MS SB2443

Establishes the Technology Innovation Fund administered by the Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services under the Chief Information Officer to support innovative technology projects that improve government efficiency, transparency, and service delivery.

Eligible applicants include state and local government agencies, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, and private sector entities in partnership with government agencies, with proposals evaluated based on measurable public benefits, scalability, cross-sector partnerships, and ability to address service delivery challenges.

Fund allocations may take the form of grants, matching funds, or loans, with the CIO establishing evaluation criteria prioritizing projects that provide measurable benefits, demonstrate sustainability, foster partnerships, and address urgent challenges in service delivery and cybersecurity.

Fund recipients must submit periodic progress reports to the CIO, which shall submit annual reports to the Governor and Legislature detailing project outcomes, expenditures, and recommendations for future innovations.

Fund shall be initially capitalized through General Fund appropriation with additional revenue from public-private partnerships, federal grants, licensing/commercialization revenues, donations, and potential revolving loan repayments from successful projects.