HB4255 Expands Criminal Code Protections for Traveling Animal Acts

The Illinois House passed HB4255 on April 7, 2026, amending the Criminal Code of 2012 to expand protections for animals in traveling acts. The bill replaces the narrow focus on elephants with a broader definition of "covered animals" encompassing Elephantidae, Felidae (excluding domestic cats), non-human primates, and Ursidae. Traveling animal acts in Illinois must comply with these expanded restrictions starting July 1, 2026.

Illinois SB2774 Meal Kit Facilities Regulation

Illinois Governor signed SB2774 into law on January 13, 2026, amending the Sanitary Food Preparation Act to extend regulatory oversight to meal kit and ready-to-eat meal distribution facilities. The new law grants local health departments enforcement authority over these facilities and establishes requirements for temperature control, food safety inspections, food labeling, delivery standards, and transparency. Meal kit and ready-to-eat meal distribution facilities must pay inspection fees within 30 days to the local health department that conducted the inspection, with non-compliance consequences including late fees.

Mississippi HB1989 Exempts Utilities Sales Tax for Certain Nonprofits

Mississippi Governor signed HB1989 into law on April 6, 2026, amending Section 27-65-107 of the Mississippi Code to exempt sales tax on utilities purchased by certain nonprofit organizations. The exemption applies to utilities used on properties primarily used for agricultural exhibits, livestock shows, carnival rides, horse racing, entertainment events, and temporary lodging facilities. The bill passed the House 110-1 and Senate 52-0 after conference committee reconciliation.

Additional State Appropriations - HB1939

Mississippi Governor signed HB1939 into law on April 6, 2026, authorizing additional appropriations of capital expense and special funds for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. The bill allocates funds to multiple state agencies including the Division of Medicaid, Department of Child Protection Services, Department of Agriculture and Commerce, Office of the Attorney General, Mississippi Development Authority, Mississippi Veterans Affairs Board, Board of Animal Health, and Mississippi Emergency Management Agency.

Appropriation for State Board of Medical Licensure

Mississippi HB1913 was signed into law by Governor on April 6, 2026, making an appropriation from special funds in the state treasury for the expenses of the State Board of Medical Licensure for fiscal year 2027. The bill passed with unanimous support in both chambers (House 122-0, Senate 51-0). This is a routine state budget allocation to fund the regulatory board responsible for licensing and oversight of medical professionals in Mississippi.

Mississippi Public Service Commission Appropriations FY2027

Mississippi HB1900, an appropriations bill for the Public Service Commission, was signed into law by Governor on April 6, 2026. The bill provides funding for the PSC's operations during fiscal year 2027 and passed unanimously in both chambers after standard legislative process including conference committee reconciliation.

Mississippi Main Street Revitalization Grant Program Act revisions signed

Mississippi Main Street Revitalization Grant Program Act revisions signed

Mississippi HB1904 - Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks Appropriation FY2027

The Mississippi State Legislature has enacted HB1904, an appropriations bill for the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks for Fiscal Year 2027. The bill was signed by Governor Reeves on April 6, 2026, after passing unanimously in both chambers (121-0 in the House, 50-0/51-0 in the Senate). This legislation authorizes state funding for wildlife conservation, fisheries management, and parks operations for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026.

Mississippi Department of Insurance Appropriation FY2027

Mississippi Governor signed HB1911 on April 7, 2026, appropriating funds for the Mississippi Department of Insurance for fiscal year 2027. The bill passed with overwhelming legislative support (House 117-1, Senate 51-0) after conference committee reconciliation. This annual appropriations act funds the operational budget of the state insurance regulator.

Mississippi Agricultural Lime Tax Exemption and Livestock Fencing Sales Tax Reduction

Mississippi Governor signed HB4060 on April 6, 2026, amending Sections 27-65-103 and 27-65-17 of the Mississippi Code to exempt retail sales of agricultural lime from sales taxation and reduce the sales tax rate to 1.5% on fencing materials for livestock containment when purchased by commercial farmers. The bill passed the House 115-0 and the Senate 52-0 before conference committee.