MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2017 Regular Session

To: Accountability, Efficiency, Transparency

By: Representative Turner

House Bill 1110

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 61-13-5, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO EXEMPT THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION FROM THE PUBLIC PURCHASING LAWS AND THE REVIEW OF THE PERSONAL SERVICE CONTRACT REVIEW BOARD WHEN PROCURING AIRCRAFT, AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE, PARTS, EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES; TO PROVIDE THAT THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION SHALL ENSURE THAT COMPETITIVE PRICING IS USED TO AWARD CONTRACTS AND THAT INDUSTRY MAINTENANCE STANDARDS ARE UPHELD; TO PROVIDE THE CRITERIA THAT MUST BE USED DURING THE SELECTION PROCESS FOR A MAINTENANCE FACILITY; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

     SECTION 1.  Section 61-13-5, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

     61-13-5.  * * * All purchases of airplanes, supplies and other necessary equipment for the successful operation of the aforesaid airplanes shall be purchased in strict compliance with Sections 25‑1‑77, 25‑1‑85, 25‑1‑89, and 31‑7‑1 through 31‑7‑21, Mississippi Code of 1972. The Department of Finance and Administration shall be exempt from the bidding requirements of Section 31-7-1 et seq. and Section 25-9-120(3) when procuring aircraft, aircraft maintenance, parts, equipment and services.  The Executive Director of the Department of Finance and Administration shall ensure competitive pricing and that industry maintenance standards are upheld when making those procurements.  The selection process of a maintenance facility shall consider at least the following:  capability and experience, scope of work, cost and length of time the aircraft will be out of service.  All purchases of aircraft shall be in accordance with acceptable practices in the aviation industry and with the guidance of the Office of the Governor.

     SECTION 2.  This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2017.