Federal funds; Governor shall not return to federal government as long as there is still a demonstrable need for those funds in Mississippi.

HB 677 prevents Mississippi's governor or state agencies from returning federal funds to the federal government as long as there is a demonstrable need for those funds in the specified program, with the Attorney General determining that need. It allows transferring funds to nonprofits or other non-governmental entities if they can better administer the program, provided federal rules permit it. The bill would have taken effect July 1, 2026, but died in committee on February 3, 2026. It directly affects how Mississippi manages federal funds for state programs, requiring continued use rather than premature return.