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MississippiHB 18912026 Regular SessionHouse

Appropriation; Environmental Quality, Department of.

Sponsored By: C. Scott Bounds (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Appropriations BAppropriations AAppropriations

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

8 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 2 costs, 2 mixed.

State funds support DEQ operations

For fiscal year 2027, the state provides $21.4 million from its General Fund and $252.1 million from available special funds for DEQ operations. The funds support the department from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027. DEQ must set and report performance targets, including measures for air quality, permits, inspections, recycling, contaminated sites, and water quality. DEQ’s director can move cash between DEQ-controlled special funds after sending written reasons to state budget offices by the 15th of the prior month.

More funding for water and cleanup

For fiscal year 2027, Mississippi provides $6.868 million for Clean Water Grant matching funds and $2 million for dam safety grants. Up to $200,000 supports dam inspections, and up to $100,000 supports household hazardous waste collection grants. Another $1 million funds water, land, and air contamination projects under the 2020 EnPro settlement; up to $250,000 supports DEQ environmental legal work. DEQ also continues agreements for projects restoring natural resources harmed by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Interest earnings from the State Revolving Loan Fund pay debt service on bonds for state matching funds.

Blind vendor gets state buying preference

Starting July 1, 2026, Mississippi agencies must prefer Mississippi Industries for the Blind when competing bids match in price, quality, and service. The preference also applies to purchases made without competitive bids. The law does not set a contract amount.

Project Poppy and Atlas get funding

For fiscal year 2027, up to $120,000 from the Project Poppy Fund and $130,000 from the Project Atlas Fund supports services to expedite those projects. The Mississippi Treasurer’s Office determines the allocations. Each amount is available only as needed, through June 30, 2027.

State workers face vehicle-use limits

Starting July 1, 2026, state-owned vehicles can be used only for official state business. The rule applies to officers, employees, and anyone else who uses or authorizes the use of a state-owned vehicle.

Major permit reviews can be paused

DEQ can request an economic review of a complete permit application if it expects processing to need more than three full-time-equivalent staff for at least 180 days. If the review finds the project not economically viable, DEQ must suspend processing. Applicants can send more information to the Mississippi Development Authority Executive Director within 30 days of the staff decision. The Executive Director’s review decision is final administrative action.

DEQ cannot create certain water rules

DEQ cannot adopt rules creating a State Water Alteration Program, or a similar program, covering permanent, intermittent, and ephemeral waters and certain wetlands. This limits new regulatory requirements for affected landowners and water users. It also prevents DEQ from establishing that type of water-protection program.

DEQ staffing faces new limits

For fiscal year 2027, DEQ’s personal-services spending is capped at $34.16 million, with 215 permanent and 170 time-limited positions authorized. The budget includes $1.4 million to fill authorized vacancies, but that money cannot pay for promotions or raises for current employees. Salary actions must follow state pay rules, and General Fund money cannot replace withdrawn federal or other special funds used for salaries. DEQ can add staff for work tied to Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Funds only with approval from two state agencies.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • C. Scott Bounds

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Brent Anderson

    Republican • House

  • Bryant W. Clark

    Democratic • House

  • Casey Eure

    Republican • House

  • Jeff Hale

    Republican • House

  • Lataisha Jackson

    Democratic • House

  • Bill Pigott

    Republican • House

  • John Read

    Republican • House

  • Tracey T. Rosebud

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 340 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/29/2026

Conference Report Adopted

Yes: 50 • No: 0

House vote • 3/29/2026

Conference Report Adopted

Yes: 117 • No: 0 • Other: 4

Senate vote • 3/12/2026

Passed As Amended

Yes: 51 • No: 0

House vote • 2/19/2026

Passed

Yes: 122 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by Governor

    4/6/2026legislature

  2. Enrolled Bill Signed

    4/1/2026Senate

  3. Enrolled Bill Signed

    4/1/2026House

  4. Conference Report Adopted

    3/29/2026Senate

  5. Conference Report Adopted

    3/29/2026House

  6. Conference Report Filed

    3/27/2026Senate

  7. Conference Report Filed

    3/27/2026House

  8. Conferees Named Hopson,DeLano,Sparks

    3/19/2026Senate

  9. Conferees Named Bounds,Cockerham,Mims

    3/19/2026House

  10. Decline to Concur/Invite Conf

    3/18/2026House

  11. Returned For Concurrence

    3/13/2026Senate

  12. Passed As Amended

    3/12/2026Senate

  13. Amended

    3/12/2026Senate

  14. Title Suff Do Pass As Amended

    3/12/2026Senate

  15. Referred To Appropriations

    2/27/2026Senate

  16. Transmitted To Senate

    2/20/2026House

  17. Passed

    2/19/2026House

  18. Title Suff Do Pass

    2/18/2026House

  19. DR - TSDP: AP To A1

    2/18/2026House

  20. DR - TSDP: A1 To AP

    2/17/2026House

  21. Referred To Appropriations B;Appropriations A

    2/16/2026House

Bill Text

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