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MississippiHB 18912026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

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

11 provisions identified: 7 benefits, 0 costs, 4 mixed.

FY2027 funding to run Environmental Quality

The law provides $21,417,453 from the General Fund and $252,129,128 in special funds to run the Department of Environmental Quality in FY2027. The fiscal year is July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. The money supports agency operations and statewide environmental programs.

Cleanup funds and oil spill restoration continue

Beginning July 1, 2026, $1,000,000 funds testing and cleanup required by the EnPro settlement. Up to $100,000 supports household hazardous waste collection grants. Up to $250,000 supports DEQ legal work to protect the environment. DEQ also keeps agreements that fund Deepwater Horizon restoration projects.

More money for water and dam safety

The law sets aside $6,868,000 as the state match for Clean Water Grants in FY2027. It also provides $2,000,000 for the Dam Safety Grant Program. Up to $200,000 will fund dam and reservoir inspections, inventories, and reports. These funds are available beginning July 1, 2026.

Staffing caps and hiring rules at DEQ

DEQ payroll and benefits for FY2027 are capped at $34,159,602. DEQ can have 215 permanent and 170 time‑limited positions. $1,396,830 in vacancy funds can fill empty jobs only, not pay raises. The State Personnel Board can pause salary actions that exceed the payroll budget, except essential hires. DEQ may add staff for recovery‑fund work with approval from DFA and the State Personnel Board. These rules take effect July 1, 2026.

Bid tie goes to Blind Industries

Beginning July 1, 2026, if bids are equal in price, quality, and service, Mississippi Industries for the Blind gets the purchase. The same preference applies when an item is bought without competitive bids.

Faster services for Project Poppy and Atlas

Beginning July 1, 2026, $120,000 from the Project Poppy Fund and $130,000 from the Project Atlas Fund pay for expediting services. The State Treasurer allocates the funds. The goal is to move project work faster.

Performance targets and detailed reporting required

DEQ must meet and report FY2027 performance targets, like 5% days with air advisories, 50% timely air permits, and 56% waters acceptable for use. DEQ must keep accounting and personnel records like FY2026 and submit the FY2028 budget request in the same detail as FY2027. These requirements start July 1, 2026.

State vehicles only for official business

Beginning July 1, 2026, state‑owned vehicles may be used only for official business. Personal use is not allowed.

Economic check before some permits are processed

DEQ can ask the Mississippi Development Authority to judge the economic viability of a complex permit. This applies when DEQ expects more than 3 full‑time staff for at least 180 days to process it. If MDA finds the project not viable, DEQ pauses the permit. Applicants can submit more information within 30 days, and the MDA Executive Director decides within 60 days. This starts July 1, 2026.

Ban on broad new water alteration rules

Beginning July 1, 2026, DEQ cannot create a State Water Alteration Program or similar rules covering permanent, intermittent, or ephemeral waters and certain wetlands. This limits new broad regulation on many waters and wetlands, which may also reduce some environmental protections.

Cash moves and loan fund interest for debt

Beginning July 1, 2026, DEQ may move cash between its special funds. DEQ must send written reasons to budget officials by the 15th of the month before a transfer. DEQ must also use State Revolving Fund interest earnings to pay bond debt service for state match bonds. Agencies may not spend beyond their approved budgets, and officers are responsible for overspending.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • C. Scott Bounds

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Brent Anderson

    House

  • Bryant W. Clark

    Democratic • House

  • Casey Eure

    Republican • House

  • Jeff Hale

    Republican • House

  • Reginald Jackson

    Democratic • Senate

  • 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

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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