ARPA Expenditures Ombudsman; establish to oversee all expenditures of ARPA funds.

HB 218 establishes an ARPA Expenditures Ombudsman position in Mississippi, appointed by the Governor for a term ending December 31, 2026. The ombudsman will oversee all state expenditures of federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) pandemic relief funds made by the Legislature, Governor, or state agencies, and collect public feedback on these spending decisions. This role requires the ombudsman to produce an annual public report detailing how ARPA funds are spent, who benefits, and suggestions for improving fund allocation, with compensation paid from ARPA funds. The bill directly affects state agencies managing ARPA funds and provides the public with a formal channel to review spending transparency.