Appropriation; Oil and Gas Board.

HB 1730 appropriates $6,631,277 from special funds to cover the State Oil and Gas Board's operating expenses for fiscal year 2026 (July 2025-June 2026). It directly affects the Oil and Gas Board staff (authorizing 35 permanent positions) and requires strict adherence to budget limits for personnel costs, prohibiting salary increases or promotions without new funding. Key provisions include mandating that funds not exceed prior-year spending unless authorized by the Legislature, ensuring compliance with state personnel rules, and requiring the Board to maintain detailed financial records matching fiscal year 2025 standards. The bill also includes minor provisions favoring Mississippi Industries for the Blind in procurement and restricting fund use to avoid violating federal reporting rules.