HB 281 exempts sales tax on infant formula, baby food, diapers, diaper bags, diaper rash cream, baby wipes, baby powder, and nonprescription medical items for children in Mississippi. It directly affects parents, caregivers, and retailers selling these specific products by removing the state sales tax from purchases. The bill amends Mississippi's tax code (sections 27-65-111 and 27-65-17) to add these items to the list of exempt sales. This change provides immediate cost savings for families buying essential baby and children's products. The exemption applies to retail sales only and does not cover other items or services.
HB 295 authorizes Mississippi to issue state general obligation bonds to fund repairs, upgrades, and improvements to senior centers, community centers, and gymnasiums owned by the City of Jackson. The bonds, backed by Mississippi's full credit, will provide direct financial assistance to Jackson for these specific facility projects. Proceeds from the bond sales will be deposited into a dedicated fund and can only be used for the named facility improvements and related costs. This bill directly affects Jackson's municipal facilities and their residents by providing state-funded capital for infrastructure upgrades.
HB 282 authorizes the State of Mississippi to issue general obligation bonds to provide funding for Prentiss County to cover costs related to repairing, renovating, restoring, and upgrading the Prentiss County Courthouse. The bonds, backed by the state's full credit, will be sold by the State Bond Commission, with proceeds dedicated exclusively to courthouse improvements. This bill directly affects Prentiss County by enabling state-funded support for critical courthouse infrastructure without requiring immediate county financial outlay. The state assumes responsibility for repaying the bonds, and funds must be used solely for the specified courthouse project.
HB 286 appropriates $600,000 from the state general fund to the City of Pearl for constructing a traffic signal at the intersection of Mississippi Highway 468 and Murray Drive during fiscal year 2026-2027. This funding directly assists the City of Pearl in covering construction costs for the traffic signal, which will affect drivers and pedestrians using that specific intersection. The bill is purely a funding authorization with no policy changes beyond the allocation.
HB 304 allocates $4 million from Mississippi's State General Fund to Noxubee County's Board of Supervisors for specific road improvement projects. The funding, effective July 1, 2026, directly supports four road segments: Gillespie Road (District 1), Macon-Lynn Creek Road East (District 3), Dorroh Hill Road (District 4), and Macon-Lynn Creek Road West (District 5), with $1 million assigned to each. The bill provides direct state financial assistance to complete these projects within the 2026-2027 fiscal year. This is a straightforward funding authorization with no new policy provisions or eligibility requirements beyond the listed road projects.
HB 321 appropriates $5 million from the state general fund to Coahoma County's Board of Supervisors for specific railroad track upgrades. The funds will cover replacing crossties, improving road crossings, and reinforcing bridges along a rail line between Lula and Swan Lake. This direct state funding supports Coahoma County's infrastructure improvements for the fiscal year 2027. The bill authorizes the State Treasurer to disburse the funds upon proper requisitions.
HB 303 authorizes Mississippi to issue state general obligation bonds to assist Noxubee County in developing a 100-acre multi-industrial site. The funds would cover specific development costs including site preparation, utility installation, access road construction, and environmental compliance. The state guarantees repayment through its general funds if needed, with bond proceeds restricted solely to this project. This bill directly affects Noxubee County’s economic development plans by providing state-backed financing for infrastructure.
HB 359 appropriates $500,000 from the State General Fund to the Mississippi Department of Revenue for system upgrades to the homestead exemption program during fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). The funding covers costs to modernize the existing homestead exemption system, which helps qualifying homeowners reduce their property tax burden. This bill directly affects the Department of Revenue’s operations and indirectly supports homeowners who rely on the exemption system. It does not change eligibility rules or tax rates, only providing funds for technical improvements to the administrative system.
HB 341 allocates $20 million from Mississippi's State General Fund to the Department of Public Safety (DPS) for purchasing new and replacement motor vehicles. The funding specifically covers vehicles needed for DPS employees to perform their official duties during fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). This is a straightforward budget appropriation with no new policy changes, solely providing financial resources for vehicle replacements. The bill directly affects DPS operations by enabling the agency to maintain its fleet of service vehicles.
HB 296 appropriates $2 million from the state general fund to Tunica County for repaving and repairing traffic lights on Casino Strip Resort Boulevard during fiscal year 2027 (July 2026-June 2027). The funds are intended to cover costs directly associated with this specific infrastructure project on a road serving casino resorts. The bill authorizes the State Treasurer to disburse the money upon proper state fiscal procedures. This is a straightforward funding allocation with no policy changes or broader legislative impact.
HB 332 allocates $20 million from the state general fund to the Office of Workforce Development (with the Department of Employment Security as fiscal agent) to support and expand career coaching programs in Mississippi middle and high schools for fiscal year 2027. The funding directly affects public schools and students by enabling career guidance services, as established under Mississippi Code Section 37-73-3. The bill provides concrete financial resources to scale existing programs, requiring the State Treasurer to disburse funds upon proper requisitions. It takes effect July 1, 2026, with no additional policy changes beyond the funding allocation.
HB 334 appropriates $4 million from the State General Fund to the Department of Employment Security for the Individual Training Account Workforce Reinforcement Assistance Program. The funds will support education and training for Mississippi residents seeking jobs in high-wage, high-demand industries with documented workforce shortages, as prioritized by the Office of Workforce Development. This program, established under Section 37-153-223, targets fiscal year 2026-2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). The bill provides no new policy changes but allocates existing funds for an existing workforce development initiative.
