A bill that would change how Mississippi's college board is selected passed, but drew criticism during debate in the House. MPB's Desare Frazier reports.
Currently Mississippi's governor selects the 12 members of the state's college board for staggered nine-year terms. Republican Scott Bounds of Philadelphia is on the House Universities and Colleges Committee. He says House Bill 870 would change the process.
"What this bill would do would allow for four appointments to continue from the governor, four from the Lt. Governor and four from the speaker," said Bounds.
Bounds says the measure provides a balance in how college board members are selected. House Democrat Gregory Holloway of Hazlehurst is also on the universities and colleges committee and opposes the bill. Faculty and staff at several universities have complained about not being apart of the decisions made by the college board. Holloway told Bounds he wants all state-funded universities represented.
"Why aren't we addressing that issue when we're were talking about balance? You said balance. Let me ask you a question my friend do you think that all state, all eight state institutions should have someone at the table,?" said Holloway.
Bounds says the bill would allow legislators to recommend representatives from universities to the governor, Lt. governor and house speaker.
"I think that would bring more input from people like you, people like this body to go to the speaker when his appointments are up or due and say Mr. Speaker, where are our appointments for Ole Miss," said Bounds.
House Bill 870 passed on a motion to reconsider. In order for the measure to take effect, voters must first pass a referendum requiring the college board create a policy for selecting university presidents. That proposal hasn't come before the full House yet.
