This bill allows the Marshall County Board of Supervisors to give up to $7,500 per year to the Byhalia Area Arts Council, a local nonprofit arts organization. It extends the legal authority for these contributions until July 1, 2028, and increases the annual funding limit from a previous amount. The change applies only to Marshall County officials who may choose to use this funding for the arts council. The bill does not require the county to provide any money, only that it has the legal option to do so if they wish.
This bill extends the expiration date for a 3% hotel/motel tourism tax in Richland, Mississippi. Currently set to expire on July 1, 2030, the tax allows Richland to collect 3% of gross room rental proceeds from hotels and motels to fund tourism, parks, and recreation programs. The tax requires voter approval via election (60%+ vote needed) and must be collected and managed separately from general city funds. The bill does not create a new tax but prolongs the existing tax’s authorization beyond its current 2030 expiration date.
SB 2929 extends the expiration date for a hotel and motel tax in Horn Lake, Mississippi, which allows the city to continue collecting up to $2 per room rental for tourism and economic development. The bill does not change the tax rate, collection method, or allowable uses of the revenue - these remain tied to promoting local tourism and development. It only delays the date when the tax would automatically end, ensuring the city can maintain this funding stream beyond its previous expiration. This extension applies to the existing law last amended in 2022, without altering how the tax is implemented or spent.
SB 2927 extends the expiration date of a 2% tax on bars and restaurants in Richland, Mississippi, preventing it from automatically ending. The tax, which has been in place since 1998, applies to gross sales of bars (all alcoholic beverages) and restaurants (beer/alcohol and prepared food), with proceeds dedicated solely to tourism, parks, and recreation funding after community center construction costs are covered. The bill does not change the tax rate or purpose but ensures the existing tax mechanism remains active for its intended use. This affects bar and restaurant businesses operating within Richland's city limits.
SB 2925 extends the expiration date for a 2% tax on restaurant sales in Starkville, Mississippi, ensuring the tax continues beyond its original end date. The tax applies to gross income from prepared food and beverages at restaurants, collected similarly to sales tax. Revenue is distributed as follows: 15% to the Economic Development Authority, 15% to the Visitors and Convention Council, 10% to the city for development, 40% to Starkville parks for improvements, and 20% to Mississippi State University for student activities. The bill does not change the tax rate or distribution percentages, only the date when the tax would otherwise expire.
SB 2931 authorizes the City of Natchez and Adams County to annually contribute funds to Natchez, Inc., a nonprofit focused on economic development. Specifically, Natchez must contribute at least $150,000 yearly, while Adams County must contribute at least $165,000 yearly. The bill expires on July 1, 2030, and does not create new taxes or alter existing funding streams.
Mississippi Senate Bill 3107 extends the expiration date for a 3% tax on hotel and motel room rentals in Laurel, allowing the city to continue collecting this revenue for tourism promotion. The bill requires Laurel's city council to hold a voter referendum before implementing the tax, with funds dedicated solely to tourism activities like marketing, facility improvements, and public safety. It applies to all hotels, motels, and short-term rental platforms (e.g., Airbnb) operating within Laurel, excluding hospitals and nursing homes. The tax revenue must be collected through the state Department of Revenue, audited annually, and cannot be used as general city funds.
SB 3158 extends the expiration date of a 2% sales tax on restaurants in Clinton, Mississippi, which was set to end in 2030. The tax applies to restaurants selling prepared food (excluding hospitals, schools, and similar facilities) and requires voter approval via election (60% support needed) before implementation. Revenue from the tax must be used exclusively for tourism promotion and parks/recreation projects, held in a separate city fund, and audited annually. This bill does not create a new tax but prolongs an existing local funding mechanism.
SB 3095 appropriates $28,041,412 from the General Fund and $21,487,878 from special funds to cover the Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services' (DITS) expenses for fiscal year 2027. The bill directly affects state agencies that rely on DITS for telecommunication, data center, and other IT services, funding their operations through these allocations. Key provisions restrict $12,034,227 of the total to "Personal Services" (salaries, wages, and benefits) for up to 136 permanent staff positions, with strict rules preventing overspending or using these funds for promotions or salary increases beyond authorized headcounts.
SB 3062 allocates $68.16 million in state funds to support the Mississippi Community College Board's operations for fiscal year 2027 (July 2026-June 2027). It specifically covers administrative expenses, the Greenville Higher Education Center ($542,459), geospatial licenses ($37,626), and the Workforce Education Program ($50.83 million), with funds sourced from the General Fund, Education Enhancement Fund, and other dedicated accounts. The bill also directs $30 million for postsecondary career education operations and requires budget submissions for FY2028 following FY2027 standards. It prohibits using state funds to replace withdrawn federal or special funds and mandates preference for Mississippi Industries for the Blind in procurement.
This bill appropriates $909,689 from the State General Fund to cover the Mississippi Ethics Commission's operating expenses for fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). It authorizes six permanent staff positions and requires the Commission to maintain detailed financial records matching its FY 2026 standards. The bill also mandates that the Commission prioritize purchasing from Mississippi Industries for the Blind when bids are equal and permits insurance purchases for agency vehicles. It does not change ethics laws or create new policies - it solely provides funding and administrative guidelines for the Commission's existing operations.
SB 3098 appropriates $15.12 million from Mississippi's General Fund and $24.06 million from special funds to cover the Secretary of State's office expenses for fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). It specifically allocates $7.82 million for employee salaries, benefits, and "Vacancy Funding" to fill authorized positions (96 permanent and 11 temporary roles), with strict rules preventing fund transfers to other categories or exceeding budget limits. The bill requires the office to maintain detailed financial records matching 2026 standards and prohibits using these funds to replace federal or other special funds. As a funding measure, it does not change the Secretary of State's duties or create new policies.
