This bill amends Mississippi expungement laws to prevent the sealing of felony convictions for promoting or procuring prostitution (Section 99-19-71). It allows victims of human trafficking to request courts to expunge misdemeanor or nonviolent convictions directly resulting from their victimization, waiving filing fees for these requests. The bill also clarifies that minors are not liable for nonviolent crimes committed during trafficking (Section 97-3-54.1) and provides an affirmative defense for crimes stemming from trafficking. These changes directly affect trafficking victims seeking to clear related convictions and individuals convicted of specific prostitution-related felonies.
SB 2882 removes a requirement for Mississippi homeowners applying for homestead tax exemption to submit a copy of their property closing statement or disclosure. The bill amends Mississippi Code Section 27-33-31 to explicitly state that applicants no longer need to provide these documents to qualify. This change directly affects homeowners seeking the homestead exemption, simplifying the application process by eliminating one document submission. The policy change streamlines the administrative process for county tax assessors handling homestead exemption applications.
HB 1265 extends the repeal date of Mississippi's Debt Management Services Act from 2025 to 2030. This delays when the entire law will expire, keeping the current regulations in effect for another five years. The bill directly affects debt management service providers operating in Mississippi who must comply with existing licensing and operational requirements under the Act. The key mechanism is simply changing the sunset date in Section 81-22-31 of the Mississippi Code, without altering the substance of the regulations.
HB 1854 appropriates $9,821,328 from Mississippi's Main Street Revitalization Fund to the Mississippi Development Authority for grants to 25 designated communities. The funds support specific downtown projects like building restorations (e.g., Amory's Downtown District, Biloxi's How Hop Creative Project), public space improvements, and wayfinding systems. Grants are allocated for projects in communities including Cleveland (Town Green), Hattiesburg (Welcome Center), and Natchez (The Depot Park), with each project receiving a specified amount. The funding is available from the bill's passage through June 30, 2027.
HB 314 authorizes Mississippi's Department of Health to select a consortium (comprising a drug developer, university, and hospital) to conduct clinical trials using ibogaine. The goal is to secure U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for ibogaine as a treatment for opioid use disorder, co-occurring substance use disorders, and other neurological or mental health conditions. The bill requires the selected consortium to provide matching non-state funds, coordinate with other states' trials, and submit detailed proposals covering trial design, safety protocols, and FDA application strategies. It also mandates plans for future treatment access, provider training, and commercialization of any resulting intellectual property.
SB 2360 requires Mississippi's Secretary of State to create a public registry of private companies working as contractors for government entities under the Tort Claims Act. These companies must register with the Secretary of State and display notice on their websites and materials that they are subject to the Tort Claims Act. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, and expires June 30, 2026, creating a temporary registry system for transparency. It directly affects private contractors working with state or local government agencies.
SB 3097 appropriates $5,373,698 from the state general fund to cover the State Personnel Board's operations for fiscal year 2027 (July 2026-June 2027). The funds specifically support personnel costs, including employee salaries, benefits, and "Vacancy Funding" to fill unfilled positions authorized as of June 2026. The bill restricts spending to prevent exceeding the budgeted amount for "Personal Services" and requires the Board to publish annual cost projections based on payroll data. It ensures no salary reductions below the Board's minimum standards and prohibits using general funds to replace other funding sources.
This bill appropriates $9,771,233 from the state General Fund and $1,673,699 from a special fund to cover the Mississippi Gaming Commission’s operating expenses for fiscal year 2027. It specifically restricts the use of these funds - requiring all "Personal Services" money (covering staff salaries, benefits, and approved vacancies) to stay within authorized headcount levels (113 permanent positions) and prohibiting salary increases for current employees. The funds must not be used for promotions, title changes, or replacing federal funds, and any new hires must utilize designated "Vacancy Funding" rather than increasing overall salary budgets. The commission must comply with Mississippi’s Variable Compensation Plan and ensure spending aligns with the approved budget for FY2027.
This bill appropriates $188,645 from the state treasury to fund the Mississippi State Board of Chiropractic Examiners for fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). It specifically allocates $40,000 to replace and upgrade the board’s licensing management system. The bill requires the board to maintain detailed financial records, comply with budget laws, and give preference to Mississippi Industries for the Blind when purchasing goods or services.
SB 3076 appropriates $367,353,926 for Mississippi's Office of State Aid Road Construction within the Department of Transportation for fiscal year 2027 (July 2026-June 2027). It specifically allocates $5,351,418 for "Personal Services" (salaries, wages, and benefits) for 54 authorized staff positions, with strict rules preventing transfers to other budget categories or using funds for promotions/salary increases for current employees. The bill also authorizes up to $500,000 in reimbursements from the Mississippi Development Authority for engineering services provided to local governments. This is a funding bill, not a policy change, focused solely on budget allocation for road construction office operations.
This bill appropriates $219,128 from the state treasury to fund the Mississippi State Board of Massage Therapy for fiscal year 2027 (July 2026-June 2027). It directly affects the Board by providing dedicated funding for its operational expenses, including staff and administrative costs. The bill requires the Board to maintain detailed financial records matching those used in fiscal year 2026 and to submit its 2028 budget request in the same format as the 2027 request. It does not create new regulations for massage therapy but ensures continued funding and accountability for the existing Board.
This bill allocates $690,254 from the state general fund to cover the operational costs of Mississippi's Board of Tax Appeals for fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). It specifically designates $609,399 for staff salaries and benefits, limiting the board to six permanent employees. The bill requires strict adherence to this budget, prohibits using funds for non-salary purposes like promotions, and mandates detailed financial reporting to ensure compliance with state personnel salary standards. It does not change tax laws or policies but provides funding for the board's administrative operations.
