Healthcare

HB 46 provides additional state funding for multiple agencies during fiscal years 2025 and 2026. It allocates specific amounts to cover existing costs, including $156,842 for the Attorney General's legal expenses related to ongoing cases (like Curtis Flowers v. State of Mississippi), $4.3 million for the Department of Corrections' medical program, $14 million for replacing an offender tracking system, and $27.4 million for the Department of Child Protective Services to cover increased operational costs. The bill directly affects state agencies by providing funds for legal fees, medical services, technology upgrades, and child welfare operations. This is a funding measure, not a new policy, and does not change existing laws or create new programs.

HB 24 appropriates $4,657,022 from state special funds to cover the operating costs of Mississippi's State Board of Medical Licensure for fiscal year 2026 (July 2025-June 2026). The bill specifically allocates $2,958,098 for "Personal Services" (salaries, wages, and benefits for employees), with strict limits on headcount (32 permanent positions) and prohibitions against using these funds for promotions or salary increases beyond established rates. It requires the board to meet performance targets like 100% online license renewals and resolving 90% of complaints within seven days, while mandating detailed financial reporting to the legislature. The funds cannot replace withdrawn federal funds or violate IRS reporting rules for contract employees.