Healthcare

SB 2026 appropriates $438.2 million from the state General Fund and $30.8 million from special funds for Mississippi's Department of Corrections during fiscal year 2026 (July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026). The bill allocates specific funding to key areas including $122 million for medical services, $69.5 million for private prison contracts, and $144 million for personnel costs (salaries, benefits, and staffing positions). These funds directly support state correctional facilities like Parchman, South Mississippi Correctional, and community corrections programs, covering operational expenses and staffing for approximately 2,900 positions. As a funding measure, it does not change policy but authorizes financial resources for existing correctional operations.

SB 2024 provides $1.29 million in state funding to Mississippi's Board of Dental Examiners for fiscal year 2026 (July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026). It specifically allocates $694,646 for staff salaries and benefits for the board’s 8 authorized positions, with strict rules preventing use for promotions or salary increases beyond budget limits. Additionally, $27,000 is designated for the Board of Pharmacy to support its Prescription Monitoring Program. This is a routine budget allocation for operational costs, not a new policy change.

SB 2025 appropriates $4,154,101 in state funds for the Mississippi State Board of Pharmacy to cover fiscal year 2026 expenses (July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026). The bill allocates $2,799,541 specifically for "Personal Services" (employee salaries, wages, and fringe benefits), including $354,951 designated to fill existing vacancies without increasing headcount beyond 21 authorized positions. It requires the Board to meet strict performance targets, such as processing 100% of licenses within 10 business days and resolving 100% of complaints within six months. The funding includes safeguards to prevent exceeding budget limits, ensure salaries meet state minimums, and mandate annual reporting on performance metrics to the legislature.