MS SB2494

Creates Section 29-5-2.2 establishing the Bureau of Building, Grounds and Real Property Management of the Department of Finance and Administration as the central leasing agent for all state agencies requiring office space, effective January 1, 2025.

Requires state agencies to obtain DFA approval before entering, renewing, or negotiating any lease, lease-purchase, or building purchase agreements, and mandates state agencies be housed in state-owned buildings when space is available.

Directs agencies in Hinds, Madison, or Rankin County to be located within the Capitol Complex unless relocation would significantly impair public access or increase rental costs beyond current amounts.

Authorizes DFA to adopt standards for space allocation, identify consolidation opportunities to reduce costs, adopt standard lease forms with uniform terms, and use Request for Proposal processes when state space is unavailable.

Amends 23 existing statutes across state agencies to incorporate compliance with the new central leasing authority and property management requirements.