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MississippiHB 18972026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Appropriation; Oil and Gas Board.

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, 2 costs, 0 mixed.

Funds for orphan wells and data systems

The law reuses up to $1.012 million left on June 30, 2026, for orphan well plugging. It also provides $2 million from the Capital Expense Fund for emergency orphan well work, with the Treasurer handling the allocation. The Board may accept and spend up to $200,000 for a comprehensive data management program, under DFA rules.

FY2027 funding for Oil and Gas Board

The law provides $2.2 million from the General Fund and $5.232 million from the Board’s special fund. This money supports the Board’s operations from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027.

Preference for Mississippi Industries for the Blind

When two bids are equal in price, quality, and service, Mississippi Industries for the Blind gets preference. The same preference applies to certain no‑bid purchases.

Tighter pay and hiring limits for Board staff

Personal Services is capped at $2,427,686 for FY2027, with 35 authorized positions. The State Personnel Board blocks raises or actions that would push pay over this cap, except essential new hires. $242,769 in vacancy funds can only fill jobs that were empty on June 30, 2026, not pay raises. Any increase in headcount or payroll needs written DFA approval and new money. The law also bans using General Fund dollars to replace lost federal or special salary funds, and lets the Board choose which jobs to cut if total positions drop.

Stronger spending and reporting rules for the Board

The Board cannot spend more than its legal appropriation, and responsible officers can be held liable for over‑obligating funds. The Board must keep accounting and personnel records like FY2026 and send its FY2028 budget in the same detailed format used for FY2027. Payments to contract workers must follow IRS Publication 15‑A as interpreted by the State Auditor.

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: 292 • No: 0

House vote • 3/18/2026

Concurred in Amend From Senate

Yes: 119 • 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

    3/25/2026legislature

  2. Enrolled Bill Signed

    3/20/2026Senate

  3. Enrolled Bill Signed

    3/20/2026House

  4. Concurred in Amend From Senate

    3/18/2026House

  5. Returned For Concurrence

    3/13/2026Senate

  6. Passed As Amended

    3/12/2026Senate

  7. Amended

    3/12/2026Senate

  8. Title Suff Do Pass As Amended

    3/12/2026Senate

  9. Referred To Appropriations

    2/27/2026Senate

  10. Transmitted To Senate

    2/20/2026House

  11. Passed

    2/19/2026House

  12. Title Suff Do Pass

    2/18/2026House

  13. DR - TSDP: AP To A1

    2/18/2026House

  14. DR - TSDP: A1 To AP

    2/17/2026House

  15. Referred To Appropriations B;Appropriations A

    2/16/2026House

Bill Text

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