MS HB360

Prohibits agencies and governing authorities from dividing contracts into separate contracts or work orders to circumvent competitive purchasing procedures required under Sections 31-7-13 and 27-104-7.

Violations of the contract-splitting prohibition are subject to penalties under Sections 31-7-55 and 31-7-57, including misdemeanor charges, fines of $100-$500, jail time up to 6 months, and removal from office.

Brings forward existing penalty provisions in Sections 31-7-55 and 31-7-57 regarding unlawful purchasing practices, including civil liability for misappropriated funds and penal damages up to three times the contract amount.

Codifies the prohibition as a new section in Chapter 7, Title 31 of the Mississippi Code.

Effective date: July 1, 2018.