SOUTHAVEN, MS – State Representative Rodney Hall (R-Southaven) has officially released his legislative priorities for the 2026 session, outlining a comprehensive plan to tackle the rising cost of living, aging infrastructure, and public safety in Mississippi’s House District 20.
As DeSoto County continues to lead the state in population growth, Hall warns that the region faces “growing pains” that require immediate state and federal intervention.
“We have been a top growth center for the state for multiple years,” Hall noted. “With that growth comes challenges. My focus is on ensuring that growth works for our residents, not against them.”
The $300M “Ticking Time Bomb”
At the forefront of the agenda is the DCRUA Sewer Project, a massive infrastructure undertaking necessitated by long-standing litigation with the city of Memphis. Hall described the situation as a “ticking time bomb” that could result in catastrophic rate hikes for local citizens if left unaddressed.
“The last thing anybody wants to see is for the ratepayer for DeSoto County to shoulder that expense alone, especially when they’re not responsible for this,” Hall said.
While $15 million in federal funding has been secured, Hall is pushing for a cost-sharing model where the state and federal government each cover 25 percent, leaving the remaining 50 percent to the county.
“Right now, the toilets are still flushing… but if we don’t get a solution from the state and our federal delegation, it could be catastrophic,” Hall said.
State Rep. Rodney Hall (R-Southaven)
Combating “Memphis Crime” with a Regional Lab
With House District 20 bordering one of the most dangerous metropolitan areas in the country, Hall is prioritizing public safety and “border” security. He is advocating for road modifications at access points between Southaven and Memphis to assist law enforcement.
To address the backlog in the justice system, Hall is championing a DeSoto County Regional Crime Lab.
“DeSoto County is the center of gravity for Northwest Mississippi,” Hall explained. “With the volume we contend with, it only makes sense that we have a crime lab to ensure crime is being prosecuted in a timely fashion.”
A “Statewide Affordability” Agenda
Hall’s 2026 plan also includes several measures to lower the cost of living for working families:
* Grocery Tax Elimination: Hall believes the state’s growing economy provides an opportunity to eliminate the grocery tax entirely. “The grocery tax impacts Mississippians of all ages… eliminating it will allow families a little more reprieve.”
* Hometown Heroes Home Loan Guarantee Act: This act aims to help teachers and first responders buy homes in the communities they serve. Hall is also advocating for a reduction in PERS retirement requirements to match the physical demands of law enforcement and teaching.
Hall also seeks to deliver actionable recommendations from the Mississippi Save Our Servicemembers Task Force to combat veteran suicide.
* Teacher Pay: Despite recent moves, Hall insists Mississippi must remain competitive. “Our teachers are still very much underpaid… I anticipate we will include teacher pay raises, not just for teachers but for assistants.”
Supporting the “Heartbeat” of the Economy
While major industrial investments often dominate the news, Hall emphasized that small businesses remain the priority. He plans to cut “red tape” regarding insurance credentialing and modernize administrative burdens.
“As we give tax breaks or incentives to recruit businesses, I think we should do the same thing for our hometown small businesses. They’re from here, they started here, and they’re not moving. We need them to be just as successful.”
The legislative session with convene at 12 noon on Jan. 6. Hall said a deadline for general bills in the 2026 session is Jan. 14, with Jan. 19 as the deadline for general bill introductions. Feb. 25 is the deadline for floor action on appropriation/revenue bills.
He urged citizens to contact him prior to the date about possible bills that could be considered.
Bob Bakken provides content for DeSoto County News and its social media channels. He is an award-winning broadcaster, along with being a reporter and photographer, and has done sports media relations work with junior and minor league hockey teams. Along with his reports on this website, you will find this veteran media member providing sports updates on Rebel 95.3 FM Radio.
