Mississippi 2026 Regular Session

Mississippi Senate Bill SB3098

Introduced
2/17/26  
Refer
2/17/26  
Engrossed
2/19/26  
Refer
2/24/26  
Enrolled
4/2/26  

Caption

Appropriation; Secretary of State.

Impact

The bill impacts state laws primarily by providing budgetary support necessary for the enforcement of laws related to elections and maintaining public trust. Notable allocations include funding for cybersecurity initiatives and the replacement and maintenance of the Statewide Elections Management System (SEMS). By doing so, the bill aims to uphold election integrity and enhance the overall functionality of state governance systems and services related to elections and public trust management.

Summary

Senate Bill 3098 is an appropriation bill that allocates funds to the Office of the Secretary of State for the fiscal year 2027. The bill specifies a total appropriation from the State General Fund and special source funds, totaling approximately $40.6 million. The funds are earmarked for various operational needs, including personal services like salaries and wages, litigation expenses related to election integrity, and maintenance of voting systems. This signifies a focus on supporting state governance and enhancing the efficiency of the Secretary of State's operations.

Sentiment

Overall sentiment around SB 3098 appears to be positive, with support stemming from a recognition of the necessity for adequate funding to ensure the effectiveness of the Secretary of State's office. Lawmakers have expressed firm support for measures that bolster the integrity of elections, and the allocations for cybersecurity and public trust are seen as timely and crucial, especially in light of increasing concerns around election security. However, discussions may include reservations related to specific funding amounts or the management of allocated resources, reflecting typical budgetary debates.

Contention

While there appears to be broad support for SB 3098, the underlying tension often lies in budget allocations and the efficiency of fund utilization. Issues may arise related to how effectively the funds support the designated goals, particularly concerning transparency in expenditure and the achievement of key performance measures set for the agency. Additionally, the bill includes provisions that aim to prevent misuse of funds and ensure that appropriate personnel actions do not exceed budgetary constraints, which can be contentious as operational needs evolve.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MS SB2037

Appropriation; Secretary of State.

MS SB3042

Appropriation; Secretary of State.

MS HB28

Appropriation; Real Estate Commission.

MS SB2022

Appropriation; Contractors, Board of.

MS HB25

Appropriation; Nursing, Board of.

MS SB2025

Appropriation; Pharmacy, Board of.

MS HB32

Appropriation; Attorney General.

MS SB2021

Appropriation; Accountancy, Board of Public.

MS HB1763

Appropriation; State Public Defender, Office of.

MS HB19

Appropriation; Health, Department of.

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.