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MississippiHB 18962026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Appropriation; Marine Resources, Department of.

Sponsored By: C. Scott Bounds (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Appropriations BAppropriations AAppropriations

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

6 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.

Coastal projects funded by GOMESA and tidelands

The law funds coastal work with $152.7 million for prior‑year GOMESA projects in FY 2027. It adds $18.36 million from the Tidelands Fund for public access, management, bond repayment, and prior projects. The Department may also spend up to $5 million more if new GOMESA receipts arrive, following Finance and Administration rules. Projects include sewer, stormwater, harbors, bulkheads, oyster work, research, and facility upgrades named in the act. Recipients can be audited and must file regular reports; proposals for next year are due July 1, 2026.

FY2027 funding for Marine Resources

The law funds the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources for FY 2027 (July 1, 2026–June 30, 2027). It provides about $316.5 million from special funds and $3.71 million from the State General Fund. Of the special funds, $3.05 million comes from state taxes on gasoline and oil. The Department may also pay up to $177,679.62 for bills from prior years.

New limits on marine agency pay and hiring

The law caps FY 2027 staff funding at $14.871 million, including $14.048 million for pay and benefits and $822,580 for vacancies. It authorizes 108 permanent and 65 time‑limited positions. The Department cannot move Personal Services money to other uses or replace lost federal/special salary funds with General Fund money. The State Personnel Board may delay salary actions that exceed the cap and must publish projected yearly personnel costs. Contract pay reporting must follow IRS Publication 15‑A as interpreted by the State Auditor.

State housing utilities end; $600 uniform help

Beginning July 1, 2026, the state stops paying utilities for employees in state‑furnished homes, except dorms. If needed, meters must be installed to track actual use. Each Marine Conservation Officer or Supervisor gets up to $600 per year for uniforms.

Tie-bid preference for Blind Industries

When bids are equal in price, quality, and service, the Department gives preference to Mississippi Industries for the Blind. The same preference applies to no‑bid purchases when factors are equal.

More flexibility to manage marine funds

Beginning July 1, 2026, the Department keeps special trust funds in a dedicated account that earns interest. The fund keeps its year‑end balance, and interest can pay reasonable admin costs. The Department may move tidelands dollars between already‑approved projects when the recipient asks and files Form TTF‑6, which can shift money among local projects.

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: 343 • No: 0

House vote • 3/30/2026

Conference Report Adopted

Yes: 118 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/30/2026

Conference Report Adopted

Yes: 52 • 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. Unanimous Consent Granted

    3/31/2026Senate

  5. Unanimous Consent Granted

    3/31/2026House

  6. Conference Report Adopted

    3/30/2026Senate

  7. Conference Report Adopted

    3/30/2026House

  8. Conference Report Filed

    3/30/2026House

  9. Conference Report Filed

    3/30/2026Senate

  10. Recommitted For Further Conf

    3/30/2026House

  11. Recommitted For Further Conf

    3/30/2026Senate

  12. Conference Report Filed

    3/30/2026Senate

  13. Conference Report Filed

    3/30/2026House

  14. Recommitted For Further Conf

    3/29/2026Senate

  15. Recommitted For Further Conf

    3/29/2026House

  16. Conference Report Filed

    3/27/2026Senate

  17. Conference Report Filed

    3/27/2026House

  18. Conferees Named Hopson,McCaughn,Thompson

    3/19/2026Senate

  19. Conferees Named Cockerham,Eure,Anderson (122nd)

    3/19/2026House

  20. Decline to Concur/Invite Conf

    3/18/2026House

  21. Returned For Concurrence

    3/13/2026Senate

  22. Passed As Amended

    3/12/2026Senate

  23. Amended

    3/12/2026Senate

  24. Title Suff Do Pass As Amended

    3/12/2026Senate

  25. Referred To Appropriations

    2/27/2026Senate

Bill Text

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