Appropriation; Agriculture and Commerce, Department of.

SB 3036 appropriates state funds to cover the operating expenses of the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce for fiscal year 2025. The bill allocates nearly $10 million from the State General Fund and approximately $19.6 million from special source funds, which include fees from publications and museum admissions, to support various divisions such as plant industry, fair commissions, and the livestock coliseum. A significant portion of the funding is designated for staffing, authorizing a permanent workforce of 219 positions and a time-limited workforce of 13, while also establishing strict rules to prevent using these funds for salary increases or promotions. Additionally, the legislation sets aside specific amounts for the Beaver Control Program and the Mississippi Egg Marketing Board, and it outlines performance targets for areas like pesticide inspections and museum attendance.