SB 2041 directs Mississippi's Department of Corrections (MDOC) to conduct a study on dyslexia prevalence among inmates. The study requires MDOC to screen inmates using approved methods, collect anonymized demographic and educational data, and analyze links between dyslexia, educational background, disciplinary records, and recidivism. All data must comply with privacy laws (HIPAA/FERPA), and inmates can opt out without penalty. MDOC must submit a report to the legislature by December 31, 2026, including findings and recommendations for potential educational or rehabilitation programs. This bill does not create new programs or funding but authorizes a data-gathering study affecting all inmates under MDOC jurisdiction.
SB 2036 clarifies that nonviolent Mississippi inmates eligible for parole may be released without a hearing to parole supervision on their parole eligibility date, at the State Parole Board’s discretion, if they meet specific conditions. These conditions include completing their parole case plan, having no recent violations, securing victim consent (or no victim request for a hearing), agreeing to supervision terms, and having an approved discharge plan. The bill does not change who qualifies for parole eligibility but streamlines the process for compliant nonviolent inmates who meet these criteria. It maintains requirements for hearings if victims request one, if there are public safety concerns raised by law enforcement, or if the inmate hasn’t met case plan requirements. The law takes effect July 1, 2026.
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.
Notified of Approval
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.
SB 3082 appropriates $384,213 for the Mississippi Motor Vehicle Commission's operations during fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). It specifically allocates $274,515 for "Personal Services" (employee salaries, wages, and benefits) to cover 3 permanent staff positions, with strict rules prohibiting fund transfers to other categories or exceeding the budget. The bill requires the commission to comply with Mississippi’s Variable Compensation Plan and ensures funds are used only for authorized staff positions, not promotions or salary increases for current employees. This is a procedural funding measure with no new policy changes, directly affecting the Motor Vehicle Commission’s staffing budget.
SB 3078 appropriates $12,545,602 for Mississippi's Department of Banking and Consumer Finance for fiscal year 2027, primarily funding employee salaries and benefits. The bill specifies that $9,001,454 must be used exclusively for "Personal Services" (salaries, wages, and fringe benefits) for 86 authorized positions, with strict rules preventing the use of these funds for promotions, salary increases, or replacing federal funds. It requires the department to maintain detailed financial records and ensures no salary reductions below state personnel board minimums, while prohibiting excess spending beyond the allocated budget.
