Appropriation; Funeral Services Board.

SB 2018 appropriates $330,227 from Mississippi’s state treasury to fund the State Board of Funeral Services for fiscal year 2026 (July 2025-June 2026). It specifically requires $135,614 of this amount to cover only staff salaries, wages, and benefits for the board’s two authorized positions, with strict rules preventing use for promotions, title changes, or exceeding budget limits. The bill mandates detailed accounting of all expenditures and prohibits transferring funds to other categories or using them to replace withdrawn federal funds. It also requires the board to comply with Mississippi’s salary plans and reporting standards, and gives preference to the Mississippi Industries for the Blind for certain purchases. This is a routine budget allocation with no policy changes, directly affecting the board’s staffing and financial operations.