Sen. Briggs Hopson

Maddy summarySB 3072 appropriates $704.7 million for Mississippi's Department of Mental Health for fiscal year 2027, combining $253.88 million from general funds and $450.85 million from special sources. Key allocations include $2.0 million for mental health training for law enforcement and court liaisons, $1.1 million for physician services at community centers, and $16.8 million for department operations and Medicaid payments. The bill specifies that funds must be used for "Personal Services" like salaries and cannot be diverted to other purposes, with strict limits on annual spending. It directly affects the Department of Mental Health and its ability to operate existing mental health programs and services.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates over $1.67 billion in state funds for Mississippi's eight public universities (Alcorn State, Delta State, Jackson State, Mississippi State, Mississippi University for Women, Mississippi Valley State, University of Mississippi, and University of Southern Mississippi) for fiscal year 2027. It allocates $394.6 million from the general fund for general support, $1.277 billion from federal/student fees for operations, and $1.5 million from the Ayers Endowment for specific university needs. The bill also directs $145,000 for the Governor's School for Gifted Students (requiring statewide high school nominations) and $349,200 for the Teacher Corps program. Additionally, it mandates that off-campus centers receive at least 65% of on-campus student costs without indirect overhead charges.

Maddy summarySB 3105 is a funding bill that allocates additional state capital expense funds for specific agencies during fiscal years 2026 and 2027. It provides $0.00 for the Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services, $0.00 for the Governor's Office-Division of Medicaid (under the Department of Finance and Administration), $0.00 for the Department of Public Safety, and $1.00 for the Mississippi Board of Medical Licensure. The funds are drawn from existing state capital expense reserves and are intended to cover operational costs for these agencies during the specified fiscal periods. As a procedural appropriations measure, it does not create new policies but adjusts budget allocations for existing state operations.

Maddy summarySB 3095 appropriates $28,041,412 from the General Fund and $21,487,878 from special funds to cover the Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services' (DITS) expenses for fiscal year 2027. The bill directly affects state agencies that rely on DITS for telecommunication, data center, and other IT services, funding their operations through these allocations. Key provisions restrict $12,034,227 of the total to "Personal Services" (salaries, wages, and benefits) for up to 136 permanent staff positions, with strict rules preventing overspending or using these funds for promotions or salary increases beyond authorized headcounts.

Maddy summarySB 3062 allocates $68.16 million in state funds to support the Mississippi Community College Board's operations for fiscal year 2027 (July 2026-June 2027). It specifically covers administrative expenses, the Greenville Higher Education Center ($542,459), geospatial licenses ($37,626), and the Workforce Education Program ($50.83 million), with funds sourced from the General Fund, Education Enhancement Fund, and other dedicated accounts. The bill also directs $30 million for postsecondary career education operations and requires budget submissions for FY2028 following FY2027 standards. It prohibits using state funds to replace withdrawn federal or special funds and mandates preference for Mississippi Industries for the Blind in procurement.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $909,689 from the State General Fund to cover the Mississippi Ethics Commission's operating expenses for fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). It authorizes six permanent staff positions and requires the Commission to maintain detailed financial records matching its FY 2026 standards. The bill also mandates that the Commission prioritize purchasing from Mississippi Industries for the Blind when bids are equal and permits insurance purchases for agency vehicles. It does not change ethics laws or create new policies - it solely provides funding and administrative guidelines for the Commission's existing operations.

Maddy summarySB 3098 appropriates $15.12 million from Mississippi's General Fund and $24.06 million from special funds to cover the Secretary of State's office expenses for fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). It specifically allocates $7.82 million for employee salaries, benefits, and "Vacancy Funding" to fill authorized positions (96 permanent and 11 temporary roles), with strict rules preventing fund transfers to other categories or exceeding budget limits. The bill requires the office to maintain detailed financial records matching 2026 standards and prohibits using these funds to replace federal or other special funds. As a funding measure, it does not change the Secretary of State's duties or create new policies.

Maddy summaryMississippi Senate Bill 3090 allocates $56.8 million from the General Fund and $25 million from special funds to cover the operating costs of the Mississippi Department of Revenue for fiscal year 2027. This includes funding for its Homestead Exemption Division, Motor Vehicle Comptroller, Alcohol Beverage Control Division, Enforcement Division, and reimbursement to counties and school districts for tax losses due to homestead exemptions. The bill also specifies that $44.7 million must be used exclusively for "Personal Services" (salaries, wages, and fringe benefits) with strict limits on staffing levels (604 permanent positions) and prohibits using these funds for promotions or salary increases beyond approved levels. It requires the State Personnel Board to monitor spending to ensure compliance with annual budget caps and prohibits using general funds to replace other funding sources.

Maddy summarySB 3060 allocates $54.3 million from the state general fund and $4.5 million from federal/found sources to support Mississippi's student financial aid programs for fiscal year 2027. It directly affects Mississippi students receiving scholarships, grants, or loans through the Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid, prioritizing those eligible under Section 37-106-39 of state law. The bill requires the Office to report annually on program usage, including recipient numbers, award amounts, and loan repayment status. It also specifies funding for 10 new optometry students annually and restricts funds from supporting certain specialized loan programs like the Southeast Asia POW/MIA Grant.

Maddy summarySB 3055 allocates $8,161,869 in state general funds and $335,000 from the Education Enhancement Fund to support Alcorn State University's agricultural research, extension, and land-grant programs for fiscal year 2027. The funds are specifically designated for agency operations ($170,000), the Poultry Sciences Academic Research Center ($300,000), and broader agricultural research including poultry, animal, and environmental science programs ($715,000). This appropriation directly affects Alcorn State University's existing agricultural programs and prohibits using state funds to replace federal or other external funding sources.