Mississippi 2026 Regular Session

Mississippi Senate Bill SB3101

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

Caption

Appropriation; Veterans Affairs Board.

Impact

The implications of SB3101 on state laws are considerable, as it codifies funding arrangements for essential services catered towards veterans, promoting the establishment and maintenance of state veterans homes. This includes provisions for the construction of a new Veterans Home in Rankin County, which will replace an outdated facility, with a budget specifically earmarked for this development. Furthermore, the bill ensures that state veterans affairs operation complies with established personnel guidelines and expenditure control measures, reinforcing proper financial governance.

Summary

Senate Bill 3101 is an appropriation act aimed at funding the operational expenses of the State Veterans Affairs Board and the Mississippi State Veterans Homes for the fiscal year 2027. The bill outlines a total appropriation amount of $22,189,165 from special source funds, along with $5,940,191 from the State General Fund specifically designated for the board's expenses and salaries. Moreover, it includes additional funding for direct operational costs for veterans' homes amounting to $48,011,634, with provisions for personal services and vacancy funding to facilitate personnel management.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding SB3101 seems to be supportive, particularly among legislators who advocate for enhanced services and infrastructure for veterans. Lawmakers have expressed that properly funding veterans' homes and their operational needs is critical to honoring the services of military personnel. Constituents have displayed a favorable view of the bill, largely influenced by a shared commitment to supporting veterans and their families. However, concerns about fiscal responsibility and long-term sustainability of such funding measures are present among some fiscal conservatives.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding SB3101 hinge on budgetary appropriations and the management of state resources. Some legislators raised concerns about ensuring that the funds designated for services are not misallocated or utilized to replace federal funds. Additionally, there are discussions regarding the proposed headcounts and hiring processes stipulated in the bill, focusing on the necessity for transparency and accountability in personnel actions to prevent misuse of resources. The provision allowing the Executive Director of the State Veterans Affairs Board to transfer spending authority between budgets also sparked debate about how such flexibility might lead to potential fiscal misunderstandings.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MS SB2035

Appropriation; Veterans Affairs Board.

MS SB3040

Appropriation; Veterans Affairs Board.

MS HB1361

Appropriation; State Veterans Affairs Board for interment of certain persons in the veterans cemeteries.

MS HB39

Appropriation; Veterans' Home Purchase Board.

MS HB1765

Appropriation; Veterans' Home Purchase Board.

MS SB3027

Appropriation; Veterinary Examiners, Board of.

MS SB2023

Appropriation; Veterinary Examiners, Board of.

MS HB25

Appropriation; Nursing, Board of.

MS HB1748

Appropriation; Nursing, Board of.

MS HB9

Appropriation; Oil and Gas Board.

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.