Senate passes bills for free National Guard healthcare and new tourism department
JACKSON, Miss. – The Mississippi Senate accelerated its 2026 legislative agenda this week, passing a slate of high-priority measures aimed at bolstering military benefits, restructuring state tourism, and securing long-term infrastructure funding.
Senate Moves to Provide Free Healthcare for National Guard
In a significant move for the state’s service members, the Senate passed Senate Bill 2018, establishing the Mississippi National Guard Tricare Premium Reimbursement Program. The legislation is designed to provide effectively free health insurance coverage for eligible members of the Mississippi National Guard by reimbursing premium costs.
Supporters of the bill noted that the program serves as both a recruitment tool and a “thank you” to the thousands of Mississippians serving in the Guard.
Tourism and Infrastructure Take Center Stage
The chamber also looked to modernize the state’s economic engine by passing Senate Bill 2016. This bill would transition tourism oversight into a stand-alone Mississippi Department of Tourism. The new department would be led by an executive director and supported by an independent staff and a newly created Mississippi Tourism Marketing Advisory Board.
On the infrastructure front, the Senate moved to ensure the continued stability of the state’s roads. Senate Bill 2019 was passed to maintain the current funding structure for the State Highway Fund, directing the first $80 million in annual lottery proceeds toward transportation projects.
Deadlines and Traditions
The legislative pace is expected to quicken as the Senate met a key deadline on Wednesday, Jan. 14, for requesting the drafting of general bills and constitutional amendments. Lawmakers now face a Monday, Jan. 19, deadline for the formal introduction of those measures.
Amid the policy debates, the Capitol rotunda echoed with music on Tuesday, Jan. 13. The Starkville High School Choir performed for lawmakers, continuing Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann’s tradition of showcasing student talent from across the state.
All three major bills now head to the House of Representatives for further consideration.
