HB 468 appropriates $300,000 from the state general fund to the City of Verona, Mississippi, for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The funds are specifically for purchasing police department equipment (like gear or vehicles) and making street improvements (such as road repairs or resurfacing) within the city. This bill provides direct state financial assistance to Verona's local government for these two infrastructure needs without creating new policies or regulations. The appropriation becomes effective July 1, 2026.
HB 473 authorizes Mississippi to issue state bonds to fund street overlay projects in Okolona. The bill specifically covers resurfacing costs for 10 streets in Okolona (including Park Lane, Adams Avenue, and Murphy Street), covering construction, engineering, and related expenses. Funds will come from the sale of state general obligation bonds, backed by Mississippi's full credit, with proceeds directed to a special fund for these projects. The legislation directly affects Okolona residents and city infrastructure by providing state-level financial assistance for local road repairs.
HB 506 appropriates $10 million from the State General Fund to the Scenic Rivers Development Alliance for specific infrastructure projects in Franklin, Walthall, Pike, Amite, and Wilkinson counties during fiscal year 2027. The funds will cover construction and improvements at Okhissa Lake Lodge in Franklin County, plus facility upgrades, road repairs, river access, erosion control, and trail enhancements across the five counties. This is a one-time funding allocation for defined physical projects, not a broad policy change. The bill directs the State Treasurer to disburse funds upon proper requisitions, effective July 1, 2026.
HB 437 amends Mississippi's sales tax code to exempt sales of tangible personal property or services to "Veterans Outreach" organizations from state sales tax. This directly affects businesses selling goods or services to qualified Veterans Outreach groups, removing the tax burden on those transactions. The bill adds this exemption to the existing list of tax exemptions in Section 27-65-111, which already covers entities like hospitals, schools, and nonprofit organizations. The change creates a specific tax relief for Veterans Outreach groups without altering other existing exemptions.
HB 491 amends Mississippi's sales tax law to exempt sales of both children's diapers and adult diapers from state sales tax. This change directly affects consumers who purchase these products, as retailers will no longer collect sales tax on them. The bill adds these items to the existing list of tax-exempt sales in Section 27-65-111 of the Mississippi Code. The policy change takes effect upon enactment, providing immediate tax relief for diaper buyers.
HB 419 increases Mississippi's homestead property tax exemption for a specific group: unremarried surviving spouses of veterans who were honorably discharged and are 85 years or older. The bill amends existing law to grant these individuals a full exemption from all ad valorem taxes on their homestead property's assessed value, rather than a partial reduction. This expands the current homestead exemption program to include this veteran spouse demographic, providing complete tax relief on their primary residence. The exemption applies to the entire assessed value of their home, not just a portion of it.
HB 495 allocates $1,876,700 from the state general fund to the Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks for road base repairs and paving at Trace State Park in Pontotoc County. This funding covers work for the fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2027), directly affecting park infrastructure and visitors. The bill specifies that funds will be disbursed via state warrants to the Commission for these specific road maintenance projects.
HB 510 creates a refundable Mississippi state income tax credit equal to 10% of a taxpayer's federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) amount. It directly affects Mississippi taxpayers who qualify for and claim the federal EITC on their federal tax return. The credit is refundable, meaning if it exceeds the taxpayer's state income tax liability (after other credits), they receive a cash refund from the Mississippi Department of Revenue. The bill takes effect January 1, 2026, and requires taxpayers to submit their federal tax return as proof of eligibility.
HB 475 appropriates $50,000 from the State General Fund to Lee and Monroe County Boards of Supervisors for the Natural Resource Camp pilot program during fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). The funding supports a pilot program created under a previous bill, though the bill text does not detail the program's specific activities. This is a straightforward funding allocation with no additional policy provisions or requirements.
HB 503 appropriates $4 million from the state general fund to help Pike County cover costs for building a bridge on U.S. Highway 51 over the Canadian National Railway railroad. This funding directly supports Pike County's board of supervisors and aims to improve access to the Metro Pike Industrial Park by completing the bridge. The bill specifies the funds are for the 2027 fiscal year (July 2026-June 2027) and must be paid through standard state fiscal procedures. The state will cover part of the bridge construction costs, with Pike County responsible for the remaining expenses.
HB 458 appropriates $750,000 from the State General Fund to the City of Byram to cover road repair costs in four specific subdivisions: Byram Estates, Brennan Ridge, Byramdale Estates, and Barrington. The funding is for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2027. This bill directly affects residents of these subdivisions by providing state financial support for local road maintenance. It is a straightforward funding measure with no policy changes or broader implications beyond the specified road repairs.
HB 446 authorizes Mississippi to issue state bonds to provide financial assistance to the City of Byram for its Barrington Drive Pipe Rehabilitation Project in the Barrington Subdivision. The bill directs the State Bond Commission to issue these bonds, with proceeds transferred to a special fund to cover the city's costs for repairing aging water pipes. The bonds are general obligations of the State of Mississippi, backed by the state's full faith and credit, ensuring repayment if city funds are insufficient. This directly affects the City of Byram and residents of the Barrington Subdivision by funding critical infrastructure improvements.
