Mississippi 2026 Regular Session

Mississippi House Bill HB264

Introduced
1/7/26  
Refer
1/7/26  

Caption

Appropriation; Holmes County Heritage and Cultural Foundation for construction of Hazel Brannon Smith Memorial Park.

Impact

The establishment of the Hazel Brannon Smith Memorial Park will serve as an outdoor museum, featuring displays and exhibitions that reflect the legacy of Hazel Brannon Smith and her contributions to journalism and society. This initiative is expected to enhance cultural awareness and historical education within the local community, providing a space for both residents and visitors to engage with important aspects of local history.

Summary

House Bill 264 is an appropriations act that allocates funds to the Holmes County Heritage and Cultural Foundation, Inc. for the construction of the Hazel Brannon Smith Memorial Park in Lexington, Mississippi. The total amount appropriated is $250,000 and is designated for the fiscal year 2027, which begins on July 1, 2026. This funding is meant to cover various costs associated with creating the park, which aims to honor Hazel Brannon Smith, a notable journalist and the first woman to win a Pulitzer Prize for Editorial Writing in 1964.

Contention

While the bill is primarily focused on funding, it may face scrutiny regarding the prioritization of state funds for cultural projects versus immediate human services or infrastructure issues. Potential debates may arise regarding the effectiveness and necessity of state-funded memorials, with some stakeholders advocating for alternative allocations that could meet pressing community needs. The specifics of local government support and community involvement in the park's development may also be points of discussion as plans progress.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MS HB1859

Appropriation; Holmes County Heritage and Cultural Foundation for construction of Hazel Brannon Smith Memorial Park.

MS HB1857

Appropriation; Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks for renovations and upgrades to Holmes County State Park.

MS HB1864

Appropriation; Holmes County for road repairs and upgrades to Industrial Park.

MS HB1856

Appropriation; Holmes County Consolidated School District for construction of a new high school.

MS SB2111

General Fund; FY2026 appropriation to Mississippi's Toughest Kids Foundation for certain construction costs at Camp Kamassa.

MS SB3162

General Fund; FY2026 appropriation to MDOT for State Aid Road Projects within Smith County.

MS HB76

Appropriation; Summit Community Development Foundation for development of a public park in Town of Summit.

MS SB3112

General Fund; FY2026 appropriation to Holmes County for improvements to the circuit court courthouse.

MS HB542

Appropriation; Holmes County Consolidated School District for expenses of consolidation.

MS SB3113

General Fund; FY2026 appropriation to Holmes County for road and infrastructure improvements.

Similar Bills

MD HB390

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2027)

MD SB282

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.