Mississippi Senate Bill SB2947

Mississippi 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/12/25
• Refer: 2/12/25
• Failed: 2/26/25

Caption

General Fund; FY2026 appropriation to Lee County for the purchase of firefighting suits.

Summary

SB 2947 is a fiscal appropriation bill that provides $30,000 from the Mississippi State General Fund to Lee County for the benefit of the Richmond Fire Department. The stated purpose in the bill text is to help cover costs associated with purchasing firefighting suits, although the caption also references a fire truck and fire infrastructure equipment. The appropriation is for fiscal year 2026, beginning July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2026. The bill sets out the standard state payment mechanism for appropriated funds: the State Treasurer would disburse the money from the General Fund upon warrants issued by the State Fiscal Officer, based on proper requisitions. It also specifies that the act takes effect on July 1, 2025. Because this is a one-time appropriation, it does not create a continuing program or permanently amend a substantive code section, but it does authorize a direct state expenditure for local fire department equipment needs.

Impact

SB 2947 would authorize a $30,000 General Fund appropriation to Lee County for the Richmond Fire Department, increasing state spending for local public safety equipment in FY2026. Its practical effect is to provide targeted financial assistance for firefighting gear, while leaving existing state law largely unchanged except for the temporary appropriation authority and payment procedures contained in the act.

Sentiment

The available record suggests generally favorable or routine support, but there is limited evidence of debate because no committee transcript or vote history is provided. The bill appears to be a straightforward local appropriation for fire protection needs, which typically attracts little controversy absent competing funding priorities.

Contention

The main point of potential ambiguity is the bill’s description of the funded purpose. The caption refers to a fire truck and fire infrastructure equipment, while the operative text specifically funds the purchase of firefighting suits. That mismatch could raise questions about legislative intent or the exact use of the appropriation. Otherwise, no specific opposition or contested issues are reflected in the provided materials.