MississippiHB 19412026 Regular SessionHouse

Mississippi Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund; increase amount of monies in fund that may be used to defray board of trustees expenses in carrying out duties.

Sponsored By: John Thomas "Trey" Lamar (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Ways and MeansFinance

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.

New state fund for parks and habitat

Beginning July 1, 2026, Mississippi runs a dedicated trust fund for outdoor projects. The fund holds legislative appropriations, and interest earned stays in the fund. Grants go to counties, cities, state agencies, and nonprofits. Money can build or restore parks and trails, improve access to public waters and lands, restore wetlands, forests, and grasslands, and buy critical areas for clean water, wildlife, recreation, or military base buffers.

Audits, transparency, and spending limits

Beginning July 1, 2026, the board gets an independent audit of all Trust Fund spending each year and sends reports to the Governor and key lawmakers. When it approves a project list, it also sends that list to legislative leaders. The board may spend money when certified federal funds or rules are available, but must notify leaders first. State agencies can escalate budgets under Finance and Administration rules to use grants. At each fiscal year end, any nonfederal unobligated balance over $20 million goes to the State General Fund. Up to 2% of the fund, but no more than $300,000 a year, may cover board expenses. Money in the fund can only be used for the purposes in this law.

How local groups apply for grants

Beginning July 1, 2026, the board accepts applications from counties, cities, state agencies, and nonprofits. Applications must explain the purpose and list the type and amount of help requested, plus any other details the board requires. Nonprofits must also submit their latest audit, note any audit problems in the past five years, show a certificate of good standing, and list board members.

Project rules, timelines, and land limits

Beginning July 1, 2026, the board sets yearly priorities for picking projects. It favors public recreation, matched funds, better water quality, and conservation on working farms and forests. Projects on private land must clearly benefit the public. Recipients must spend grant money within two years unless the board allows more time; otherwise, they must report delays and may have to return unspent money. Projects to buy property are not considered until after July 1, 2024. Land buys are allowed only in limited cases, like near parks, protecting drinking water, in state wildlife plans, on state‑leased wildlife areas, or to buffer military bases. No eminent domain is allowed.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

John Thomas "Trey" Lamar
Republican • House

Cosponsors

C. Scott Bounds
Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 321 • No: 16

Senate vote • 3/30/2026

Conference Report Adopted

Yes: 52 • No: 0

House vote • 3/30/2026

Conference Report Adopted

Yes: 118 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/11/2026

Passed As Amended

Yes: 33 • No: 16 • Other: 2

House vote • 2/25/2026

Passed