Mississippi 2026 Regular Session

Mississippi House Bill HB1901

Introduced

2/16/26

Refer

2/16/26

Engrossed

2/19/26

Refer

2/27/26

Enrolled

3/31/26

Passed

4/6/26

Caption

AN ACT MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FROM GENERAL FUNDS IN THE STATE TREASURY FOR THE PURPOSE OF DEFRAYING THE EXPENSES OF THE PUBLIC UTILITIES STAFF FOR FISCAL YEAR 2027.

Impact

The enactment of HB1901 will provide critical funding required to maintain the Public Utilities Staff's operations, which play a crucial role in regulating utilities across Mississippi. The final budget will impact the agency’s capability to serve effectively, ensuring that salaries, wages, and benefits for the agency's employees can be funded and maintained. This funding aligns with the state's ongoing commitment to uphold efficient public utility management and oversight.

Summary

House Bill 1901 concerns the appropriation of state funds for the expenses of the Public Utilities Staff during the fiscal year 2027, which runs from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027. This bill allocates a total of $2,476,315 from the State General Fund for operational costs, along with an additional $80,000 from the Project Atlas Fund. The legislation emphasizes budgeting for personnel and services that facilitate the necessary operations of the Public Utilities Staff, vital for managing utility rates and services within the state.

Sentiment

The sentiment around the bill appears to be generally positive, as it is framed as a necessary measure for ensuring that the Public Utilities Staff can perform its essential functions without interruptions. Legislative discussions seem to reflect consensus on the importance of funding this agency, given its responsibilities. However, there may be some underlying contention around budget allocations and the effectiveness of the Public Utilities Staff, indicative of ongoing debates regarding public sector funding in utility management.

Contention

Some points of contention may arise from the actual distribution and usage of the appropriated funds, particularly concerning the specific allocation of $80,000 designated for the Atlas Project. There have been concerns regarding fiscal accountability, ensuring that funds are not misused or diverted from their intended purposes. The bill includes strict regulations on spending and specifies that funds are to be used only for Personal Services and related expenditures, which may provoke discussions around transparency and oversight.

Latest MS HB1901 Activity

View All Events: MS 2026 Regular Session HB1901

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MS HB13

Appropriation; Public Utilities Staff.

MS HB1734

Appropriation; Public Utilities Staff.

MS HB1065

Public Utilities Staff; remove from the provisions of the MS Budget Transparency and Simplification Act.

MS SB3045

Appropriation; Treasurer's Office.

MS SB2040

Appropriation; Treasurer's Office.

MS SB3243

General Fund; FY2026 appropriation to Newton County for the expenses of certain volunteer fire departments.

MS SB2902

General Fund; FY2026 appropriation to Mississippi School of the Arts for support staff.

MS SB2138

General Fund; FY2026 appropriation to City of Tupelo for expenses of Tupelo Regional symphony.

MS SB3234

General Fund; FY2026 appropriation to the Town of Monticello for City Hall and Police Department Annex repairs.

MS SB3175

General Fund; FY2026 appropriation to Quitman County for the purpose of road paving machinery.

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.