During the seventh week of the 2026 Legislative Session, the Mississippi Senate adopted appropriations bills for a proposed $7.89 billion total state-support budget for Fiscal Year 2027.
The budget includes $18 million for the Mississippi Military Department, of which $3.3 million is allocated to Senate Bill 2018, the Mississippi National Guard Tricare Premium Reimbursement Program. This program would provide free health insurance coverage to eligible members of the Mississippi National Guard.
Other proposed budgets include:
• $20.9 million for the Department of Workforce Development
• $24.8 million for the Veterans Affairs Board, including $18.9 million for the relocation of the Jackson Veterans Nursing Home to Rankin County
• $9.9 million for the Department of Agriculture and Commerce
The appropriations measures will next be considered by the Mississippi House of Representatives.
Additional Legislative Action Capitol Events and Deadlines
On February 17, 2026, the Alcorn State University Choir performed at the Mississippi State Capitol during “Alcorn State University Day at the Capitol.” Senators Albert Butler, Briggs Hopson, and Sarita Simmons led presentation of Senate Resolution 48, commemorating the 155th anniversary of thefounding of Alcorn State University.
Upcoming deadlines include:
• February 23 — Deadline to request drafting of appropriation and revenue bills
• February 25 — Deadline for original floor action on Senate-originating appropriation and revenue bills
• February 26 — Deadline for reconsideration and passage of Senate-originating appropriation and revenue bills
• February 27 — Deadline to dispose of motions to reconsider appropriation and revenue bills
“As your State Senator for District 31, I remain committed to responsible budgeting, supporting our veterans and military families, strengthening workforce development, and ensuring Mississippi taxpayer dollars are spent wisely and effectively,” said Senator McCaughn.
The Senate also finalized action on two House bills:
• House Bill 515 establishes communication guidelines for radiologist assistants, clarifying that a radiologist assistant may only communicate initial observations directly to the supervising radiologist.
• House Bill 814 authorizes the Mississippi Department of Health to increase certain annual permit and program fees over the next three fiscal years, including food establishment permits, private water supply approval fees, and onsite wastewater program fees.
Both bills will be sent to the Governor for consideration.
