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MississippiHB 19362026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Appropriation; Educational Television, Authority for.

Sponsored By: Karl Oliver (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Appropriations EAppropriations AAppropriations

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

FY2027 funding for public broadcasting

Beginning July 1, 2026, the Mississippi Authority for Educational Television gets $4,713,259 from the General Fund for FY2027. It also gets $9,019,652 from special funds, including $2,118,966 from the Education Enhancement Fund. The law reuses $522,968 for digitalizing education and Mississippi history, limited to the unspent balance as of June 30, 2026. It sets aside $600,000 for repairs and replacements at microwave tower sites. The Authority can accept grants and donations, with federal fund increases capped at $2,000,000. It may use the Capital Equipment Replacement Revolving Fund to buy technical gear.

Public broadcasting priorities and performance goals

The law puts keeping a full schedule of educational and public‑service programs first. Making new shows comes second. It sets FY2027 targets, like 115 local TV programs, 25,000 website users, and 99.95% on‑air reliability. The Authority must report results in its FY2028 budget request. It may also fund a program on Mississippi manufacturing.

Procurement preference and $1.50 utility fee

Funds from this act cannot be used for public‑relations work for other agencies, and staff or gear cannot be shifted for that work. When bids tie on price, quality, and service, Mississippi Industries for the Blind gets preference, including for some noncompetitive buys. The Authority pays $1.50 per square foot to the Executive Office of the State Board of Institutions of Higher Learning to help cover utility costs.

Staffing caps and pay rules for state educational TV

For FY2027, Personal Services are capped at $6,548,722 ($4,713,259 General Funds and $1,835,463 Special Funds). Of this, $5,893,850 is for salaries, wages, and fringe, and $654,872 is vacancy funding to fill jobs, not raises. The agency may have 80 permanent and 7 time‑limited positions. The State Personnel Board must publish projected yearly personnel costs. It cannot approve salary moves that push FY2027 over budget or raise FY2028 needs unless the hire is essential. General Funds cannot replace lost federal or special salary funds. Contract‑pay reporting must follow IRS Publication 15‑A as interpreted by the State Auditor.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Karl Oliver

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • William Tracy Arnold

    Republican • House

  • Nicole Boyd

    Republican • Senate

  • Hines

    Affiliation unavailable

  • Vince Mangold

    Republican • House

  • Steve Massengill

    Republican • House

  • John Read

    Republican • House

  • Rob Roberson

    Republican • House

  • Donnie Scoggin

    Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 283 • No: 52

House vote • 3/29/2026

Conference Report Adopted

Yes: 92 • No: 27

Senate vote • 3/29/2026

Conference Report Adopted

Yes: 47 • No: 2 • Other: 1

Senate vote • 3/12/2026

Passed As Amended

Yes: 51 • No: 0

House vote • 2/19/2026

Passed

Yes: 93 • No: 23

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by Governor

    4/6/2026legislature

  2. Enrolled Bill Signed

    4/1/2026Senate

  3. Enrolled Bill Signed

    4/1/2026House

  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,DeBar,Norwood

    3/19/2026Senate

  9. Conferees Named Oliver,Cockerham,Roberson

    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 A4

    2/18/2026House

  20. DR - TSDP: A4 To AP

    2/17/2026House

  21. Referred To Appropriations E;Appropriations A

    2/16/2026House

Bill Text

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