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HB 476

Bonds; authorize issuance to assist Coahoma County with Town of Jonestown water and sewer project.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Orlando Paden

Mississippi would have issued bonds to fund Jonestown's water and sewer infrastructure, but the bill died in committee without passage.

Died In Committee
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Bill Summary · HB 476

Legislative bill overview

HB 476 would have authorized the issuance of state bonds to provide financial assistance to Coahoma County for a water and sewer infrastructure project in the Town of Jonestown. The bill died in committee on February 26, 2025, after being referred to the Ways and Means Committee in January, meaning it did not advance for a full vote.

Why is this important

Water and sewer infrastructure is critical for public health, economic development, and quality of life in rural communities. Bond-financed projects allow municipalities to address aging or inadequate systems without immediately burdening local taxpayers, though they create long-term debt obligations that the state or locality must repay with interest.

Potential points of contention

  • State debt burden: Bond issuance increases state obligations and affects Mississippi's overall debt-to-revenue ratio, which could impact future borrowing capacity and credit ratings
  • Local vs. state funding responsibility: Questions about whether infrastructure costs should primarily be borne by local governments through revenue bonds or user fees versus state support
  • Project prioritization: Limited state bond capacity may create competition between communities seeking assistance, raising fairness questions about which projects receive funding

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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