Environment

HB 3 appropriates $20.7 million from general funds and $252.7 million from special funds to support Mississippi's Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) for fiscal year 2026 (July 2025-June 2026). The bill directly affects DEQ staff by setting strict limits on personal services spending (including salaries and vacancies), requiring that no more than $34.6 million be used for personnel, and prohibiting fund transfers to other categories. It authorizes 13 new positions (8 permanent, 5 time-limited), such as Environmental Engineers and Geologists, while mandating detailed accounting and compliance with Mississippi’s Variable Compensation Plan. The funding aims to maintain DEQ operations without increasing personnel costs beyond the approved budget.