Education

HB 19 appropriates $597 million from state funds for Mississippi's Department of Health operations during fiscal year 2026 (July 2025-June 2026). It allocates specific sums to critical programs, including $34 million for the Trauma Care System (covering hospitals in Mississippi and select out-of-state partners), $20 million from the Tobacco Control Fund for cancer programs and school nurse initiatives, and $7 million for targeted health disparity and maternal care programs. The bill also sets strict limits on "Personal Services" funding (salaries and benefits) for 2,083 authorized positions. The legislation passed the legislature but was partially vetoed by the governor on June 19, 2025.

HB 48 redirects $1.4 million in the FY2025 state education budget to continue Mississippi's existing school safety platform. The bill specifically revises an appropriation section to ensure this funding remains available for the current safety system, rather than for other purposes. This change affects Mississippi public schools by maintaining their current safety infrastructure funding without altering safety requirements or creating new programs. The bill passed the legislature and was signed into law by the governor in June 2025.