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MississippiHB 19092026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Appropriation; Human Services, Department of.

Sponsored By: Clay Deweese (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Appropriations CAppropriations AAppropriations

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

11 provisions identified: 9 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.

2026–27 funding for Human Services

For July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027, the law gives DHS about $1.589 billion from special funds and $94.69 million from the General Fund. This money keeps human services programs and operations running statewide.

New performance targets across DHS programs

Beginning July 1, 2026, DHS must work toward FY2027 performance targets for areas like aging services, child support, community services, early childhood, SNAP, TANF, and youth services. In its FY2028 budget request, DHS must report how well it met these goals.

No utilities paid for state housing

Beginning July 1, 2026, agencies stop paying utilities for state‑furnished housing (not dorms) provided to employees. This includes electricity, natural gas, butane, propane, cable, and phone. Meters must be installed where costs are unclear. Utility allowances are banned.

Stricter payroll and hiring rules at DHS

For FY2027, DHS payroll is capped at $119,136,818 total: $58,776,823 General Funds and $60,359,995 Special Funds. DHS may fill up to 1,307 permanent and 348 time‑limited jobs. Vacancy funds must fill approved positions, not pay raises or title changes. DHS must follow the State Personnel Board pay plan and keep salaries at least at Board minimums. The Board can halt salary actions that would exceed payroll limits, DHS cannot use these general funds to replace lost federal or special salary money, and money set for Personal Services cannot be moved to other spending.

Funds to modernize DHS computer systems

Starting July 1, 2026, $55.431 million is reappropriated for DHS capital needs: $1.431 million for computer costs and $54 million to secure federal funding for a new system. Another $5.1 million from the Capital Expense Fund also helps secure federal funding. DHS may buy tech or equipment only when the savings justify the cost.

More funding and tracking for child support

Starting July 1, 2026, DHS can spend extra federal incentive funds and the federal match on child support enforcement. By January 1, 2027, the Executive Director must report year‑to‑date child support performance to lawmakers and compare it with the prior year.

New investments in youth safety

The law funds a $1.5 million pilot Adolescent Opportunity Program to reduce recidivism. DHS must create a written plan, award grants, and get quarterly performance and spending reports; it may require matching or local partners. It transfers $250,000 to the Juvenile Facility Monitoring Unit by July 31, 2026. It provides $2 million to demolish deteriorated buildings at the Oakley Youth Development Center.

Stronger oversight of DHS spending and grants

DHS must keep full accounting and personnel records like FY2026 and submit its FY2028 budget in the same detail. Funds can only be spent on lawful DHS duties. DHS and Medicaid continue joint work under the Transparency and Fraud Prevention Act. TANF subgrants must be competitively procured (when not federally directed), report monthly, limit advances to 60 days, and get reimbursed only with approved documents. DHS must follow IRS Publication 15‑A for contractor pay reporting and may pay up to $55,266.19 for prior‑year bills.

Funds for child care licensing

The law moves $1,000,000 to the Department of Health for the Child Care Licensure Program by July 31, 2026. The Health Department must fully account for how the money is used under state and federal rules.

More help for food and meals

The law provides $15 million to run the SNAP program across the state. DHS may grant up to $1.5 million in CARES/ARPA funds to three regional food banks. It also sets aside $1 million for Home Delivered Meals for seniors and homebound people.

Tie‑breaker preference for Blind Industries

If two bids are equal on price, quality, and service, DHS must choose Mississippi Industries for the Blind. The same preference applies when a purchase is made without competitive bids.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Clay Deweese

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Richard Bennett

    Republican • House

  • Sam Creekmore IV

    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

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

  1. Approved by Governor

    4/6/2026legislature

  2. Enrolled Bill Signed

    4/1/2026Senate

  3. Enrolled Bill Signed

    4/1/2026House

  4. Motion to Reconsider Tabled

    3/30/2026House

  5. Conference Report Adopted

    3/29/2026Senate

  6. Motion to Reconsider Entered (Summers, Deweese)

    3/29/2026House

  7. Conference Report Adopted

    3/29/2026House

  8. Conference Report Filed

    3/27/2026Senate

  9. Conference Report Filed

    3/27/2026House

  10. Conferees Named Hopson,Blackwell,Sparks

    3/19/2026Senate

  11. Conferees Named Deweese,Cockerham,Turner

    3/19/2026House

  12. Decline to Concur/Invite Conf

    3/18/2026House

  13. Returned For Concurrence

    3/13/2026Senate

  14. Passed As Amended

    3/12/2026Senate

  15. Amended

    3/12/2026Senate

  16. Title Suff Do Pass As Amended

    3/12/2026Senate

  17. Referred To Appropriations

    2/27/2026Senate

  18. Transmitted To Senate

    2/20/2026House

  19. Passed

    2/19/2026House

  20. Title Suff Do Pass

    2/18/2026House

  21. DR - TSDP: AP To A2

    2/18/2026House

  22. DR - TSDP: A2 To AP

    2/17/2026House

  23. Referred To Appropriations C;Appropriations A

    2/16/2026House

Bill Text

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