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MississippiSB 31012026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Appropriation; Veterans Affairs Board.

Sponsored By: Hopson

Signed by Governor

Appropriations CAppropriations AAppropriations

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

7 provisions identified: 6 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

2027 funding for veterans care

The state funds the Veterans Affairs Board and the State Veterans Homes for July 1, 2026–June 30, 2027. It provides $5.71 million in general funds and $6.76 million in special funds to the Board. It also provides $6.36 million in general funds and $48.01 million in special funds to operate the homes. This money keeps veterans’ care and facility staffing running for the year.

Staffing and pay limits for veterans agencies

For FY2027, the Board’s pay and benefits are capped at $4,705,065 ($4,281,587 general funds; $423,478 special). That includes $4,522,370 for salaries, wages, and fringe, and $182,695 in vacancy funding. The Board may have 39 permanent and 25 time‑limited jobs; the homes may have 242 permanent and 254 time‑limited jobs. Vacancy funds must be used to fill approved vacancies, not to raise current salaries. Pay actions cannot exceed appropriations, and general funds cannot replace lost federal or special salary funds.

Care help for indigent veterans and spouses

The law sets aside $250,000 to help pay care costs for indigent or low‑income Mississippi veterans in FY2027. Nonveteran surviving spouses can qualify if they lived in a state veterans home when the veteran died and later meet the Board’s low‑income rules. This help can apply to earlier periods if the spouse already met the rules.

Purchasing preference for Mississippi Industries for the Blind

When two or more bids are equal on price, quality, and service, the agency gives preference to Mississippi Industries for the Blind. The same preference applies to certain purchases without competitive bids. This supports jobs for people with disabilities.

Board keeps control of veterans cemeteries

The State Veterans Affairs Board continues to plan, build, and equip Mississippi Veterans Memorial Cemeteries. This keeps projects moving under existing law.

Budget moves and reporting for veterans agencies

The Executive Director can move up to 25% of authorized budget money within and between the Board and homes, with written notice before the move. The Board and homes must keep detailed accounting and personnel records like last year and submit the FY2028 budget in the same format. Up to $5 million can be added and spent from a specific fund to run the homes, following state finance rules.

Repairs and start up at veterans homes

The law reuses up to $850,000 left from last year for start‑up costs at the Tradition veterans home. It also provides $3.5 million for roof work, HVAC upgrades, and boiler repairs at the Kosciusko and Collins homes. Lawmakers state they will provide state matching funds to move the Jackson nursing home to Rankin County if a federal VA construction grant is awarded and funds are available.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Hopson

    Affiliation unavailable

Cosponsors

  • DeBar

    Affiliation unavailable

  • Scott DeLano

    Republican • Senate

  • Joseph M. Seymour

    Republican • Senate

  • Sarita Simmons

    Senate

  • Jeff Tate

    Republican • Senate

  • Bart Williams

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 342 • No: 0

House vote • 3/29/2026

Conference Report Adopted

Yes: 121 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/29/2026

Conference Report Adopted

Yes: 50 • 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

    4/8/2026legislature

  2. Enrolled Bill Signed

    4/2/2026House

  3. Enrolled Bill Signed

    4/2/2026Senate

  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 Deweese,Cockerham,Mickens

    3/19/2026House

  9. Conferees Named Hopson,Williams,Seymour

    3/19/2026Senate

  10. Decline to Concur/Invite Conf

    3/17/2026Senate

  11. Returned For Concurrence

    3/13/2026House

  12. Passed As Amended

    3/12/2026House

  13. Amended

    3/12/2026House

  14. Title Suff Do Pass As Amended

    3/11/2026House

  15. DR - TSDPAA: AP To A2

    3/11/2026House

  16. DR - TSDPAA: A2 To AP

    3/10/2026House

  17. Referred To Appropriations C;Appropriations A

    2/24/2026House

  18. Transmitted To House

    2/23/2026Senate

  19. Passed

    2/19/2026Senate

  20. Committee Substitute Adopted

    2/19/2026Senate

  21. Title Suff Do Pass Comm Sub

    2/18/2026Senate

  22. Referred To Appropriations

    2/17/2026Senate

Bill Text

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