State Senate weekly summary
Note: The following report is provided by the Mississippi State Senate Press Office
The Senate convened at noon on Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024, to begin the legislative session.
Lt. Governor Delbert Hosemann swore in 52 senators, including seven newly elected members and the members adopted Senate Resolution 1, permanent rules of the Senate. Senate Concurrent Resolution 501, which approved the inauguration of the Lt. Governor.
Lt. Governor Hosemann swore in President Pro Tempore Dean Kirby, who also held the role during Lt. Governor Hosemann’s first four-year term. Lt. Governor Hosemann swore in Amanda White as Secretary of the Senate. White previously served as Assistant Secretary of the Senate during the first four-year term of Lt. Governor Hosemann. Also sworn in was Sergeant at Arms Lt. Colonel Larry Waggoner, who served in the position two years prior.
Members of the Senate Rules Committee were elected by each congressional district caucus, with Senator Dennis DeBar, Jr., Senator Hillman Frazier, and Senator Walter Michel, all being re-elected to another four-year term. Senator Neil Whaley was elected to represent the 1st Congressional District. The Rules Committee, which manages and oversees Senate operations, is under the direction of the President Pro Tempore.
Lt. Governor Hosemann was sworn in for his second term as Lt. Governor on Thursday, Jan. 4, 2024, along with other statewide elected state leaders.
The Senate passed House Concurrent Resolution 1, which provides for a joint session to witness the inauguration of Gov. Tate Reeves on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024, and House Concurrent Resolution 2, which authorizes appointment of a joint committee of the House and Senate to arrange the Governor’s inauguration.
Lt. Governor Hosemann on Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024, invited the Holmes County Central High School singers to perform in the rotunda.
Precautionary emergency response measures were taken on two separate days at the Capitol this week. Mississippi Department of Public Safety and Mississippi Department of Homeland Security cleared the building for business after determining the threats were not credible. The Capitol is open, and Capitol Police will continue to screen visitors upon entry.
