MS SB2312

Establishes a competitive bidding process for the lease or sale of county-owned property, requiring the board of supervisors to advertise for sealed bids for three consecutive weeks before executing any lease or conveyance

Allows boards of supervisors to either accept the highest and best bid received or hold an auction among bidders, with the opening auction bid set at the highest advertised bid amount

Grants existing leaseholders a right of first refusal during the final year of their lease if they made board-approved improvements to the property, allowing them to submit a second bid at least 5% higher than the top bid

Disqualifies leaseholders from submitting a second bid if rent, taxes, or other payments are past due, or if they are in default of lease terms for more than 30 days after notice

Effective date of July 1, 2023