MS
Mississippi House Bill HB1930
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
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Mississippi 2026 Regular Session

Mississippi House Bill HB1930

Introduced
2/16/26  
Refer
2/16/26  
Engrossed
2/19/26  
Refer
2/27/26  
Enrolled
4/1/26  

Caption

Appropriation; State Public Defender, Office of.

Impact

This bill significantly impacts the state laws surrounding public defense by ensuring that the Office of State Public Defender has adequate funding to operate effectively. It covers various specific needs, including funding for a rural public defense pilot program, as well as resources for family defenders in youth courts. The financial provisions aim to maintain the essential services needed to represent indigent defendants and ensure that defense is not compromised due to a lack of resources. The funding also sets performance targets for the office, including measures related to the timely processing of trial cases and the quality of defense provided.

Summary

House Bill 1930 is an act that appropriates funds to cover the expenses of the Office of State Public Defender for the fiscal year 2027. The bill allocates a total of $4,678,350 from the State General Fund and $728,677 from special funds aimed at supporting various aspects of public defense in Mississippi. This funding is essential for the operational needs of the office that provides legal representation to individuals who cannot afford private counsel, thus helping to uphold the right to fair legal defense as mandated by law.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment around HB 1930 appears to be positive, reflecting a recognition of the importance of funding public defense services. Supporters argue that adequate funding is crucial for ensuring that every individual has representation in legal matters, thus enhancing the fairness of the judicial process. However, there may be concerns among some stakeholders regarding the sufficiency of the appropriated funds and the effectiveness of how these funds will be utilized, as some advocates urge for a more substantial investment in public defense to fully address the state's needs.

Contention

Despite the positive reception, notable points of contention may arise from the specific allocations within the bill. For instance, the provisions for the rural public defense pilot program may be scrutinized regarding its implementation and efficacy in improving access to legal services in underserved areas. Moreover, ensuring that the appropriated funds are not diverted to displace county defenders raises concerns about maintaining local legal representation structures. There is a consensus that while funding is essential, the mechanisms for deployment and the strict adherence to accountability measures will need to be continuously monitored to mitigate risks of ineffective resource allocation.

Latest MS HB1930 Activity

View All Events: MS 2026 Regular Session HB1930

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MS HB37

Appropriation; State Public Defender, Office of.

MS HB1763

Appropriation; State Public Defender, Office of.

MS SB3045

Appropriation; Treasurer's Office.

MS SB2790

Office Of State Public Defender; authorize representation of youth in delinquency and/or children in need of supervision.

MS SB2040

Appropriation; Treasurer's Office.

MS HB1045

Public defenders; authorize new assistants and provide for office space and expenses for those in Hinds County.

MS HB1054

Public defenders; authorize new assistants and provide for office space and expenses for those in Hinds County.

MS HB1388

Office of State Public Defender; authorize to represent youth in delinquency and/or child in need of supervision proceedings.

MS SB2045

Appropriation; Governor's Office and Mansion.

MS SB3050

Appropriation; Governor's Office and Mansion.

Similar Bills

MD SB282

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2027)

MD HB390

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 SB280

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 SB1161

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; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments 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.