MS HB1185

Creates the "Mississippi Public-Private Partnership Act of 2017" establishing a framework for public-private partnerships on infrastructure projects exceeding $25 million in estimated cost.

Requires State Bond Commission review and approval of all public-private partnership agreements and mandates creation of guidelines governing such partnerships by July 1, 2017.

Authorizes "responsible public entities" (state agencies, higher education institutions) to enter into various delivery methods including design-build, design-build-finance-operate-maintain, and concession agreements.

Requires responsible public entities to obtain independent audits of proposed partnerships, provide public notice to affected jurisdictions, and obtain chief executive findings of public interest before execution.

Exempts public-private partnership agreements from competitive bidding requirements in state law and provides tax exemptions for bonds, obligations, and qualifying project property.