Mississippi 2023 Regular Session

Mississippi House Bill HB1616

Introduced
2/13/23  
Refer
2/13/23  
Engrossed
2/15/23  
Refer
2/20/23  
Enrolled
3/31/23  

Caption

Appropriation; Environmental Quality, Department of.

Impact

The bill's impact on state laws primarily revolves around the enhancement of environmental projects and regulatory functions. It allows for significant financial resources to be allocated towards important activities such as the inspection and maintenance of dams, as well as the assessment and remediation of contaminated sites in the state. Moreover, this appropriation underscores the state's commitment to environmental governance and adherence to regulations designed to protect public health and natural resources.

Summary

House Bill 1616 is an appropriations act focused on funding the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) for the fiscal year 2024. It allocates a total of approximately $264.6 million, which comprises funds from the State General Fund and various special funds collected by the DEQ. This support is intended to ensure the department can effectively manage environmental quality initiatives and address contamination issues resulting from past environmental incidents, while also funding operational expenses and authorized personnel positions within the department.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding HB 1616 appears to be positive among lawmakers, as it emphasizes the importance of funding environmental oversight and quality. Lawmakers recognize the urgent need to address pollution and maintain regulatory compliance, especially in light of previous environmental disasters. However, debates may arise regarding the sufficiency of the allocated funds and the effectiveness of the DEQ’s programs in achieving their stated environmental goals.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the adequacy of funding relative to the state's environmental challenges and the efficiency of the DEQ in utilizing these appropriated funds. While the bill specifies various funding allocations for projects, some stakeholders may question whether the projected performance targets can realistically be met and whether additional funds may be necessary to adequately address extensive environmental restoration efforts.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MS HB1724

Appropriation; Environmental Quality, Department of.

MS HB3

Appropriation; Environmental Quality, Department of.

MS HB1891

Appropriation; Environmental Quality, Department of.

MS S1403

Relates to the appropriation to the Department of Environmental Quality for fiscal year 2027.

MS H0455

Relates to the appropriation to the Department of Environmental Quality for fiscal years 2025 and 2026.

MS SB8

An Act For The Department Of Energy And Environment - Division Of Environmental Quality Supplemental Appropriation.

MS HB2986

department of environmental quality; programs

MS HB3402

Appropriations; making certain appropriation to the Department of Environmental Quality; effective date; emergency.

MS HB1200

An Act For The Department Of Energy And Environment - Division Of Environmental Quality Appropriation For The 2025-2026 Fiscal Year.

MS HB0499

Department of Environmental Quality Amendments

Similar Bills

MD SB282

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2027)

MD HB390

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2027)

MD HB0390

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2027)

MD HB350

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2026)

MD SB319

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2026)

PA HB1330

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of certain agencies of the Executive Department for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.

PA SB160

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024.

PA SB1220

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026.