Bill > SB2897

This bill establishes the State-Managed Disaster Assistance Program, allowing the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) to manage state-funded disaster preparedness, response, and recovery efforts, a response to anticipated changes in federal disaster funding that will require states to bear a larger financial burden. It creates the State-Managed Disaster Assistance Trust Fund, a special fund in the State Treasury, to hold legislative appropriations for disaster assistance, which can be used for various purposes including reimbursing costs for services provided by agencies like the Mississippi Department of Transportation or the Mississippi National Guard when tasked by the Governor. The bill outlines that the director of MEMA will administer the program, adopt necessary rules, and can request funds from the trust fund, up to a certain limit, when needed, with notifications sent to legislative leaders. Local agencies seeking state funding must declare a local emergency and apply to MEMA, and any work done by contract must adhere to state contracting laws, with local agencies holding the state harmless for damages. The bill also allows for advances of funds to initiate projects and stipulates that state contributions for repairs will be reduced by any insurance settlements received.

Budget and Finance

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2026/pdf/history/SB/SB2897.xml