MS SB2959

Appropriates $21,403,368.00 from the State General Fund for the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station for fiscal year 2017-2018 (July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018).

Authorizes $10,092,429.00 in expenditures from special source funds collected by or available to the Experiment Station, with $1,165,578.00 derived from the Education Enhancement Fund.

Prohibits general funds from being used to replace federal funds or other special funds previously used for salaries, and requires special source funds used to match federal or research grants to be reported under Section 2 and included in future budget requests.

Establishes performance targets for three research areas: Plant Systems (31.00 scientist FTE, 270.79 publications), Animal Systems (26.14 scientist FTE, 98.90 publications), and Health/Sustainable Communities (28.00 scientist FTE, 290.00 publications), with reporting required in the 2019 budget request.

Requires preference be given to Mississippi Industries for the Blind when competitive bids are equal in price, quality, and service, and mandates compliance with expenditure limitations and proper warrant procedures.