MississippiHB 18932026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Appropriation; Forestry Commission.

Sponsored By: C. Scott Bounds (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Appropriations BAppropriations AAppropriations

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.

Wildfire response and forest health targets

The Commission must meet FY2027 targets and report results with its FY2028 budget request. Goals include average fire suppression time of 2.00 hours and 95% of fires held to 100 acres or less. It targets 15,000 acres of prescribed burns, 35,000 acres regenerated or improved, 19,200,000 acres monitored, and re‑inventory of 20% of state forest lands.

Payroll caps and job rules for Forestry Commission staff

The law caps FY2027 payroll at $18,398,875 and limits staffing to 264 permanent and 7 time‑limited jobs. Payroll money cannot be moved to other uses, and the State Personnel Board publishes projected payroll costs. The Commission cannot approve pay actions that push payroll over the cap; the Board will stop such salary actions, except for essential hires. Vacancy funds are only for filling approved FY2026 vacancies; they may be reduced if jobs were filled after March 1, 2026, and cannot fund raises, promotions, or title changes. Employees in job classes with a $70,000+ minimum cannot get in‑range raises from this money; general funds cannot backfill lost federal or special salary funds; the agency may buy employees’ accumulated comp time if payroll funds are available.

Purchasing tie-breaker for Blind Industries

When bids tie on price, quality, and service, the state gives preference to Mississippi Industries for the Blind. The same preference applies for purchases made without competitive bids. This starts July 1, 2026.

FY2027 funding for Forestry Commission programs

For July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027, the state funds the Forestry Commission. It provides $17,979,969 from the General Fund and $14,506,218 from the Commission’s special fund. It also moves $200,000 to the Department of Agriculture and Commerce for the Beaver Control or Eradication Program.

Stricter spending and recordkeeping rules

Beginning July 1, 2026, the Commission must keep accounting and personnel records in the same format and detail as FY2026 and submit its FY2028 budget in the FY2027‑style format. The Commission cannot spend these funds in ways that violate IRS Publication 15‑A on contractor pay, as interpreted by the State Auditor. Agencies must not spend beyond their appropriation, and responsible officers can be held personally or bond‑liable 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: 341 • No: 0

House vote • 3/29/2026

Conference Report Adopted

Yes: 120 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/29/2026

Conference Report Adopted

Yes: 50 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/12/2026

Passed As Amended

Yes: 51 • No: 0

House vote • 2/19/2026

Passed