The Mississippi Legislature closed the eighth week of the 2026 Regular Session with significant movement in both chambers, as House and Senate leaders advanced major appropriations, tax, safety, and workforce measures ahead of key fiscal deadlines.
The House met its February 23–27 deadlines by sending a full slate of appropriation and revenue bills to the Senate. Among the most notable were House Bill 4074, creating the Mississippi Mobile Sports Wagering Act; House Bill 4069, establishing utility customer relief following the 2026 winter storm; House Bill 4065, the MS ROSS Act expanding school resource officer funding; House Bill 4073, launching the Mississippi Work and Save Program; and House Bill 4014, excluding NIL compensation from state income tax. Lawmakers also advanced measures supporting energy projects and outdoor stewardship.
In the Senate, members passed Senate Bill 3104, a deficit bill supplying additional funds to state agencies, along with a series of tax‑credit expansions. These included child‑care credits (SB 2867), ICHRA‑based employer health credits (SB 2868), state park ad valorem exemptions (SB 3109), wine‑donation tax exemptions (SB 3111), and expanded workforce‑training credits (SB 3228). Senators also approved House Bill 1723, defining artificial intelligence in state law.
Senators Kevin Blackwell (R-Southaven) and Theresa Gillespie‑Isom (D-Olive Branch) presented Senate Resolution 28 honoring Alice Marie Johnson, the nation’s first White House “pardon czar.”
The Hernando Mayor’s Youth Council visited the Capitol on Friday, February 27, 2026, and spoke with Senator Michael McLendon about the governmental process. They are pictured with McLendon and Senator Reginald D. Jackson. (Courtesy photo)
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.
