MS HB626

Amends Section 19-11-27 of the Mississippi Code to add an exception allowing county boards of supervisors to expend funds or contract obligations during the last six months of their term for projects funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

Exempts ARPA-funded projects from the existing restriction that generally prohibits boards from spending more than one-fourth of budgeted road and bridge funds between October 1 and January 1 in the final year of their term.

Allows counties to work toward completing ARPA projects to meet the federal 2026 deadline for spending ARPA funds.

Maintains existing exemptions for Local System Bridge Replacement programs, Emergency Road and Bridge Repair Funds, Transportation and Infrastructure Improvement Funds, Gulf Coast Restoration Funds, and deficient bridge projects.

Takes effect July 1, 2023.