MississippiHB 19042026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Appropriation; Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, 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: 5 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

FY2027 funding for parks and wildlife

Beginning July 1, 2026, the state provides $21,853,514 from the General Fund and $82,116,718 from special funds to run wildlife, fisheries, parks, and the museum. It also sets aside $5,750,000 from fuel excise taxes for the Fisheries and Wildlife Fund, after first funding the Highway Bonds Sinking Fund. The law adds $8.1 million for Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund projects, $5 million for park improvements, and $1.75 million for Special Projects operations (not for payroll). The department may use up to 60% of State Park Timber Endowment Fund revenue for operations and spend up to $50,000 from the Gulf and Wildlife Protection Fund.

Job and pay rules for department staff

Beginning July 1, 2026, department staff face new job and pay rules. Conservation officers and supervisors get up to $550 a year for uniforms, and required employees can have CDL costs paid or reimbursed. Vacancy funds must fill empty authorized jobs (as of June 30, 2026), not pay raises; eight new law‑enforcement positions are added. Personal‑services pay is capped at $46,432,700 (523 permanent and 51 time‑limited positions), and those funds cannot be moved to other categories. Out‑of‑county duty expense pay ends for workers permanently transferred to another county.

Keep hunting land and expand local parks

Starting July 1, 2026, the law keeps public access in place. The department cannot close state parks without the Legislature’s approval and must keep at least as much hunting land as on July 1, 2006. The commission may partner with counties to create or restore parks and fish and game habitat; counties can use local funds and repay surveying and engineering costs.

New ways to manage and fund parks

Beginning July 1, 2026, the department may contract with public or private groups to manage state parks. It can sign multi‑year agreements to place signs on park property, and the money stays in the department’s special funds. The department may buy property damage insurance for its vehicles, boats, buildings, and other assets.

Targeted safety, education, and park upgrades

Starting July 1, 2026, the law funds targeted safety, education, and site upgrades. It sets aside $400,000 for Chronic Wasting Disease work and $75,000 for LeFleur’s Bluff playground security. It funds $50,000 for Pearl River WMA upgrades and $50,000 for land‑based water safety. It supports youth and education: $58,593 for Hunter Education, $125,335 for Project WILD, up to $200,000 for the Youth Participation Initiative, and $175,000 for an Extension Service specialist. It also reuses $868,119 to renovate the museum admission area.

Tighter records, goals, and vehicle rules

Beginning July 1, 2026, the department must keep accounting and personnel records, and file its FY2028 budget request, in the same detail as FY2026. The law sets FY2027 performance goals (for example, licenses sold, fish stocked, education events) and requires reporting in the FY2028 budget. Agencies must not spend beyond their appropriations; state vehicles are for official business only, and vehicle purchases from the Motor Vehicle Fund are capped at $1,300,000. When bids are tied or no-bid buys occur, Mississippi Industries for the Blind gets preference. The department may spend Wildlife Heritage Fund money as allowed and must report that spending to the Legislature by September 1 each year.

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

Senate vote • 3/29/2026

Conference Report Adopted

Yes: 50 • No: 0

House vote • 3/29/2026

Conference Report Adopted

Yes: 121 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/12/2026

Passed As Amended

Yes: 51 • No: 0

House vote • 2/19/2026

Passed