HB 1622 exempts Mississippi's rural hospitals from needing a certificate of need for certain activities within their main campus and a 5-mile radius, excluding off-campus clinics and services covered by existing moratoriums. It directs the State Department of Health to review a system requiring healthcare facilities to treat uninsured patients or pay fees (with funds distributed to hospitals with emergency departments). The bill also waives application fees for new hospitals in Issaquena and Humphreys counties while maintaining moratoriums on new certificates for certain services in those areas.
SB 2578 creates a state fund to help small Mississippi municipalities (with under 10,000 residents) access federal grants by providing matching funds. It requires participating towns to contribute 20% of eligible project costs, with the state fund covering the remaining 80% to draw down federal money. The fund also allows reimbursement for up to 1.25% of its total amount for oversight costs by the Department of Finance and Administration. The department must annually report fund usage and costs to state officials, and the bill takes effect July 1, 2026.
HB 420 increases homestead tax exemptions for Mississippi veterans aged 85 or older who were honorably discharged, and their unremarried surviving spouses. Currently, most homeowners receive capped tax exemptions (up to $288 for properties valued at $7,200+), but this bill removes that cap for eligible veterans and surviving spouses. It ensures they receive full exemption from all property taxes on the entire assessed value of their homestead property, not just a portion. This change directly affects qualifying elderly veterans and their surviving spouses who own homes in Mississippi. The bill amends Mississippi Code Section 27-33-75 to expand existing veteran homestead protections.
HB 858 prohibits voting machines (OMR equipment) from establishing wireless connections during elections, requiring them to be incapable of such connectivity while in use. This directly affects Mississippi counties purchasing voting systems through the state's Voting Modernization Grant Program, which funds equipment meeting this new standard. The bill amends existing law to require that all voting systems used after January 1, 2024, cannot have wireless capabilities during elections, though hardware enabling wireless may remain if disabled during voting. Counties must comply with this requirement when applying for grant funds to buy or upgrade voting equipment.
SB 3092 allocates specific funds for existing livestock shows across Mississippi during fiscal year 2027. It provides $1.2 million for the Dixie National Livestock Show, $64,890 for junior livestock events, $30,000 for county shows (capped at $2,000 per county), $65,000 for district shows, and $8,500 for dairy shows. The bill mandates that county show funds require adequate facilities, guarantee minimum prize amounts, and reserve 75% of district/dairy funds for 4-H and school participants. It specifies strict payout rules, including reimbursement requirements and equal prize distribution for comparable livestock classes.
SB 3086 appropriates $200,296 in state funds for the Mississippi State Board of Veterinary Examiners to cover its operational expenses during fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). The bill provides funding for the board’s existing administrative costs and requires it to maintain detailed financial records comparable to its 2026 reporting. This is a routine budgetary measure affecting only the veterinary board’s operations, with no new regulations or direct impact on the public or animal owners.
SB 3083 appropriates $473,712 for the Mississippi State Board of Examiners for Licensed Professional Counselors to cover its operating expenses during fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). The bill specifically allocates $141,750 to update and maintain the board’s Licensing Management System and technology initiatives. It requires the board to maintain detailed financial records matching its FY2026 standards and submit comparable budget requests to the Joint Legislative Budget Committee for FY2028. The funding must comply with state procurement rules, including preference for Mississippi Industries for the Blind in purchasing decisions. This is a procedural funding bill with no direct policy changes for counselors or the public.
SB 3080 appropriates $147,459 for the Mississippi Board of Registered Professional Geologists to cover its operational expenses during fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). Of this, $105,862 is specifically designated for "Personal Services," covering salaries, wages, and benefits for one authorized permanent employee position. The bill restricts these funds to personnel costs only, prohibiting use for promotions, salary increases, or filling new positions without additional legislative approval. It requires strict adherence to Mississippi’s Variable Compensation Plan and mandates detailed financial reporting for compliance.
SB 3077 appropriates $369,241 in state funds for the Mississippi State Board of Architecture and Landscape Architecture Advisory Committee to cover expenses during fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). The bill specifically allocates $186,280 for personnel costs, including employee salaries and benefits, while restricting spending to authorized staff positions (2 permanent roles) and prohibiting salary reductions below state minimums. It requires strict budget adherence, limits "Vacancy Funding" to fill unfilled positions (not for raises or promotions), and mandates detailed financial reporting to the legislature. The bill ensures funds are used solely for the committee’s operational needs without exceeding appropriations.
SB 3084 appropriates $769,829 for Mississippi's State Board of Public Accountancy to cover its fiscal year 2027 expenses (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). It specifically allocates $496,104 for staff salaries and benefits for five permanent positions, with strict rules preventing budget overruns or using these funds for promotions. An additional $42,000 is earmarked exclusively for investigations, testimony, and administrative hearings related to the board's work. The bill ensures compliance with state salary plans and requires detailed financial reporting for transparency.
HB 1903 authorizes $9,101,320 in state funds for the Tombigbee River Valley Water Management District to cover bond payments, interest, maintenance, and project costs during fiscal year 2027 (July 2026-June 2027). It directly affects the water management district by funding its operational expenses and authorizing 17 permanent staff positions. The bill requires the district to maintain detailed financial records matching 2026 standards and mandates preference for Mississippi Industries for the Blind in purchasing decisions. It does not create new policies but formalizes existing funding allocations for the district's operations.
Mississippi's HB 1922 appropriates $330,629 from state special funds to cover the operating expenses of the Board of Examiners for Social Workers and Marriage and Family Therapists for fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). The funds specifically cover salaries, wages, and benefits for three permanent staff positions, with $203,629 designated exclusively for "Personal Services" (no promotions or salary increases for current staff). The bill requires the board to maintain detailed financial records matching its FY2026 reporting and prohibits using these funds for federal replacement or to exceed the approved budget. This is a funding measure, not a policy change, directly affecting the board's budget and staffing for licensing oversight.
