Appropriations

This bill amends a previous appropriation law to clarify that $1.5 million in state funds is designated for the Mississippi Department of Human Services. The money will be used to establish and run a youth diversion program, which aims to redirect young people away from the traditional justice system. The funds are drawn from the state's Capital Expense Fund and allocated by the State Treasurer.

Mississippi House Bill 2 appropriates a total of $29.5 million in state funds for the fiscal year 2027 to support juvenile justice and youth services. The Department of Human Services will receive $12 million from the Capital Expense Fund to renovate and expand the Oakley Youth Development Center, along with $7.5 million from the State General Fund to establish statewide youth diversion programs. Additionally, the Department of Public Safety is allocated $10 million from the Capital Expense Fund to acquire, design, or lease new secured detention facilities for juveniles in both North and South Mississippi.

Mississippi Senate Bill 2003 appropriates an additional $29.5 million in state funds for fiscal year 2027 to support youth justice system reforms. The Department of Human Services will receive $12 million from the Capital Expense Fund to renovate and expand the Oakley Youth Development Center, along with $7.5 million from the State General Fund to establish statewide diversion programs for juveniles. Additionally, the Department of Public Safety is allocated $10 million from the Capital Expense Fund to acquire, renovate, or lease new secured detention facilities in both North and South Mississippi.

Mississippi Senate Bill 2004 amends the state's fiscal year 2027 budget to clarify how $1.5 million is allocated to the Department of Human Services. The bill specifies that these funds will come from the Capital Expense Fund and be used to establish a youth diversion program under existing state law. This legislative change directly affects the department by defining the source and intended use of the money for this specific initiative.

HB 1648 is a procedural bill that moves existing Mississippi budget code sections (27-103-125, 27-103-139, 27-103-203, 27-103-211, 27-103-213, and 27-103-303) to new positions in the code for potential future amendment. It also directs the State Fiscal Officer to transfer funds to the Capital Expense Fund during fiscal year 2027. The bill does not change existing budget rules or create new policies - it merely reorganizes current language and specifies one fund transfer. This affects state agencies and the State Fiscal Officer, who must implement the FY2027 fund transfer as directed.