Legislative weekly summary
Photo: The Hernando Mayor’s Youth Council on Friday, Feb. 28 visited the state Capitol, spoke with state Sen. Michael McLendon and state Rep. “Doc” Harris. (State Senate photo)
Senate
In the eighth week of the 2025 Mississippi Legislative Session, the Senate passed Senate Bill 3095, which cuts income and grocery taxes, increases fuel excise tax, and adjusts distribution of certain fuel and sales taxes. The net $326 million cut would occur over several years.
Passage of Senate Bill 2844, seeks to establish the TVA Service Area Utilities Grant Fund to provide a source of money for improving electrical power distribution.
Senate Bill 3128, creates the Strengthening Troop Retention for Our National Guard (STRONG) Act,” which among other things, increases income tax exemptions for Mississippi National Guard members.
Senate Bill 3167, authorizes income tax credits for certain in-state television productions, or alternative rebate for 75 percent of credit amount. This is meant to encourage growth of the television series industry within Mississippi, which could generate job growth.
Other items passed included:
- Senate Bill 3126, authorizes tax credits for added tax revenue from certain non-gaming capital investment projects at casinos, such as appearance upgrades.
- Joint Resolution 202, approves redistricting in Mississippi Senate Districts 1, 2, 10, 11, 19, 34, 41, 42, 44 and 45.
- Senate Resolution 65, extends sympathy of the Senate to surviving family and friends of Hinds County Deputy Sheriff Martin Shields, Jr., who died in the line of duty on Feb. 23 while responding to a domestic call in Terry.
- House Bill 1262, authorizes military medics to be tested for licensing as an LPN.
- House Bill 1401, provides for certification of community health workers by Department of Health and for Medicaid reimbursement for their services. They can work outside of traditional medical facilities, such as patients’ homes, thereby keeping costs down.
- Senate Concurrent Resolution 531, recognizes creation of Mississippi-Israel Joint Legislative Caucus.
The Mississippi Senate on Tuesday, Feb. 25 honored Alcorn State University and its 21st President Dr. Tracy Cook, with presentation of Senate Resolution 52, which honored Alcorn’s first president Hiram Rhodes Revels, the first African American to serve in the United States Senate from February 1870 to March 1871, as well as serving in the Mississippi State Senate, serving as Mississippi’s 19th Secretary of State. The Senate also honored the Columbus Christian Academy Lady Rams Girls Basketball Team and Head Coach Billy Thomas with presentation of Senate Resolution 56, led by Senator Chuck Younger, for winning their second MAIS Class AA State Championship in three years.
The Choctaw County School choir on Tuesday, Feb. 25 performed in the second-floor rotunda of the Capitol as part of Lt. Governor Delbert Hosemann’s tradition of allowing students to share their talents at the Capitol.
Senator Joey Fillingane on Thursday, Feb. 27 along with Secretary of State Michael Watson, honored Mississippi poll workers from across the state who served 50 years or more, with presentation of Senate Resolution 27.
Senator Lydia Chassaniol on Thursday, Feb. 27 led a presentation of Senate Resolution 45, to colleague Senator David L. Jordan, who was honored with an Official 2024 Olympic Torch, “in honor of the many years of service Senator Jordan has given to the State of Mississippi.” Senator Jordan has served in the Senate since 1993. Representatives of Food Giant, Houchens Food Group and Clark Beverage Company and Coca Cola participated in the honors, with participants gifting Senator Jordan and Lt. Governor Delbert Hosemann with fruit baskets.
The Senate faces a Tuesday, March 4 deadline for committees to report general bills and constitutional amendments originating from the House. The Senate met a Monday, Feb. 24 deadline for making requests for appropriation and revenue bills to be drafted, a Wednesday, Feb. 26 deadline for original floor action on appropriations and revenue bills originating in the Senate, and a Thursday, Feb. 27 deadline for reconsideration and passage of appropriation and revenue bills originating in the Senate, and a Friday, Feb. 28 deadline to dispose of motions to reconsider appropriation and revenue bills originating in the Senate.
House of Representatives
The Mississippi House of Representatives convened at 4 p.m. on Monday for its scheduled legislative session, addressing key legislative matters and recognizing distinguished individuals and institutions.
Throughout the week, the House honored Alcorn State University for its legacy of academic excellence and its significant impact on higher education in Mississippi. Additionally, blues musician Jimmy “Duck” Holmes was recognized for his contributions to the state’s rich cultural and musical heritage.
The House also commemorated the 155th anniversary of Hiram Revels’ swearing-in, honoring his legacy as the first African American to serve in the United States Congress.
Among the ley legislative actions of the week, HB 1879, known as the “City of Jackson Revitalization Act,” failed to pass on the House floor. The bill sought to provide tax incentives and funding for the development of blighted properties in Jackson, Mississippi, but did not gain the necessary support.
Meanwhile, the House is now ahead of schedule and successfully met the Feb. 26 deadline for all appropriations and revenue bills, which now advance to the Senate for further consideration.
Looking ahead, the House faces a critical deadline on March 4 for committees to report general bills and constitutional amendments originating in the opposite chamber.
The House is set to reconvene Monday at 4 p.m.
