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MississippiSB 30762026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Appropriation; Transportation, Department of - State Aid Road Construction, Office of.

Sponsored By: Hopson

Signed by Governor

Appropriations EAppropriations AAppropriations

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

9 provisions identified: 6 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.

More funding for local roads and bridges

Beginning July 1, 2026, the Office of State Aid Road Construction receives about $367.3 million for FY2027. Of this, $55 million is set aside to replace structurally deficient local bridges. The State Aid Engineer can use available funds to meet federal bridge inspection rules and special studies. This keeps local roads and bridges funded and inspected for safety through June 30, 2027.

Faster bid timelines for highway contracts

Economic Development Highway Act contracts can be advertised once in a local newspaper. The bid opening can be set at least seven working days after the ad. Awards go to the lowest and best bidder.

Extra reimbursements for engineering services

The Office may spend up to $500,000 from Mississippi Development Authority reimbursements in FY2027. The money must cover actual costs for administering and providing engineering services to local governments and goes into the Office’s Administrative Fund.

Flexibility to shift road funds internally

The State Aid Engineer may move up to 20% between special funds for road and bridge administration, planning, construction, maintenance, or inspection. The Office must notify the State Fiscal Officer and the Legislative Budget Office in writing before any transfer, stating the amount and purpose.

Project Poppy gets $50,000 for services

For FY2027, $50,000 from the Project Poppy Fund is available to speed needed services. The State Treasurer’s Office decides how to allocate these funds.

Tied bids favor Industries for the Blind

When bids are equal on price, quality, and service, the Office must choose Mississippi Industries for the Blind. The same preference applies to purchases made without competitive bids.

Stronger oversight and performance for road office

The Office must keep accounting and personnel records in the same detail as FY2026. It must set FY2027 performance targets and report results in its FY2028 budget request. No state agency may incur obligations beyond its appropriation, and responsible officers can be held personally or bond-responsible.

Tight limits on agency pay and hiring

For FY2027, the Office’s Personal Services budget is capped at $5,329,772. Salaries, wages, and fringe total $4,883,026, with $446,746 set as vacancy funding. The agency may have 54 permanent positions. Vacancy funds can only fill positions that were authorized but unfilled at the end of FY2026, not pay raises. The State Personnel Board must block salary actions that would exceed the appropriation, except essential new hires.

Project notices and signs show Legislature funding

The Office must tell local Senators and Representatives when a project in their district is awarded and at least 5 days before any public ceremony. Signs at events and on new facilities, roads, or bridges funded by the Legislature must say the Legislature provided funds and show the four‑year term.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Hopson

    Affiliation unavailable

Cosponsors

  • DeBar

    Affiliation unavailable

  • Reginald Jackson

    Democratic • Senate

  • Michael McLendon

    Republican • Senate

  • Joseph M. Seymour

    Republican • Senate

  • Mike Thompson

    Republican • Senate

  • Bart Williams

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 223 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/17/2026

Concurred in Amend From House

Yes: 52 • No: 0

House vote • 3/12/2026

Passed As Amended

Yes: 120 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/19/2026

Passed

Yes: 51 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by Governor

    3/25/2026legislature

  2. Enrolled Bill Signed

    3/20/2026House

  3. Enrolled Bill Signed

    3/20/2026Senate

  4. Concurred in Amend From House

    3/17/2026Senate

  5. Returned For Concurrence

    3/13/2026House

  6. Passed As Amended

    3/12/2026House

  7. Amended

    3/12/2026House

  8. Title Suff Do Pass As Amended

    3/11/2026House

  9. DR - TSDPAA: AP To A4

    3/11/2026House

  10. DR - TSDPAA: A4 To AP

    3/11/2026House

  11. Referred To Appropriations E;Appropriations A

    2/24/2026House

  12. Transmitted To House

    2/23/2026Senate

  13. Passed

    2/19/2026Senate

  14. Committee Substitute Adopted

    2/19/2026Senate

  15. Title Suff Do Pass Comm Sub

    2/18/2026Senate

  16. Referred To Appropriations

    2/17/2026Senate

Bill Text

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