Author: Peyton Taylor

The Mississippi Legislature has passed the SHIELD Act, requiring local officials to verify voters’ citizenship using federal databases. The bill now awaits Gov. Tate Reeves’ signature.

House and Senate plans for teacher raises will be hashed out by a six-member conference committee as the legislative session nears its end, lawmakers said.

Legislation passed this session would create a Rural Water Oversight Committee and require studies and grading to hold small utilities accountable, lawmakers and bill texts say.

Gov. Tate Reeves vetoed legislation providing low-interest loans to storm-affected local governments, accusing Senate staff of misconduct. The governor’s claims are disputed by lawmakers and staff.

The Clarksdale Board of Commissioners voted to rezone a site for a possible data center, marking the start of ongoing conversations about the project, officials say.

Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves has signed legislation creating a pilot program to loosen approval rules for rural hospitals, aiming to help struggling facilities expand care and upgrade services.

Mississippi Department of Public Safety officials discovered a cache of Ku Klux Klan documents, a robe and other items while clearing a closet ahead of a headquarters move and have transferred them to the state archives, the agencies said.

Sen. David Blount, chairman of the Senate Gaming Committee, said a proposal to legalize online sports betting lacks support in the Senate and could damage the state’s casino tourism industry. He also discussed changes to the Public Employee Retirement System and proposals to increase private school tax credits.