Mississippi 2026 Regular Session

Mississippi Senate Bill SB3091

Introduced

2/17/26

Refer

2/17/26

Engrossed

2/19/26

Refer

2/24/26

Enrolled

4/2/26

Passed

4/8/26

Caption

AN ACT MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR THE PURPOSE OF DEFRAYING THE EXPENSES OF THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND COMMERCE FOR FISCAL YEAR 2027.

Impact

The passage of SB3091 will reinforce the role of the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce in regulating agricultural practices and supporting local commerce. The funding provided will enable the department to continue vital operations, including inspections and educational outreach. Moreover, the establishment of the Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Pilot Program will expand access to fresh produce for qualifying seniors, thereby enhancing public health outcomes in the state. This mechanism aims to support elderly citizens who fall within a specific poverty level, potentially increasing their quality of life.

Summary

Senate Bill 3091 serves as an appropriation bill for the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce for the fiscal year 2027. It allocates a total of approximately $29.2 million to cover operational expenses, including funding for various divisions within the department, such as Plant Industry, Farmers Central Market, and Fair Commission. Among the allocated funds, significant amounts are earmarked for personal services, repairs and maintenance across departmental facilities, and special programs like the Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Pilot Program aimed at assisting low-income seniors.

Sentiment

The sentiment regarding SB3091 appears largely positive, as legislators recognize the necessity of financial support for the state's agricultural and commerce sectors. Proponents emphasize the importance of maintaining and improving infrastructure and services that directly impact farmers and rural communities. However, there is also concern regarding the adequacy of funding and how effectively it will be allocated, particularly in addressing the specific needs of vulnerable populations such as senior citizens.

Contention

While there is broad support for the bill, questions have emerged about prioritizing expenditures effectively, particularly for programs aimed at assisting low-income seniors. The allocation of $30,000 for the Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Pilot Program has been highlighted as potentially insufficient given the needs of this demographic. Stakeholders argue that a greater investment is needed to truly impact food accessibility and nutrition for seniors living at or below the poverty line. This discussion underscores a broader debate about resource distribution and the state's responsibility towards its aging population.

Latest MS SB3091 Activity

View All Events: MS 2026 Regular Session SB3091

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MS SB3033

Appropriation; Agriculture and Commerce, Department of.

MS SB2028

Appropriation; Agriculture and Commerce, Department of.

MS SB2804

Sales tax; 1.5% rate for retail sales of livestock fencing and trailers to commercial farmers for agricultural purposes.

MS SB3005

Appropriation; IHL - Mississippi State University - Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station.

MS SB2004

Appropriation; IHL - Mississippi State University - Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station.

MS SB3243

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

MS HB1722

Appropriation; Archives and History, Department of.

MS HB1000

Mississippi Fair Commission; reestablish and transfer associated duties from Department of Agriculture.

MS HB1

Appropriation; Archives and History, Department of.

MS HB637

Sales tax; reduce rate to 1.5% for retail sales of fencing materials and cattle trailers to farmers for agricultural purposes.

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.