MississippiHB 19092026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Appropriation; Human Services, Department of.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

10 provisions identified: 7 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.

DHS funding and staffing limits

For the fiscal year starting July 1, 2026, the Department of Human Services receives $94,690,585 in general funds and $1,588,817,339 in special funds. Staff spending is capped at $119.1 million, including $4.5 million to fill certain vacancies. The department can fill 1,307 permanent and 348 time-limited positions, but cannot move staff funds to other spending categories.

More federal support for child support

Starting July 1, 2026, DHS may spend additional federal child support enforcement incentive funds, including the federal match on those funds, on enforcement. The law sets no total amount and does not create a direct payment to families.

More funding for child care licensing

DHS must transfer $1 million to the Department of Health’s child care licensing program by July 31, 2026. The Department of Health must account for how it uses the money under state and federal rules. The transfer supports licensing work but does not change child care eligibility or create a household payment.

More support for youth programs

The law provides $2 million to demolish deteriorated structures at Oakley Youth Development Center. It also provides $250,000 for juvenile facility monitoring, which DHS must transfer by July 31, 2026. Another $1.5 million supports a pilot offering community services intended to reduce repeat offenses among adolescents. Before spending that pilot money, DHS must create a written plan and sign a grant agreement; recipients report results and spending at least quarterly.

New computer system funding for DHS

For fiscal year 2027, DHS receives $5.1 million to help secure federal funding for a new computer system. The law also reauthorizes up to $54 million from the prior year’s Capital Expense Fund balance for that system, limited to the amount left unspent on June 30, 2026. Another $1,431,146 is reappropriated for DHS computer expenses, limited to the unspent prior-year balance and its original purpose.

More funding for food support

In fiscal year 2027, the state provides $15 million for extra costs of running SNAP, not for higher household benefits or expanded eligibility. The law also provides $1 million for home-delivered meals. DHS may award up to $1.5 million in available federal relief funds to three regional food banks. These funds support food services but do not set household payments or new eligibility rules.

Blind-owned business gets purchase preference

Starting July 1, 2026, DHS must prefer Mississippi Industries for the Blind when competing bids match in price, quality, and service. A similar preference applies to purchases made without competitive bids. This changes state purchasing rules, not household benefits.

DHS pays listed past bills

Starting July 1, 2026, DHS may use its current appropriation to pay up to $55,266.19 for listed expenses from earlier fiscal years. These include specified vendor invoices and court costs for Jefferson, Smith, and Amite counties. Payments cannot exceed the total cap.

DHS cannot pay utilities for state homes

From July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, DHS cannot use these funds to pay electricity, gas, cable, or phone costs for state-furnished homes. Dormitories are excluded. The law does not directly require residents to pay these bills. DHS must provide meters when it cannot determine actual utility costs.

Tighter rules for TANF providers

From July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, DHS must use competitive bidding for TANF subgrants unless federal rules name the recipients. DHS must approve lower-tier subgrantees before agreements. Providers must report costs, clients served, and compliance each month. DHS cannot advance more than 60 days of funds and can reimburse expenses only after required records are submitted and approved.

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: 300 • No: 37

House vote • 3/29/2026

Conference Report Adopted

Yes: 79 • No: 37 • Other: 1

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

Yes: 120 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

Approved by Governor
4/6/2026legislature
Enrolled Bill Signed
4/1/2026Senate
Enrolled Bill Signed
4/1/2026House
Motion to Reconsider Tabled
3/30/2026House
Conference Report Adopted
3/29/2026Senate
Motion to Reconsider Entered (Summers, Deweese)
3/29/2026House
Conference Report Adopted
3/29/2026House
Conference Report Filed
3/27/2026Senate
Conference Report Filed
3/27/2026House
Conferees Named Hopson,Blackwell,Sparks
3/19/2026Senate
Conferees Named Deweese,Cockerham,Turner
3/19/2026House
Decline to Concur/Invite Conf
3/18/2026House
Returned For Concurrence
3/13/2026Senate
Passed As Amended
3/12/2026Senate
Amended
3/12/2026Senate
Title Suff Do Pass As Amended
3/12/2026Senate
Referred To Appropriations
2/27/2026Senate
Transmitted To Senate
2/20/2026House
Passed
2/19/2026House
Title Suff Do Pass
2/18/2026House
DR - TSDP: AP To A2
2/18/2026House
DR - TSDP: A2 To AP
2/17/2026House
Referred To Appropriations C;Appropriations A
2/16/2026House

Bill Text

As Introduced
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As Passed
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Committee Amendment No 1 (Adopted)
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Enrolled
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