SB 2925 extends the expiration date for a 2% tax on restaurant sales in Starkville, Mississippi, ensuring the tax continues beyond its original end date. The tax applies to gross income from prepared food and beverages at restaurants, collected similarly to sales tax. Revenue is distributed as follows: 15% to the Economic Development Authority, 15% to the Visitors and Convention Council, 10% to the city for development, 40% to Starkville parks for improvements, and 20% to Mississippi State University for student activities. The bill does not change the tax rate or distribution percentages, only the date when the tax would otherwise expire.
SB 2931 authorizes the City of Natchez and Adams County to annually contribute funds to Natchez, Inc., a nonprofit focused on economic development. Specifically, Natchez must contribute at least $150,000 yearly, while Adams County must contribute at least $165,000 yearly. The bill expires on July 1, 2030, and does not create new taxes or alter existing funding streams.
Mississippi Senate Bill 3107 extends the expiration date for a 3% tax on hotel and motel room rentals in Laurel, allowing the city to continue collecting this revenue for tourism promotion. The bill requires Laurel's city council to hold a voter referendum before implementing the tax, with funds dedicated solely to tourism activities like marketing, facility improvements, and public safety. It applies to all hotels, motels, and short-term rental platforms (e.g., Airbnb) operating within Laurel, excluding hospitals and nursing homes. The tax revenue must be collected through the state Department of Revenue, audited annually, and cannot be used as general city funds.
SB 3158 extends the expiration date of a 2% sales tax on restaurants in Clinton, Mississippi, which was set to end in 2030. The tax applies to restaurants selling prepared food (excluding hospitals, schools, and similar facilities) and requires voter approval via election (60% support needed) before implementation. Revenue from the tax must be used exclusively for tourism promotion and parks/recreation projects, held in a separate city fund, and audited annually. This bill does not create a new tax but prolongs an existing local funding mechanism.
SB 3095 appropriates $28,041,412 from the General Fund and $21,487,878 from special funds to cover the Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services' (DITS) expenses for fiscal year 2027. The bill directly affects state agencies that rely on DITS for telecommunication, data center, and other IT services, funding their operations through these allocations. Key provisions restrict $12,034,227 of the total to "Personal Services" (salaries, wages, and benefits) for up to 136 permanent staff positions, with strict rules preventing overspending or using these funds for promotions or salary increases beyond authorized headcounts.
SB 3062 allocates $68.16 million in state funds to support the Mississippi Community College Board's operations for fiscal year 2027 (July 2026-June 2027). It specifically covers administrative expenses, the Greenville Higher Education Center ($542,459), geospatial licenses ($37,626), and the Workforce Education Program ($50.83 million), with funds sourced from the General Fund, Education Enhancement Fund, and other dedicated accounts. The bill also directs $30 million for postsecondary career education operations and requires budget submissions for FY2028 following FY2027 standards. It prohibits using state funds to replace withdrawn federal or special funds and mandates preference for Mississippi Industries for the Blind in procurement.
This bill appropriates $909,689 from the State General Fund to cover the Mississippi Ethics Commission's operating expenses for fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). It authorizes six permanent staff positions and requires the Commission to maintain detailed financial records matching its FY 2026 standards. The bill also mandates that the Commission prioritize purchasing from Mississippi Industries for the Blind when bids are equal and permits insurance purchases for agency vehicles. It does not change ethics laws or create new policies - it solely provides funding and administrative guidelines for the Commission's existing operations.
SB 3098 appropriates $15.12 million from Mississippi's General Fund and $24.06 million from special funds to cover the Secretary of State's office expenses for fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). It specifically allocates $7.82 million for employee salaries, benefits, and "Vacancy Funding" to fill authorized positions (96 permanent and 11 temporary roles), with strict rules preventing fund transfers to other categories or exceeding budget limits. The bill requires the office to maintain detailed financial records matching 2026 standards and prohibits using these funds to replace federal or other special funds. As a funding measure, it does not change the Secretary of State's duties or create new policies.
Mississippi Senate Bill 3090 allocates $56.8 million from the General Fund and $25 million from special funds to cover the operating costs of the Mississippi Department of Revenue for fiscal year 2027. This includes funding for its Homestead Exemption Division, Motor Vehicle Comptroller, Alcohol Beverage Control Division, Enforcement Division, and reimbursement to counties and school districts for tax losses due to homestead exemptions. The bill also specifies that $44.7 million must be used exclusively for "Personal Services" (salaries, wages, and fringe benefits) with strict limits on staffing levels (604 permanent positions) and prohibits using these funds for promotions or salary increases beyond approved levels. It requires the State Personnel Board to monitor spending to ensure compliance with annual budget caps and prohibits using general funds to replace other funding sources.
SB 3060 allocates $54.3 million from the state general fund and $4.5 million from federal/found sources to support Mississippi's student financial aid programs for fiscal year 2027. It directly affects Mississippi students receiving scholarships, grants, or loans through the Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid, prioritizing those eligible under Section 37-106-39 of state law. The bill requires the Office to report annually on program usage, including recipient numbers, award amounts, and loan repayment status. It also specifies funding for 10 new optometry students annually and restricts funds from supporting certain specialized loan programs like the Southeast Asia POW/MIA Grant.
SB 3055 allocates $8,161,869 in state general funds and $335,000 from the Education Enhancement Fund to support Alcorn State University's agricultural research, extension, and land-grant programs for fiscal year 2027. The funds are specifically designated for agency operations ($170,000), the Poultry Sciences Academic Research Center ($300,000), and broader agricultural research including poultry, animal, and environmental science programs ($715,000). This appropriation directly affects Alcorn State University's existing agricultural programs and prohibits using state funds to replace federal or other external funding sources.
SB 3059 appropriates $21.37 million from general funds and $55.86 million from special sources (including $750,000 from the Education Enhancement Fund) to fund the College of Veterinary Medicine at Mississippi State University for fiscal year 2027. The funding covers operations, a $180,000 scholarship program for rural veterinarians, Chronic Wasting Disease research, and construction of the Wise Center. The bill requires the college to meet specific performance targets, including a 95% pass rate on veterinary licensing exams and 38,800 patient visits at its Animal Health Center. It also mandates reporting on these metrics in the 2028 budget request. This bill directly affects Mississippi State University's veterinary program and its students, faculty, and clinical services.
