MS HB44

Appropriates $11,160,252.00 from the State General Fund and $4,863,451.00 from special funds to the Mississippi Library Commission for fiscal year 2026 (July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026).

Authorizes $3,476,737.00 for personal services including employee salaries, wages, and fringe benefits for 48 permanent and 1 time-limited positions, with $141,646.00 designated as vacancy funding.

Requires $4,835,489.00 of appropriated funds to be used specifically for health insurance costs for full-time library staff members in Mississippi public libraries.

Mandates quarterly advance payments to eligible public library systems under the Personnel Incentive Grants Program on September 30, December 31, March 31, and June 30.

Allocates no less than $1,350,000.00 for the MAGNOLIA Database and sets performance targets including 35,000,000 searches on MAGNOLIA, 100,000 children in summer library programs, and 1,150 help desk tickets resolved.