HB 1850 creates a property tax exemption for Mississippi homeowners and property owners whose assessed value increases by more than 5% in a single year starting in 2026. Specifically, the portion of a property's value exceeding a 5% annual increase is exempt from ad valorem (property) taxes, but this exemption does not apply to value increases from construction, renovations, or improvements - except those enhancing energy efficiency, safety, or access. It also excludes the first year when a property's use or classification changes (e.g., from residential to commercial). The bill applies to all property types and adds this exemption to existing tax breaks without altering how property value is calculated.
HB 1874 authorized Mississippi to issue state general obligation bonds to fund winterization (insulating homes against cold weather) for low-income homeowners in Gulfport's central city neighborhood known as "The Quarter." The bill would have provided state funds to cover the costs of these energy efficiency improvements. The bonds would have been repaid using state general funds, with the proceeds directed solely to this winterization project. The bill died in committee on February 26, 2025, and did not become law.
HB 1921 appropriates $300 million ($100 million to each) to Mississippi's three HBCUs - Alcorn State, Jackson State, and Mississippi Valley State - for repairing and upgrading campus buildings and infrastructure. The funds cover specific projects like restoring historic structures, modernizing electrical/plumbing systems, improving student housing, creating new academic spaces, enhancing safety systems, and supporting energy efficiency. Each university must submit a detailed plan for approval and provide annual progress reports to the legislature on how the money is spent.
SB 2252 directs the Mississippi Home Corporation to establish a Neighborhood Housing Rehabilitation Program (NHRP) using federal funds (like ARPA and CDBG) to assist low-income homeowners. The program prioritizes owner-occupied properties in municipalities, focusing on correcting health/safety issues, improving energy efficiency, fixing lead paint, and bringing homes up to building codes. It creates a revolving fund in the state treasury to ensure unspent funds remain available for future use, with annual reports to the legislature. The bill died in committee in February 2025 and never became law.
HB 1873 would have allocated $300,000 from Mississippi's State General Fund to the City of Gulfport for winterization projects in "The Quarter," a low-income neighborhood in central Gulfport. The funds were intended to cover home repairs, energy efficiency upgrades, and other improvements to help residents better withstand winter weather during fiscal year 2026 (July 2025-June 2026). The bill specified that "winterization" includes necessary repairs and upgrades to existing homes, not new construction. The measure was referred to the Appropriations Committee but died there on February 26, 2025, and did not become law.
HB 968 extends the expiration date of existing rules allowing Mississippi public entities (like schools, hospitals, and government agencies) to enter energy efficiency service contracts. It does not change the contract requirements or definitions but delays when those specific provisions will automatically expire. The bill ensures current energy efficiency contracting rules remain in effect longer, maintaining the process for entities to select qualified energy service providers and use performance-based contracts. This change applies to all public entities currently using or planning such contracts under the existing framework.
SB 2079 extends the deadline for public entities (like schools, hospitals, and state agencies) to use energy efficiency contracts under existing rules. It amends Mississippi Code § 31-7-14 to delay the expiration date of provisions allowing these contracts for equipment/services that reduce operating costs, such as HVAC systems or lighting upgrades. The bill clarifies definitions for "energy services providers" and requires prequalification by the Energy Division, ensuring contracts meet criteria like 20-year simple payback periods. The bill died in committee on March 4, 2025, so it did not become law.
HB 186 extends the deadline for repealing rules governing energy efficiency service contracts in Mississippi. It clarifies that public entities - including schools, hospitals, and state agencies - can use any available funding sources to enter into these contracts. The bill specifically updates Section 31-7-14 to maintain existing contract terms for energy efficiency projects (like HVAC upgrades or lighting systems) that were already competitively bid. It ensures these agreements, which may include shared-savings or performance-based payments, remain valid beyond the original expiration date. The change focuses on administrative continuity, not altering contract requirements or funding eligibility.
