HB 640 appropriates $400,000 from the state general fund to Alcorn County's Board of Supervisors for the Alcorn County Fire Department to purchase turnout gear (protective firefighter clothing) during fiscal year 2026-2027. The bill directly affects Alcorn County firefighters by funding essential safety equipment. It provides a one-time state funding allocation to cover the costs of this specific equipment purchase, with funds to be disbursed by the State Treasurer upon proper requisition. This is a straightforward funding measure with no policy changes or broader implications.
HB 637 authorizes Mississippi to issue state bonds to fund the construction of a Rural Health Institute at South Central Regional Medical Center in Laurel. The bonds, backed by the state's full credit, will be sold through the State Bond Commission, with proceeds directed exclusively to cover the medical center's construction costs. The bill specifies that funds must be used solely for this project and cannot be diverted to other purposes. This is a funding mechanism, not a policy change affecting broader populations.
HB 639 appropriates $25,000 from the state general fund to Jackson County's Board of Supervisors for a needs assessment to determine a suitable location for a new county sheriff's office within Jackson County. The funds can be used either by the Board directly or provided to the sheriff's office to hire an engineering firm to conduct the study. This bill does not mandate a new office location or construction, only authorizes a study to evaluate potential sites. The assessment is limited to fiscal year 2027 (July 2026-June 2027) and affects Jackson County's sheriff's office operations.
HB 652 appropriates $50,000 from the state general fund to the City of Farmington, Mississippi, to cover costs for upgrading and renovating Farmington City Park during fiscal year 2027 (July 2026-June 2027). The funds are intended to support physical improvements to the park, directly benefiting residents who use the park and the city government managing the facility. The bill specifies that the state treasurer will disburse the funds upon proper requisitions from city officials, with the appropriation effective July 1, 2026. This is a straightforward funding measure with no policy changes or broader implications beyond the park renovation project.
HB 651 provides $50,000 in state funding to the Town of Glen, Mississippi, to cover costs for renovating and upgrading its owned properties and facilities during fiscal year 2027 (July 2026-June 2027). The bill is a straightforward appropriation from the State General Fund, requiring the State Treasurer to disburse the funds upon proper requisitions. It directly affects the Town of Glen by enabling specific infrastructure improvements. This procedural bill does not create new policies or regulations.
HB 657 appropriates $500,000 from the State General Fund to the City of Iuka for road paving and improvements during fiscal year 2027 (July 2026-June 2027). The funds are specifically designated to assist the city with costs for maintaining and upgrading its local road infrastructure. This is a direct funding allocation with no new policy requirements or broader regulatory changes. The appropriation becomes effective July 1, 2026, and the funds will be disbursed by the State Treasurer upon proper requisitions.
HB 658 allocates $800,000 from Mississippi's general fund to fund scholarships for paramedic students through the Paramedics Recruitment and Retention Scholarship Program. The money will support education costs for individuals training to become paramedics in Mississippi during the 2027 fiscal year (July 2026-June 2027). The Mississippi Department of Employment Security will administer these funds on behalf of the Office of Workforce Development. This program directly assists prospective paramedics by reducing financial barriers to education and training.
HB 696 allocates $6 million from the state general fund to cover salary increases and required state-funded fringe benefits for active sworn officers of the Mississippi Highway Safety Patrol, Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, and Capitol Police. This funding is specifically designated for the 2026-2027 fiscal year (July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027), aligning with existing salary increases authorized under Mississippi law. The bill directs the State Treasurer to disburse these funds upon proper requisitions and becomes effective on July 1, 2026.
HB 690 would add a new exemption to Mississippi's sales tax law, allowing churches to avoid paying sales tax on physical goods and services purchased for religious activities. Specifically, it exempts sales to churches that are already federally tax-exempt under IRS Section 501(c)(3), provided the items are used solely for spreading their religious beliefs or conducting regular nonprofit worship. This amendment would add churches to the existing list of tax-exempt entities like hospitals, schools, and museums in the state's sales tax code. The change directly affects qualifying churches purchasing items such as building supplies, religious materials, or services for worship and ministry operations.
HB 693 increases the amount of National Guard compensation excluded from Mississippi's state income tax from $15,000 to $25,000 annually. This change directly affects Mississippi National Guard members whose state income tax calculations exclude this portion of their military pay. The bill amends Section 27-7-15 of Mississippi's tax code to adjust the exclusion threshold for active-duty National Guard compensation. This is a specific tax code adjustment with no new programs or funding mechanisms. The policy change reduces taxable income for eligible National Guard members by $10,000 per year.
HB 688 appropriates $900,000 from the state general fund to the Tishomingo County Fair Board for constructing a roof over the livestock arena at the Iuka fairgrounds. The funding covers costs associated with this specific project during Mississippi's 2027 fiscal year (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). This is a straightforward funding allocation for a local infrastructure improvement, directly benefiting the Tishomingo County Fair Board and the county's fair operations.
HB 687 exempts boat trailers from Mississippi's highway privilege tax, property tax, and registration and license tag requirements. Boat trailer owners will no longer need to pay these fees or register their trailers with the state. The bill amends specific sections of Mississippi's vehicle tax code to implement this exemption, specifically targeting boat trailers as defined in the law.
