, AND INSURANCE COMPANIES AUTHORIZED TO DO BUSINESS IN THE STATE; TO AMEND SECTION 37-101-13, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, IN CONFORMITY TO THE PRECEDING PROVISIONS; TO BRING FORWARD SECTIONS 37-4-1, 37-4-5, 37-4-9, 37-4-13, 37-4-15, 37-29-1, 37-29-5, 37-29-31, 37-29-33, 37-29-37, 37-29-39, 37-29-61, 37-29-63, 37-29-65, 37-29-67, 37-29-71, 37-29-73, 37-29-75, 37-29-77, 37-29-79, 37-29-81, 37-29-85, 37-29-87, 37-29-101, 37-29-103, 37-29-105, 37-29-107, 37-29-109, 37-29-111, 37-29-113, 37-29-115, 37-29-117, 37-29-119, 37-29-121, 37-29-123, 37-29-125, 37-29-127, 37-29-131, 37-29-133, 37-29-135, 37-29-137, 37-29-139, 37-29-141, 37-29-143, 37-29-145, 37-29-161, 37-29-163, 37-29-165, 37-29-167, 37-29-169, 37-29-171, 37-29-173, 37-29-175, 37-29-177, 37-29-231, 37-29-232, 37-29-261, 37-29-263, 37-29-265, 37-29-267, 37-29-268, 37-29-269, 37-29-273, 37-29-275, 37-29-277, 37-29-305, 37-29-321, 37-29-401, 37-29-403, 37-29-405, 37-29-407, 37-29-409, 37-29-411, 37-29-413, 37-29-415, 37-29-417, 37-29-419, 37-29-421, 37-29-423, 37-29-425, 37-29-427, 37-29-429, 37-29-431, 37-29-433, 37-29-435, 37-29-437, 37-29-451, 37-29-453, 37-29-455, 37-29-457, 37-29-459, 37-29-461, 37-29-463, 37-29-465, 37-29-467, 37-29-469, 37-29-471, 37-29-501, 37-29-503, 37-29-505, 37-29-507, 37-29-509, 37-29-511, 37-29-513, 37-29-515, 37-29-551, 37-29-553, 37-29-555, 37-29-557, 37-29-559, 37-29-561, 37-29-563, 37-29-565, 37-29-567, 37-29-569, 37-29-571, 37-29-601, 37-29-603, 37-29-605, 37-29-607, 37-29-609, 37-29-611 AND 37-29-613, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, FOR PURPOSES OF POSSIBLE AMENDMENTS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

Impact

This bill is expected to have significant implications for the management of public community and junior colleges in the state. By centralizing authority under a single board, it aims to standardize policies and procedures across institutions, potentially improving transparency and efficiency in operations. Furthermore, the Mississippi Community College Board is empowered to manage various workforce education programs and training initiatives, which can lead to more cohesive educational pathways and better alignment with state labor market needs.

Summary

House Bill 322 seeks to reorganize the governance structure of community and junior colleges in Mississippi by placing them all under the authority of the Mississippi Community College Board. This legislative change aims to streamline the administration and oversight of these educational institutions while providing a governance model that allows for better alignment with state educational goals. The bill proposes that the reconstituted board will consist of twelve members appointed by the governor with the approval of the Senate, thereby enhancing accountability and ensuring state-level oversight.

Contention

Notably, the reconstitution of the Mississippi Community College Board may encounter opposition concerning local governance and control. Some community colleges may fear a loss of autonomy in decision-making, particularly regarding local educational needs and community engagement. The bill's restructuring could also spark discussions about the adequacy of state resources allocated to community colleges, necessitating a reevaluation of funding models to ensure that all colleges can effectively serve their respective communities. The balance between state oversight and local input will be critical as the legislature deliberates on this proposal.