State Auditor Shad White outlines legislative agenda for 2026 session

JACKSON, Miss. – Mississippi State Auditor Shad White announced his legislative priorities for the 2026 session on Monday, focusing on a platform that targets illegal immigration, government waste, and ethics reform.

Following a previous legislative session where White said he had to defend his office from budget and authority restrictions, the auditor indicated a shift to a more aggressive offensive strategy for the upcoming term.

“Last year I had to defend the Office of the State Auditor from attempts to cut our legal power and restrict our budget by politicians in Jackson,” White said. “Thanks to the help of some fellow patriots in the legislature, we won those battles. This year, we’re leaning forward and going to try to strengthen laws to stop more waste and corruption.”

White’s agenda outlines specific proposals across three primary categories.

Immigration Enforcement

The auditor is proposing legislation to make illegal immigration a state crime, a move intended to grant Mississippi law enforcement the authority to arrest individuals without relying on federal assistance. Additionally, White is seeking a bill that would impose a fee on money sent outside the United States. Revenue from these fees would support an Immigration Enforcement Grant Fund.

“My office found illegal immigration costs Mississippi taxpayers roughly $100 million per year, and these bills would cut down on that cost,” White said.

Reducing Government Waste

White’s proposals also target state spending on vehicles and office space. He is calling for an annual review of state-owned fleets to identify and sell under-utilized vehicles. The auditor noted that Mississippi currently outspends similarly sized states—such as Arkansas, Iowa, and Louisiana—on travel, fuel, and vehicles.

Furthermore, White proposed a mandate limiting state office buildings to a maximum of 250 square feet of space per occupant. The auditor’s office estimates this standard could save the state approximately $4 million.

Ethics Reform

The final pillar of White’s 2026 agenda is the revival of the Whistleblower Reward Act. The legislation aims to incentivize private citizens to report corruption or theft of taxpayer funds by offering them a portion of the recovered money as a reward.

“Our whistleblower reward program—which has previously been killed by some key lawmakers—would be a game-changer in the fight against corruption,” White said.

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