Senate Bill 2443

AN ACT TO ESTABLISH THE TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION FUND; TO PROVIDE THE OBJECTIVES OF THE FUND; TO DESCRIBE ELIGIBILITY FOR APPLYING FOR AND RECEIVING FUNDING; TO PROVIDE FOR ALLOCATION OF FUNDS; TO REQUIRE RECIPIENTS OF FUNDS TO PERIODICALLY MAKE REPORTS OF CERTAIN INFORMATION TO THE CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER; TO REQUIRE THE CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER TO SUBMIT AN ANNUAL REPORT TO THE GOVERNOR AND THE LEGISLATURE DETAILING USE OF THE FUND; TO STIPULATE THAT THE FUND SHALL INITIALLY BE CAPITALIZED WITH AN APPROPRIATION; TO PROVIDE FURTHER SOURCES OF INCOME FOR THE FUND; TO GRANT THE CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER OF THE MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES AUTHORITY TO PROMULGATE ANY RULES AND REGULATIONS NECESSARY FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION AND ADMINISTRATION OF THIS ACT; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. The purpose of this act is to establish a Technology Innovation Fund, hereafter referred to as "Fund," to facilitate the development and deployment of innovative technological solutions that enhance the efficiency, transparency and responsiveness of government services. The fund is intended to support collaborative efforts between government agencies, educational institutions, private sector partners and nonprofit organizations in the implementation of digital solutions that drive public sector modernization.

SECTION 2. (1) There is hereby established the Technology Innovation Fund, which shall be administered by the Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services (ITS) under the authority of the Chief Information Officer (CIO) of the State of Mississippi.

(2) The fund shall provide financial support for projects that utilize technology to address critical needs, improve service delivery, and foster collaboration between public and private entities.

SECTION 3. The objectives of the fund shall include, but are not limited to, the following:

(a) Promote the development of digital solutions that improve government service delivery and operational efficiency;

(b) Foster cross-agency and intergovernmental collaboration in the adoption of shared technologies and best practices;

(d) Facilitate research, prototyping, and piloting of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, data analytics, and cloud computing;

(e) Ensure equitable access to technological innovations that can benefit underserved communities and regions; and

(f) Enhance cybersecurity and protect the integrity of state digital infrastructure.

SECTION 4. (1) The following entities shall be eligible to apply for funding under this act:

(a) State and local government agencies;

(b) Public and private educational institutions;

(d) Private sector entities, in partnership with public sector agencies, for collaborative projects.

(2) Applications for funding must demonstrate how the proposed project will contribute to the digital transformation of government services and the achievement of the objectives outlined in Section 3 of this act.

SECTION 5. (1) The CIO of the Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services shall establish criteria for the evaluation of proposals and the allocation of funds, prioritizing projects that:

(a) Provide measurable benefits to the public and improve government operations;

(b) Demonstrate potential for scalability and sustainability;

(d) Address urgent challenges in service delivery, efficiency, and cybersecurity.

(2) The fund may allocate grants, matching funds, or loans to eligible projects, as deemed appropriate by the CIO.

SECTION 6. (1) Each recipient of funding from the Technology Innovation Fund shall be required to provide periodic reports to the CIO detailing the progress, outcomes, and financial expenditures associated with the funded project.

(2) The CIO shall submit an annual report to the Governor and Legislature detailing the use of the Technology Innovation Fund, including descriptions of funded projects, their outcomes, and recommendations for future innovations.

SECTION 7. (1) The fund shall be initially capitalized with an appropriation of monies from the General Fund, with additional funding to be secured from:

(a) Public-private partnerships;

(b) Federal grants or matching programs;

(d) Donations or contributions from private or philanthropic organizations.

(2) The fund may also establish a revolving loan mechanism to replenish available resources through repayments from successful projects.

SECTION 8. The CIO of the Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services (ITS) is authorized to promulgate any rules and regulations necessary for the implementation and administration of this act.

SECTION 9. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage.