MS HB609

Exempts state institutions of higher learning offering undergraduate and graduate aviation degree programs from public purchasing law requirements when procuring aircraft, aircraft maintenance, parts, equipment, and services for academic instruction purposes.

Authorizes the chair of the Department of Commercial Aviation at qualifying universities to develop purchasing procedures for aircraft procurement, subject to approval by the IHL (Institutions of Higher Learning) Board before implementation.

Adds this aircraft procurement exemption as subsection (xxxviii) to the existing exceptions from bidding requirements listed in Section 31-7-13 of the Mississippi Code.

Takes effect July 1, 2021.