Legislative weekly summaries
Note: Information provided here comes courtesy of the Press Offices of the Mississippi State Senate and House of Representatives.
Mississippi Senate
In the ninth week of the Mississippi Legislative Session, the Senate passed House Bill 1611, that would require insurance companies to provide a 45-day notice to the insured before making a change in coverage or a cancellation, to provide sufficient time for a consumer to secure a new policy.
Passage of House Bill 913, requires accurate labeling of meat and nonmeat products by processors, retail and food establishment prior to final sale, and House Bill 1006, prohibits the manufacture and sale of food items produced from cultured animal cells.
House Bill 918, transfers administration of the Mississippi Community Heritage Preservation Grant Fund from Department of Finance and Administration to Department of Archives and History.
Among other bills passed were:
- House Bill 565, would require law enforcement agencies to report terminated officers to the Board on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Training.
- House Bill 624, increases salaries of criminal investigators from $63,000 to $75,000 in offices of district attorneys in certain districts.
- House Bill 623, allows a judge to increase compensation for attorneys representing indigent offenders.
- House Bill 150, increases maximum gross vehicle weight of loads carried by concrete and solid waste trucks.
- House Bill 638, authorizes the Mississippi Transportation Commission to delegate authority for entering into supplemental contract agreements for amounts not exceeding $250,000.
- Joint Resolution 1, revises composition of Mississippi House Districts 16, 22, 36, 39 and 41.
- House Bill 861, provides immunity for persons reporting sexual crimes.
- House Bill 724, creates a misdemeanor crime for the willful failure to transmit a voter’s ballot in certain situations.
- House Bill 1196, authorizes Pearl River Valley Water Supply District to participate in the Local Governments and Rural Water Systems Improvements Revolving Loan and Grant Program.
The Senate had a busy schedule of floor presentations honoring exemplary Mississippians, who significantly impacted their communities.
On Wednesday, March 5 Senator Brian Rhodes led the presentation of Senate Resolution 68, to Senator Angela Turner Ford for receiving the Coalition On Adult Basic Education, (COABE), 2024 Legislative Champion Award.
Senator Turner Ford also led the Senate on Wednesday, March 5 in presenting Senate Resolution 35, to the West Point High School “Green Wave” football team and Coach Brett Morgan for winning their 13th Mississippi High School Athletics Association Class 5A State Championship.
Senator Jeff Tate on Wednesday, March 5 led a presentation of Senate Resolution 71, to Tommy Barnes, a member of the Mississippi Songwriters Alliance, who performed for lawmakers.
The Senate on Thursday, March 6 honored former Associated Press Mississippi Capitol Correspondent Emily Wagster Pettus, with Senate Concurrent Resolution 505, Emily began covering the Legislature in 1990 for The Clarion Ledger, and in January 2001, she covered the Legislature for The Associated Press, until January . Senators Joseph C. Thomas Sr., Sollie B. Norwood, President Pro Tempore Dean Kirby, Hob Bryan, David Blount and Hillman T. Frazier led the presentation.
Senator Tyler McCaughn on Thursday, March 6 led the Senate’s presentation of Senate Resolution 58, to Roy Holder as the Mississippi Loggers Association 2024 “Log-A-Load for Kids National Champion Volunteer of the Year.”
The Senate met a Tuesday, March 4 deadline for committees to report general bills and constitutional amendments originating in the House.
The Senate faces a Wednesday, March 12 deadline for original floor action on general bills and constitutional amendments originating in the House, a Thursday, March 13 deadline for reconsideration and passage of general bills and constitutional amendments originating in the House, and a Friday, March 14 deadline to dispose of motions to reconsider general bills and constitutional amendments originating from the House.
Mississippi House of Representatives
The Mississippi House convened at 4:00 p.m. on Monday, marking the ninth week of the legislative session. A key March 4 deadline was met, requiring committees to report general bills and constitutional amendments from the opposite chamber.
House Resolution 81 honors the late Robert George Clark, Jr., recognizing his historic achievement as the first African American elected to the Mississippi Legislature in the 20th century. The resolution commemorates his leadership as Speaker Pro Tempore, his dedication to education, civil rights, and public service, and extends heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. His legacy continues through his son, Representative Bryant Clark, who currently serves in the House.
On Wednesday, the House welcomed the award-winning Holmes County Central Singers, who performed the National Anthem. Founded in 2018 by Mr. Pierrdro Gallion, the choir has earned top ratings and performed at Carnegie Hall in April 2023.
The House passed several Senate Bills this week, including:
• JR 202 – Adjusts Mississippi State Senate districts in response to a federal court ruling, ensuring compliance with the Voting Rights Act while minimizing disruptions.
• SB 2424 – Establishes the Entertainment Industry and Workforce Development Task Force to evaluate polices and propose strategies for growing Mississippi’s creative economy, with recommendations due by December 1, 2025
• SB 2280 – requires hunters to obtain a wild turkey stamp, with exemptions for minors, seniors, and disabled individuals. Proceeds will support conservation and research efforts. The law takes effect on July 1, 2025.
• SB 2276 – Extends hunting seasons for deer, bobwhite quail, wild turkey, squirrels, rabbits, and fur-bearing animals. If the open season ends on a Friday, it will now extend until 30 minutes after sunset on the following Sunday.
• SB 3055 – Appropriates funds for the Mississippi Department of Tourism for fiscal year 2025-2026, contingent on the passage of SB 2573, which establishes the department.
The House faces a March 12 deadline for original floor action on general bills and constitutional amendments originating in the other chamber.
The House will reconvene on Monday, March 10 at 2:00 p.m.
