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HB 1736

repealing the authority of the public utilities commission to approve alternative forms of regulation for utilities.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Joe Sweeney

Authorizes a FY2026 special funds appropriation of $9,089,507 to the Tombigbee River Valley WMD for operating, debt service, maintenance, and project development.

Inexpedient to Legislate: MA VV 03/05/2026 HJ 6 P. 37
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Bill Summary · HB 1736

Summary — HB 1736 (Tombigbee River Valley Water Management District; FY2026 appropriation)

Status: Approved by Governor; enacted as Act No. 603. Effective date: July 1, 2025. Sponsors: Senator Dees; Representative M. Brown. Related: SB 692, HB 1733 (companions).

Main purpose

HB 1736 authorizes the expenditure of special funds by the Tombigbee River Valley Water Management District (TRVWMD) for Fiscal Year 2026 to defray the district’s operating and capital-related costs—principally to pay bond maturities and accrued interest, maintenance expenses, project development costs, and other authorized district expenses.

Key provisions and changes

  • Appropriation: The act authorizes an appropriation of $9,089,507 (from special funds received by or otherwise available to the District) for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2026.
  • Use of funds: Funds may be used for bond maturities and interest, maintenance, project development, and other authorized District expenses.
  • Authorized headcount: The bill (as amended) authorizes staff/headcount for the District; the act text and committee amendment set and preserve headcount limitations (see act for exact position counts).
  • Personnel controls and limits:
    • The District must ensure personal services costs for FY2027 do not exceed FY2026 levels unless the Legislature authorizes increases.
    • Vacancy funds are restricted to filling approved vacancies and may not be used for promotions, title changes, in-range salary adjustments, or other mechanisms that increase current employee pay.
    • The State Personnel Board will publish the agency’s personal services appropriation and projected annualized payroll costs; salary actions that increase agency FY2026 projected costs above projected annualized costs are restricted (with narrow exceptions for essential new hires).
    • No general funds in this act shall replace federal or other special funds previously used for salaries.
    • Compliance with IRS Publication 15-A reporting rules for contract employees is required.
  • Procurement and deposit rules:
    • When bids are equal, preference is to be given to Mississippi Industries for the Blind; similar preference applies for non-competitive purchases where appropriate.
    • District funds in excess of operating needs must be deposited in banks selected by the District’s board and invested to earn interest at least equal to state treasury deposits.
  • Accountability and reporting:
    • The District must maintain accounting and personnel records at the same level of detail as FY2025 and submit FY2027 budget requests in comparable format to the Joint Legislative Budget Committee.
    • Standard anti‑overspending and disbursement provisions apply (compliance with state law, checks signed by proper officials).
  • Other administrative controls: Transfers/escalations of funds and any position escalations require Department of Finance and Administration approval and proof of funding availability.

Who is affected

  • Primary beneficiary: Tombigbee River Valley Water Management District (operations, debt service, project development).
  • Affected parties: District employees (personnel rules and limits), vendors/contractors (procurement preferences and rules), banks (deposit arrangements), and state oversight agencies (State Personnel Board; Department of Finance & Administration; Joint Legislative Budget Committee).
  • Funding source: Special funds available to the District (not new general fund appropriations).

Procedural/timeline notes

  • Filed January 6, 2025; passed both chambers (March–April 2025) and approved by the Governor (recorded March 28, 2025). Enactment effective July 1, 2025.
  • The act includes typical legislative controls to limit salary growth, require detailed reporting, and ensure funds are spent consistent with statutory and fiscal rules.

For implementation details (exact headcount authorized, permissible transfers, and reporting formats), consult the enrolled act text (Act No. 603) and the Department of Finance & Administration guidance.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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