Mississippi Bills

HB 1571 manages unspent American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds in Mississippi by requiring state agencies to report on remaining funds by October 2025. It directs the transfer of available ARPA funds to specific state funds (like the ARPA-MDOT Maintenance Project Fund) and mandates that all ARPA funds must be fully expended by December 31, 2026. The bill requires grant recipients to certify they will complete projects using other funds if deadlines pass, and creates new special funds for programs like transportation maintenance and healthcare workforce development. This affects state agencies administering ARPA grants and the entities receiving those grants, focusing on reallocating leftover funds before expiration.

SB 2863 establishes the Bayou Casotte Industrial Zone in unincorporated Jackson County, Mississippi, to promote industrial growth and economic development. The bill directly affects property owners and businesses within the defined zone by prohibiting municipalities from annexing any portion of it, preventing additional property taxes or municipal services without equivalent benefits. Key provisions include setting specific boundaries for the zone, declaring annexation attempts void, and ensuring existing tax exemptions and economic incentives remain available. This policy change aims to maintain the zone's competitiveness for industrial investment by avoiding dual taxation that could harm local economic growth.

HB 1153 prohibits the manufacture, sale, or offer for sale of cell-cultivated dairy products in Mississippi. It expands definitions to clarify terms like "cell-cultured dairy product" and "cultivated-protein food product," requiring retailers and food service establishments to provide clear consumer disclosures about product authenticity at the point of sale. The bill also strengthens the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce’s regulatory authority, including enforcement powers, inspection procedures, and civil penalties for violations related to labeling and misbranding of meat and non-meat products. State agencies, public schools, and institutions of higher learning must adopt procurement policies preventing the purchase of misbranded or cultivated-protein food products.

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.

Senate Resolution 75 formally recognizes Commander Desmond Walker of Hollandale, Mississippi, for receiving the 45th Annual Vice Admiral James Bond Stockdale Leadership Award from the U.S. Navy. The resolution commends Walker on his service as Commanding Officer of the USS Stout, highlighting his receipt of military honors including the Bronze Star Medal and Combat Action Ribbon during his tour. This legislative document serves as an official state acknowledgment of Walker's leadership achievements and does not create new laws or policy changes.

This Senate Resolution commends the Simpson Academy Lady Cougars girls basketball team and head coach Linda Dear for winning the 2026 MAIS Class 4A Division 1 State Championship. The resolution recognizes the team's victory over East Rankin Academy and their runner-up finish in the overall tournament, highlighting key achievements such as Coach Dear's fifth state title and the team's 30-5 record. The document formally acknowledges the players and coaching staff for their accomplishments and directs the resolution to be presented to Coach Dear and Simpson Academy leadership.

This Senate Resolution recognizes Jackson State University basketball player Daeshun Ruffin as the 2025-2026 SWAC Player of the Year. The bill formally commends Ruffin for his athletic achievements, including leading the conference in scoring and ranking third nationally in points per game. It directs the resolution to be presented to Ruffin, his family and coaches, and distributed to the JSU Athletic Director and media outlets. The measure serves as an official acknowledgment of his accomplishments and does not alter any laws or policies.