Mississippi § 31-5-23 - State products used in public works.
Full text of Mississippi Mississippi Code of 1972 Annotated § 31-5-23 — State products used in public works., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 31-5-23. State products used in public works.
In the construction of any building, highway, road, bridge, or other public work or improvement by the State of Mississippi or any of its political subdivisions or municipalities, only materials grown, produced, prepared, made and/or manufactured within the State of Mississippi should be used. Paint, varnish and lacquer shall be used which shall contain as vehicles tung oil and either ester gum or modified resin (with rosin as the principal base of constituents), and turpentine shall be used as solvent or thinner, all of which said products shall be produced in Mississippi. However, preference shall not be given to materials grown, produced, prepared, made and/or manufactured in the State of Mississippi when other materials of like quality produced without the State of Mississippi may be purchased or secured at less cost, or any other materials of better quality produced without the State of Mississippi can be secured at a reasonable cost. The duty is hereby enjoined upon all public officers or bodies having the right to contract for the purchase of materials for any such public work to be paid for by the State of Mississippi or any of its political subdivisions or municipalities to faithfully observe the provisions of this section. All contracts hereafter let to any person, firm or corporation for the construction or doing of any public work shall contain a provision enjoining a like duty upon the contractor with respect to the purchase of materials as would have rested upon the public officer or body letting the contract had he or it done the work and purchased the materials. Nothing herein shall in any manner apply to any public work or improvement which will be paid for either in whole or in part by funds contributed either directly or indirectly by the United States. This section is declaratory of public policy of the State of Mississippi. The boards of supervisors of the State of Mississippi are hereby enjoined, in the letting of contracts in pursuance to Section 65-9-19, to use any and all low gravity oil from the various oil fields in this state in the construction, maintenance, and upkeep of the rural roads, and to faithfully observe the provisions hereof.
Source: official Mississippi text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Mississippi § 31-5-23
What does Mississippi Code of 1972 Annotated § 31-5-23 cover?
Section 31-5-23 ("State products used in public works.") is part of the Mississippi Code of 1972 Annotated, the codified statutory law of Mississippi. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Mississippi § 31-5-23?
A common citation format is "Mississippi Code of 1972 Annotated § 31-5-23" (Mississippi). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Mississippi law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Mississippi official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Mississippi attorney.
How does Mississippi § 31-5-23 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Mississippi can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Mississippi.