Mississippi law moves state money into local projects and public facilities

The State Treasurer and State Fiscal Officer must transfer the listed amounts between state funds. The transfers draw from the Capital Expense Fund, the Education Enhancement Fund, and other named funds, and go to funds for local projects, colleges, transportation, research, and other purposes. The transfers go to the named funds in the amounts listed. Transfers from the Capital Expense Fund and Education Enhancement Fund are due when the law takes effect. Separate transfers from the State BP Settlement Fund, Gulf Coast Restoration Fund, and law enforcement and firefighters' training fund are due on July 1, 2026, or when the law takes effect, as specified.

The law sets aside separate state funds for local projects and several public facilities. The funds cover local projects, a University of Southern Mississippi science facility, a University of Mississippi Medical Center cancer center, Vicksburg visitor centers, and the Mississippi Cyber Center at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. Lawmakers must approve spending through an appropriation. Money in the local projects fund must be spent as provided in Senate Bill 2189, 2026 Regular Session. The law takes effect after passage. Spending from these funds depends on a legislative appropriation.

The Department of Finance and Administration must report on local project fund payments, and recipients must report on their projects. The Department reports to the Legislative Budget Office. State agencies, local governments, and other recipients of local project fund money report to the Department. Recipient reports must describe project progress and a target completion date. The final report must account for money left that will not be claimed for reimbursement. The Department must report by August 15 and February 15 each year. Recipients must report quarterly on dates set by the Department and file a final report when the project is complete.