Mississippi Senate weekly summary
Key Points
- The Mississippi Senate approved $20 million in emergency funding to address recovery efforts following the devastating January 2024 severe weather events.
- Major infrastructure investments were authorized, including $265 million for critical widening projects on I-55 and Highway 25.
- Legislators moved to close out American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, redirecting potential surpluses to state transportation and health insurance plans.
JACKSON, Miss. — Navigating the midpoint of the 2026 Legislative Session, the Mississippi Senate moved a sweeping slate of high-priority legislation this week, headlined by a $20 million disaster relief package and multi-million dollar investments in the state’s crumbling infrastructure.
As the chamber met its Tuesday deadline for committee reports, lawmakers prioritized the immediate needs of Mississippians reeling from the severe weather that struck on January 24, 2026. Senate Bill 2898 and Senate Bill 2924 authorize a transfer from the Capital Expense Fund to the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA). The funds are designated to defray the mounting costs of response and recovery efforts.
Infrastructure and Economic Shifts
Beyond emergency relief, the Senate approved a massive $265 million allocation for the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT). Senate Bill 2480 targets chronic congestion in Madison County, funding the widening of Interstate 55 from Highway 463 to Gluckstadt Road, as well as improvements to Lakeland Drive/Highway 25.
In a move reflecting changing national trends, Senate Bill 2847 anticipates the end of the penny’s production. The bill requires debts owed to the state or local subdivisions to be rounded to the nearest five cents—a 100 percent shift away from the single-cent increment for government transactions.
ARPA Accountability and Fiscal Oversight
With federal deadlines looming, Senate Bill 2895 serves as the state’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) closeout measure. The legislation sets a firm state deadline of September 30, 2026, to ensure no funds are returned to Washington.
The bill grants the Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) the authority to “sweep” inactive funds, redirecting up to $100 million to MDOT and 62.9 million dollars to the State Employees’ Health Insurance Plan. Under the plan, 100 percent of remaining funds must be obligated by the federal deadline on December 31, 2026.
Education and Public Safety
The Senate also honored one of its own by passing the J.P. Wilemon, Jr., Financial Literacy Act. Senate Bill 2483 requires the State Board of Education to integrate financial literacy into the curriculum for grades 6 through 8 by the 2027-2028 school year.
Public safety measures also saw movement, including:
- Senate Bill 2126: Prohibits violent criminals and sex offenders from legally changing their names, carrying a felony penalty for violations.
- Senate Bill 2386: Bans political candidates from addressing the public during court terms.
- Senate Bill 2038: Launches a pilot program at the Pike County Community Work Center to provide housing and job assistance to homeless individuals transitioning out of the Department of Corrections.
Retirement and Private Sector Savings
Lawmakers also addressed long-term financial security through Senate Bill 2885, creating the Mississippi Work and Save Program. This state-sponsored initiative allows private-sector employees whose companies do not offer retirement plans to begin building a nest egg. Additionally, Senate Bill 2613 bolsters the Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS) by establishing a Tier 5 COLA Account, with $5 million to be deposited annually starting July 1, 2026.
The bills now head to the House of Representatives. The Senate faces its next major hurdle on February 12, the deadline for original floor action on all remaining general bills.
