Mississippi 2023 Regular Session

Mississippi Senate Bill SB3049

Introduced

2/14/23

Refer

2/14/23

Engrossed

2/16/23

Refer

2/21/23

Enrolled

3/30/23

Passed

4/19/23

Caption

Appropriation; Secretary of State.

Impact

This bill has significant implications for state laws and governance, particularly regarding funding mechanisms for essential services provided by the Secretary of State's office. It underscores the state legislature's commitment to ensuring adequate resources for the administration of elections, business services, and the management of public lands. Moreover, it stresses that appropriated funds must be used strictly for necessary operational duties as defined by both state and federal laws, thus reinforcing accountability in the utilization of taxpayer resources.

Summary

Senate Bill 3049, officially titled 'An Act Making an Appropriation to Defray the Expenses of the Office of the Secretary of State for Fiscal Year 2024', allocates financial resources to support the operations of the Mississippi Secretary of State's office for the upcoming fiscal year. The total appropriation amounts to over $30 million, with specific allocations aimed at covering both general operational costs and special projects related to elections and state governance. Notably, the bill emphasizes the importance of maintaining efficient operations within the agency, including a focus on election integrity and cybersecurity enhancements.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding SB 3049 is largely supportive, as legislators recognize the need for robust funding for the Secretary of State’s office, especially in light of ongoing concerns about election security and the administration of fair voting processes. Supporters argue that investing in these areas is crucial for maintaining public trust in the electoral system and enhancing the operational capabilities of the agency. However, some discussions hinted at concerns regarding fiscal stewardship and a desire for transparency in how funds are allocated and spent.

Contention

While the appropriation appears straightforward, there are points of contention regarding how the funds will be utilized, especially in terms of personnel expenditures and the prioritization of funding for various projects, such as election technology upgrades. Some lawmakers have expressed the need for stricter oversight to ensure that the funding earmarked for election-related expenses, including cybersecurity measures, translates into tangible improvements in electoral processes. Additionally, the provisions limiting the use of appropriated funds for certain personnel-related expenditures have raised questions regarding staffing flexibility within the Secretary of State's office.

Latest MS SB3049 Activity

View All Events: MS 2023 Regular Session SB3049

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MS SB2037

Appropriation; Secretary of State.

MS SB3042

Appropriation; Secretary of State.

MS SB3098

Appropriation; Secretary of State.

MS H0952

Relates to the appropriation to the Office of the Secretary of State for fiscal year 2027.

MS H0909

Relates to the appropriation to the Office of the Secretary of State for fiscal year 2027.

MS SB2567

Tax-forfeited land certified to state; authorize Secretary of State to withhold 10% for the cost of tree removal.

MS HB1763

Appropriation; State Public Defender, Office of.

MS HB37

Appropriation; State Public Defender, Office of.

MS HB1147

An Act For The Secretary Of State Appropriation For The 2025-2026 Fiscal Year.

MS HB1939

Appropriations; additional appropriations for various state agencies.

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.