Legislative weekly summary

Note:The following information is provided by the Press Offices of the House of Representatives and State Senate.  

MISSISSIPPI STATE SENATE

In the 14^th and final week of the  Mississippi Legislative Session, the Senate concluded business on Thursday, April 3 with the journal reflecting Sine Die as Sunday, April 6, .

The Senate on Thursday, April 3 honored retiring District 44 Senator John A. Polk, who is not seeking re-election after serving since 2012, with Senate Resolution 152, for his dedicated service to the Senate and the state. Polk is currently the Chairman of the Senate Business and Financial Institutions Committee. 

Among the bills passed were Senate Bill 2802, that will contribute $12 million per year in assistance for fire protection. Of this amount, 40 percent will go to the Rural Fire Truck Assistance Program, 30 percent will go to municipalities, and 30 percent will go to counties for this need. The hope is to decrease insurance premiums as well.

Senate Bill 2357, authorizes the Mississippi Department of Corrections to contract with Greenwood-Leflore-Carroll Economic Development Foundation for Delta Work Release Program, which would allow close to release qualified prison inmates to work for the foundation in jobs that would continue post release. The inmates would earn fair market wages and “pay twenty-five percent (25%) toward any support of dependents or to the Mississippi Department of Human Services on behalf of dependents as may be ordered by a judge of competent jurisdiction as well as fines, restitution, or costs as ordered by the court to include any fines and fees associated with obtaining a valid driver’s license upon release.” They would save a portion of their wages to use upon release and pay 15 percent to MDOC for administrative duties and have 10 percent available for commissaries until their release from custody, at which time they would begin working full-time for the employing agency.

House Bill 733, creates the Property Cleanup Revolving Fund. It would allow municipalities to qualify for up to 15 grants per year of up to $2,000 to deal with certain dilapidated properties being held by the Secretary of State’s office. Some cities would qualify for more grants.

Other bills passed included:

• House Bill 1193, prohibits DEI statements and practices in public K-12 and postsecondary schools.
• Senate Bill 2704, requires the Mississippi Department of Health to conduct an annual inspection of the infirmary at the State Penitentiary at Parchman.
• Senate Bill 2211, amended law related to sexual assault victim’s rights to qualify for federal STOP Grant funds.
• Senate Bill 3126, provides an income tax credit for added tax revenue from certain non gaming capital investment projects at casinos.
• House Bill 1896, imposes excise tax on Kratom products.
• House Bill 1201, creates an income tax and ad valorem tax incentive program for developers to improve tax forfeited, blighted properties in the state.
• House Bill 1062, authorizes dental hygienists to provide services to patients under the general supervision of dentists under certain conditions.
• House Bill 602, provides country of origin labeling requirements for crawfish and seafood.
• House Bill 913, requires accurate labeling of meat and non meat products by processors, and retail and food establishments prior to final sale.

Brandon High School choir, with its four choir groups – Brio, B-One-9, Brilliance, and Bellas –performed at the second-floor rotunda of the Capitol on Tuesday, April 1 as part of Lt. Governor Delbert Hosemann’s tradition of letting students show their talents. Senate President Pro Tempore Dean Kirby and Representative Lee Yancey welcomed them.

Senators made several floor presentations to honor exemplary achievements.

• Senator Bart Williams on Monday, March 31 led presentation of Senate Resolution 142, to Jim Ellis, commending  his 46-year career upon retirement as the Mississippi State University Baseball announcer, affectionately known as “The Voice of the Diamond Dawgs.” 
• Senator Jeremy England on Tuesday, April 1 led presentation of Senate Resolution 132, honoring Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College men’s golf team for winning the program’s second national championship, along with the NJCAA District D Tournament for the fifteenth time in the last 16 events, and claiming the last 12 tournaments of the year, along with honoring Head Coach Brad Thornton who was named the Dave Williams National Coach of the Year by the Golf Coaches Association of America.
• Senator Jason Barrett on Tuesday, April 1 led the presentation of Senate Resolution 44 to Brookhaven Academy Cougars Girls Fast-Pitch Softball Team and Coach Lisa Covington for winning the 2024 MAIS 5A Girls Fast-Pitch Softball Title.
• Senator Neil Whaley and Senator Kathy Chism on Tuesday, April 1 led the presentation of three resolutions saluting the athletic excellence of Ingomar High School students. Senate Resolution 101, commended Ingomar High School Lady Falcons Girls Volleyball Team and Head Coach Andy Wilbanks for their 2024-2025 championship season. Senate Resolution 102, commended Ingomar High School Lady Falcons Girls Basketball Team and Head Coach Trent Adair for their third straight State Championship. The Lady Falcons claimed the MHSAA Class 2A State Championship 58-28 over East Union on March 1 at the Mississippi Coliseum.  Senate Resolution 115, recognizing the legendary legacy of Ingomar High School award-winning multi sports star Macie Phifer.
• Senator Daniel Sparks on Wednesday, April 2 led the presentation of Senate Concurrent Resolution 540, commending Booneville High School Boys Basketball Team and Head Coach Michael Smith, for winning their fourth State Championship in a row. Senator Sparks also led the presentation of Senate Concurrent Resolution 541, commending Booneville High School Lady Blue Devils Girls Basketball Team, (27-5), and Head Coach Michael Smith, for winning the Class 3A State Championship.
• Senator John Horhn on Wednesday, April, 2 led the presentation of Senate Resolution 140, to longtime, award winning WLBT journalist Howard Ballou for being honored on March 14 by the Mississippi Association of Broadcasters with the Television Lifetime Achievement Award.
• Senate President Pro Tempore Dean Kirby, Senator Brian Rhodes, and Senator Walter Michel on Wednesday, April 2 led presentation of Senate Resolution 144, and Senate Resolution 145, to Jackson Prep Lady Patriots basketball team and Coach Michael McAnally for winning back-to-back MAIS 6A State Championships, and to Jackson Prep Boys basketball team and Head Coach Will Johnson for winning the MAIS Overall State Championship.
• Senator Michael McLendon on Wednesday, April 2 , led the presentation of Senate Resolution 141, honoring Hernando High School junior guard Fran Kelly as Gatorade Mississippi Girls Basketball Player of the Year for the 2024-2025 season.
• Senator Brian Rhodes on Thursday, April 3 led presentation of Senate Resolution 135, commending the East Rankin Academy Patriots Boys Soccer Team and  Head Coach Reid Westover for their first-ever MAIS Division II State Championship.
• Senator Hob Bryan on Thursday, April 3 , led a presentation of Senate Resolution 28, to the Tupelo High School Golden Wave Football Team and Head Coach Ty Hardin for winning the MHSAA Class 7A state title. Tupelo’s Cross Country Team and Girls Basketball Teams were also commended by the Senate for spectacular seasons.

MISSISSIPPI HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

The Mississippi House of Representatives gaveled in at 1:00 PM on Monday, marking the start  of the 13th and final week of the 2025 Regular Legislative Session. This week was marked  by significant legislative activity, the passage of key bills and the final adoption of conference  reports on general and revenue bills.  

Throughout the week, the House also took time to recognize the accomplishments of outstanding  Mississippians and host visitors from across the state. A series of heartfelt resolutions were  adopted, highlighting the spirit of community and excellence that exists throughout Mississippi. 

Among the resolutions passed was House Resolution 34, commending longtime broadcaster Jim  Ellis on his retirement after 46 years as the play-by-play voice of Mississippi State University  baseball. Known affectionately as “The Voice of the Diamond Dawgs,” Ellis has been a  cornerstone of MSU athletics. He called numerous NCAA tournaments, SEC championship  games, and was behind the mic for the Bulldogs’ first national title in 2021. The resolution  honors his unparalleled contributions to sports broadcasting and expresses gratitude for his  enduring impact on Mississippi athletics. 

House Resolutions 119 and 123 recognized two exceptional high school football programs. The  Kirk Academy Raiders were honored for winning the 2024 MAIS Class 3A State Championship.  Players and coaches alike were commended for their strong performances and leadership on and  off the field. Similarly, the Grenada High School Chargers received recognition for securing their  

first-ever MHSAA Class 6A State Championship 

The House also adopted House Resolution 128, celebrating the Jackson Prep Lady Patriots  Basketball Team for capturing the 2024–2025 MAIS Class 6A State Championship. This win  marked their 10th state title, secured through a decisive fourth-quarter comeback that  demonstrated determination and skill.

Additionally, House Resolution 115 was passed to honor the Ingomar Lady Falcons Basketball  Team for winning the MHSAA Class 2A State Championship. Their 58–28 victory marked a  third consecutive title and the program’s 14th overall. With a remarkable 32–2 season  record, the team’s success is attributed to dedicated coaching, cohesive teamwork, and a  longstanding tradition of basketball excellence in Union County. 

In addition to celebratory resolutions, several notable pieces of legislation were finalized this  week: 

• HB 1544, as passed by the Mississippi House, proposes extensive amendments to the  Mississippi Code to revise the number of judges and residency requirements across  various circuit and chancery court districts throughout the state. It updates district  compositions, reassigns precincts, adjusts judicial positions, and schedules a special  election in 2025 to fill a new circuit judge seat. These changes aim to align judicial  resources with population shifts, caseloads, and geographic needs. 

• HB 1193, prohibits public schools and public postsecondary institutions from promoting  diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, using diversity statements in hiring or  admissions, or endorsing “divisive concepts.” It mandates that these institutions teach  there are only two genders, male and female, defined by chromosomal makeup. The bill  also allows private enforcement, mandates annual compliance reporting, and authorizes  the Attorney General to ensure compliance. 

• HB 599 allows individuals to file civil lawsuits against commercial entities that  knowingly publish obscene material or child pornography online. The bill carefully  defines key terms and includes exemptions for internet service providers and news  organizations that are not responsible for producing the content. 

• HB 1341 extends the Mississippi Health Care Industry Zone Act through July 1, 2028.  This extension maintains vital tax incentives—including ad valorem and sales tax  exemptions—as well as fee-in-lieu agreements, to support qualifying health care facilities  and businesses that meet specific investment and job creation benchmarks. 

• HB 1203 addresses unauthorized camping on public property not designated for that  purpose. The bill permits the removal of individuals and belongings and imposes a fine of  up to $50. Courts are also granted discretion to consider mitigating circumstances and  alternative outcomes when enforcing penalties. 

• HB 1461 expands the definition of “capital improvements” to include any project  approved by the Mississippi Development Authority. This broadened definition enhances  eligibility for local government loan funding, potentially enabling a wider range of  community development projects across the state.

• The House also worked very hard on HB 1123 to provide support for our independent  pharmacists while also protecting employer and consumer drug prices. Although an  agreement was met with a conference report, it died on the calendar after a point of order  was raised.  

The House sent a resolution to suspend the rules of the Legislature, giving the Senate until 5:00  p.m. on April 2 to consider and vote on the measure. The Senate did not take up the resolution;  therefore, the rules were not suspended, and the House subsequently adjourned sine die on  Wednesday, April 2. While this concludes the regular session’s business, a special session will be  necessary to reach a final agreement on the state budget by the close of the fiscal year.