Mississippi Senate Bill SB2006

Mississippi 2025 1st Special Session

• Introduced: 5/28/25
• Refer: 5/28/25
• Engrossed: 5/28/25
• Enrolled: 5/30/25
• Passed: 6/4/25

Caption

Appropriation; IHL - Mississippi State University - Forest and Wildlife Research Center.

Summary

SB 2006 is an appropriations bill for Mississippi State University’s Forest and Wildlife Research Center for Fiscal Year 2026. It provides $6,262,007 from the State General Fund for the center’s operation and maintenance, and authorizes an additional $1,369,899 in special source funds for the same purpose. Of that special-source amount, $450,000 is specifically drawn from the Education Enhancement Fund. The bill also carries several standard appropriations conditions and reporting requirements. It prohibits general funds from being used to replace federal or other special funds for salaries if those outside funds are withdrawn, requires that any special source funds used to match grants or donations be tracked and reported, and directs the agency to submit its FY 2027 budget request in a format comparable to the FY 2026 request. It also includes procurement language giving preference to the Mississippi Industries for the Blind in certain purchasing situations and restates the prohibition on spending beyond appropriated amounts. In addition to operating funds, SB 2006 reappropriates $1,000,000 from the Capital Expense Fund for previously authorized Deer Lab renovations. This reauthorization is limited to the unexpended balance remaining as of June 30, 2025, and does not change the original purpose of the funds. The act takes effect July 1, 2025. The overall sentiment appears supportive and routine, consistent with a standard agency funding measure. The Senate passed the bill by a wide margin, 38 yeas to 7 nays, suggesting broad agreement on funding the research center even if a small number of members opposed it. No committee transcript is available, so there is no recorded debate explaining the objections. The main point of contention, based on the vote pattern rather than recorded discussion, is likely the level and structure of state spending rather than the existence of the appropriation itself. The bill’s mix of general funds, special source funds, and a capital reappropriation may have prompted some opposition, but the available record does not identify specific disputed provisions or named critics.

Impact

SB 2006 does not create new substantive law, but it directly affects Mississippi’s budget and appropriations framework by authorizing state spending for the Forest and Wildlife Research Center and reauthorizing prior capital funds for Deer Lab renovations. It amends the practical operation of state law for FY 2026 by setting spending limits, fund sources, reporting expectations, and procurement preferences tied to the center’s budget. It also implicates Mississippi Code provisions governing appropriations, budget compliance, and the Education Enhancement Fund.

Sentiment

The bill appears to have been viewed as a routine appropriations measure with generally favorable support. The Senate passed it 38-7, indicating strong backing overall. Because there are no committee transcripts, the record does not show detailed debate, but the vote suggests limited opposition and no major controversy on the floor.

Contention

The likely areas of contention are fiscal rather than policy-based: the size of the appropriation, the use of general fund versus special source funding, and the $1 million reappropriation for Deer Lab renovations. The bill also includes standard restrictions and reporting requirements that may have been intended to address legislative oversight concerns. However, the available materials do not identify specific objections, and no committee discussion is provided.