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MississippiHB 19062026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Appropriation; Child Protection Services, Department of.

Sponsored By: Clay Deweese (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Appropriations CAppropriations AAppropriations

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

8 provisions identified: 7 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

State funds kinship, foster and adoptive care

From July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, the law supports child-care payments for eligible kinship caregivers, foster homes, adoptive families and congregate-care homes. It allows up to $5.4 million for kinship payments and provides $11.1 million for adoption assistance and congregate-care maintenance, plus $1.7 million for foster home maintenance. These are program totals; the law does not set an individual household’s payment amount.

More money for child protection services

For fiscal year 2027, the law provides $140.8 million from the General Fund and $218.2 million in special funds to the Department of Child Protection Services. Together, the appropriations total about $359 million for Department operations and child-protection services. The law also allocates $93,601 to the Mississippi Children’s Trust Fund from General Fund court assessments. These amounts fund services and the Trust Fund; they are not set payments to households.

Limits and approvals for agency staffing

For fiscal year 2027, the Department’s Personal Services spending is capped at $125.4 million, including $5.0 million to fill vacancies. The law authorizes 1,440 permanent positions and 403 time-limited positions, including three Attorney Family positions. Vacancy funds cannot raise current employees’ salaries, and salary actions must stay within the personnel budget. The Department can seek more positions for work tied to Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Funds, but the Department of Finance and Administration and State Personnel Board must approve the increase.

Help for children harmed by trafficking

The law provides $250,000 for fiscal year 2027 for a hotline staffed around the clock for children harmed by commercial or sexual exploitation or human trafficking. A coordinator works with the Department of Public Safety, and outside providers arrange counseling and other specialized care.

Funding keeps Pathways running

For fiscal year 2027, the law provides $4.2 million from the Capital Expense Fund for Pathways program operations and upkeep. The State Treasurer decides how to allocate the funds.

More funds for child protection technology

The law reuses up to $2.5 million for Department information technology work in fiscal year 2027. Spending cannot exceed the unspent balance on June 30, 2026, and the money must keep its original purpose. The Department can also use available funds for technology or equipment upgrades when they save money through greater efficiency or when the savings exceed the cost.

Payments for older vendor expenses

For fiscal year 2027, the Department can pay certain vendors a total of $60,208 for eligible expenses from fiscal years 2023 and 2024. This is a vendor payment, not a household benefit.

State purchasing favors blind vendors

The Department must prefer Mississippi Industries for the Blind when two or more bids have the same price, quality and service. A similar preference applies to purchases made without competitive bids. The rule changes state purchasing and does not create a household benefit.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Clay Deweese

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Richard Bennett

    Republican • House

  • Samuel Creekmore IV

    Republican • House

  • Becky Currie

    Republican • House

  • Missy McGee

    Republican • House

  • Carl L. Mickens

    Democratic • House

  • John Read

    Republican • House

  • Omeria Scott

    Democratic • House

  • Jerry R. Turner

    Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 338 • 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 • Other: 4

Senate vote • 3/12/2026

Passed As Amended

Yes: 51 • No: 0

House vote • 2/19/2026

Passed

Yes: 120 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by Governor

    4/6/2026legislature

  2. Enrolled Bill Signed

    3/31/2026Senate

  3. Enrolled Bill Signed

    3/31/2026House

  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,Blackwell,Simmons (13th)

    3/19/2026Senate

  9. Conferees Named Deweese,Oliver,Cockerham

    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 A2

    2/18/2026House

  20. DR - TSDP: A2 To AP

    2/17/2026House

  21. Referred To Appropriations C;Appropriations A

    2/16/2026House

Bill Text

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