Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 3 February, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I just want to make sure we're limited to publicly owned properties by that unit of government.
• <00:01:58.560> of<00:01:58.799> government unit of government unit of government that<00
• <00:02:07.040> of<00:02:07.200> government are owned by the unit of government are
• owned by the unit of government using<00:02:07.840> the<00:02:08.080> use<00:02:08.399>
• properties by that unit of government. properties by that unit of government.

Keywords: Finance - Room 216, 3 February, 2026; 10:30 AM, 925, all

Summary: The committee first considered Senate Bill 2191, which would expand the allowable uses of municipal use tax funds. The bill would add sidewalks to the list of eligible projects and remove remaining restrictive language that limited use tax spending to roads and bridges. A senator asked for confirmation that the funds would be limited to publicly owned property of the local government, and the sponsor confirmed that was the intent. The committee approved the bill and reported it out. The committee then took up Senate Bill 2257, the Mississippi Land Bank Act, which would create a local land bank tool for cities and counties to acquire, manage, and return vacant, abandoned, and tax-forfeited properties to productive use. The sponsor said the bill is intended to help address blight, especially properties held at the Secretary of State’s office, and emphasized that land banks would be locally created, subject to public accountability requirements, and barred from using eminent domain. The committee adopted the bill and reported it out. Members also discussed Senate Bill 2828, a committee substitute that would impose a fee on international wire transfers, with a credit available to Mississippi income taxpayers. The sponsor said half of the revenue would go to DPS for 287(g) programs and half to the general fund. An amendment was adopted to exempt certain transactions funded through U.S.-issued debit or credit cards or withdrawn from federally insured accounts. The committee adopted the substitute and reported the bill out. Later bills included SB 2863, creating a Jackson County industrial zone exempt from municipal annexation, and SB 2862, a related annexation measure brought forward with a reverse repealer; both were advanced after brief discussion. The committee also approved SB 2909, which lowers the unreduced retirement threshold in Tier 5 from 35 years to 30 years, and SB 2885, the Mississippi Work and Save program, a voluntary state-treasurer-run retirement savings option for small employers and employees. Throughout, the committee generally asked limited clarifying questions and then voted to adopt committee substitutes and report the bills out.

Keywords: Medicaid - Room 216, 3 February, 2026; 10:30 AM, 925, all

Summary: The Senate Medicaid Committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 2674, which would increase Mississippi Medicaid reimbursement for outpatient vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) procedures used to treat drug-resistant epilepsy. Dave Weinberger of LivaNova said current Medicaid rates are far below Medicare and most neighboring southern states, creating financial pressure on hospitals and causing some to stop offering the procedure. He argued the therapy provides durable clinical benefits and long-term savings for Medicaid, and said the bill would align Mississippi’s rates with Medicare’s 2026 outpatient rates and with other states. Weinberger said the bill would set reimbursement at $45,000 for CPT 64568 and $35,000 for CPT 61885, and framed the measure as improving access, hospital stability, and fairness for vulnerable patients. Committee members did not ask questions during this hearing, though the chair noted the bill had been double referred and would go to appropriations, with a more detailed hearing scheduled for the next day. After discussion, a motion was made that the title was sufficient and the bill do pass. The committee approved the motion, and the bill was reported out of committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• Brady Harrington from Brandon, Brady Harrington from Brandon, Brett<00:10:57.640> Jackson<00:10
• :58.360> from<00:10:58.640> Moss<00:10:58.960> Point, Brett Jackson from Moss Point
• <00:25:35.240> minutes Appropriations A will meet 10 minutes Appropriations A will meet 10
• 10:30 in room<00:25:41.360> 114.
• till 10:00 a.m. tomorrow. till 10:00 a.m. tomorrow.

Keywords: MS House Floor - 3 February, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The House convened with a prayer, pledge, and quorum present, then moved through routine organizational business including journal approval, committee reports, introduction of pages, and numerous member introductions recognizing visiting veterans groups, medical residents and physicians, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority members, former members, constituents, and other guests. Several members also made announcements about upcoming committee meetings and events, including Education, Drug Policy, Appropriations A, Elections, and other standing committees. The main floor action involved adoption of two House resolutions from the supplemental calendar. House Resolution 29 designated January 2026 as National Blood Donor Month in Mississippi, with remarks highlighting the importance of blood donation, Vitalant’s role, and the need for a diverse blood supply; the resolution was adopted. House Resolution 26 commended Jamal Roberts for winning the 23rd season of American Idol; members noted he would not be present the next day because of other obligations and that he would reschedule, and the resolution was also adopted. Later, the House observed a moment of silence and announced it would adjourn in memory of Richard Hagar, a law enforcement officer who died in the line of duty, and J.P. Carter, a 3-year-old who died of cancer. The chamber recessed and later adjourned until 10:00 a.m. the next day after additional committee meeting announcements and member notices, including a breakfast invitation and a reminder about committee schedules.

Keywords: Housing - Room 216, 29 January, 2026; 10:45 AM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Now<00:10:07.120> the<00:10:07.279> reading<00:10:07.519> of<00:10
• >> Mr.<00:10:19.440> President,<00:10:19.839> there<00:10:20.000> are<00:10
• >> I<00:10:24.079> move<00:10:24.240> to<00:10:24.399> dispense<00:10:24.720
• >> Senator<00:10:26.240> moves<00:10:26.720> with<00:10:26.800> the<00:10:
• <00:10:27.760> All<00:10:27.920> in<00:10:28.079> favor<00:10:28.320> signify

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 28 January, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum present, received an invocation from Pastor Jonathan Gary of Hikes Retreat Baptist Church, and recited the pledge of allegiance. Routine procedural motions followed to dispense with the reading of the journal, committee reports, and bill titles, all approved by voice vote. The chamber also introduced several guests, including members of the Domestic Violence Review Board and domestic violence shelter directors, visitors from the Aspire Learning Center in Simpson County, and representatives of the Mississippi Airports Association and Jackson Municipal Airport Authority. The main legislative action was on House Bill 3, described as a technical cleanup bill related to CO issues that had previously been vetoed in part by the governor. Senator Brian explained that the new version removed the objectionable provision, contained only minor technical changes, and was essentially the same bill passed earlier. The Senate adopted the bill by use of the morning roll call, with one member recorded as voting no and another present, and then granted immediate release to the governor for signature. The remainder of the meeting consisted largely of announcements about committee schedules and cancellations, including meetings for appropriations subcommittees, business and financial institutions, highways and transportation, public health and welfare, universities and colleges, education, elections, public property, government structure, and others. The presiding officer also announced the Senate would begin at 9:00 a.m. the next day to allow members to attend the speaker’s father’s funeral, that the chamber would work on Friday, and that the Senate would stand in recess until the last committee report was filed or 5:00 p.m., at which time it would be considered adjourned until 9:00 a.m. Thursday.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:10:02.240> an<00:10:02.480> annual<00:10:02.959> increase<00:10:03.440>
• Now my understanding<00:10:08.320> is<00:10:08.560> there<00:10:08.800> is<00:10
• not<00:10:12.880> have<00:10:13.040> that<00:10:13.360> funded<00:10:13.760>
• :10:16.160> giving<00:10:16.720> um<00:10:16.959> its<00:10:17.760> the agency
• Um >> does<00:10:23.120> do<00:10:23.360> any<00:10:23.680> members<00:10:

Keywords: Appropriations - Room 409, 28 January, 2026; 10:30 A.M., 925, all

Summary: The meeting began with testimony from the Nursing Home Administrator Board, whose executive director explained the board’s role in licensing nursing home administrators, the AIT internship pathway, reciprocity, board composition, meeting schedule, and staffing. Members then shifted to an ice-storm-related discussion about nursing home emergency preparedness. Legislators asked whether any facilities lacked power, generators, or water, and urged clearer communication protocols so facilities would report problems directly through the Department of Health and emergency channels rather than through scattered calls to legislators. The board said facilities generally communicate with the Department of Health, that emergency contact information had been distributed before the storm, and that every facility has some form of generator, though not all can power the whole facility. The board also presented a small budget request, including modest salary increases for its two employees and a cloud-migration cost tied to House Bill 1491, with the understanding that statewide funding for that requirement might be handled separately. The discussion then moved to the Department of Health’s budget and operations. Agency leadership said the department has spent the last three years improving county health department efficiency, reducing overhead, and adjusting fees to eliminate program deficits, which has reduced spending by about $10 million and would shift roughly $8 million in general funds away from deficits. The department requested level funding overall, citing inflationary pressures and the possibility of another federal shutdown, but said it could absorb the impact for another year. Members discussed the public health trust created in a prior session, the need to rebuild county health departments, maternal and fetal care initiatives, and the importance of maintaining the $2.9 million in public health program support that has helped expand services such as obesity management, OB care, and home visitation for high-risk mothers and babies. Oversight and compliance issues were also reviewed. Legislators asked about prior problems with grants and sex education funding, and department officials said they had tightened oversight, adopted OpenGov for compliance, and corrected earlier violations so the programs are now in full compliance. They said the agency had improved accountability for both state and federal funds and that transparency remained a priority. The department also highlighted the cannabis program, saying it is now profitable, generating about $9 million in net revenue last year and about $12.5 million this year, with projections of $40 million to $50 million annually as it matures. Officials said they are asking for seed money for the public health trust from cannabis revenue so private-sector donations can be leveraged for long-term public health support. They described enforcement actions including fines, suspensions, license revocations, plant destruction, and referrals to law enforcement, the attorney general, and licensure boards for serious violations. The meeting ended with general support from legislators for the department’s work and acknowledgment of improved health outcomes, including Mississippi moving from 49th to 48th in overall health outcomes.

Keywords: Appropriations - Room 210; 27 January, 2026: 10:00 AM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• [applause] for 41 years, as well as for 41 years, as well as our<00:10:57.440> wonderful<00:10
• :58.000> granddaughter<00:10:58.640> who<00:10:58.880> is<00:10:59.200> 18
• Senate Resolution Number 10.
• <00:14:32.959> A Senate Resolution Number 10.
• Education will meet today at 10:30 a.m. or 5 minutes after recess.

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 22 January, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, received an invocation from Dr. Danny Irvin, and led the pledge of allegiance. Routine business followed, including unanimous consent to dispense with the reading of the journal, committee reports, and bill titles. The chamber also recognized several guests, including family members of senators, Dr. Diana Osbrook of the University of Mississippi, recovery day guests, Mississippi State women’s basketball coach Sam Purcell and staff, leaders from the Mississippi Trucking Association’s Lead MTA program, and students from Presbyterian Day School. A major item was Senate Resolution 10, commemorating the bicentennial of Mississippi College in Clinton. Mississippi College President Dr. Blake Thompson addressed the Senate, describing the school’s 200-year history, its church affiliations, and its planned name change to Mississippi Christian University. He also highlighted the school’s partnership with the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians and introduced the Choctaw Eagle mascot, Tuska. Senators praised the institution’s contributions to the state and its alumni in public office. On the calendar, several measures were taken up and passed over or retained, including Senate Bill 2017 on repealing obsolete commissions, Senate Bill 2259, a government efficiency/structure measure, child care facility licensing legislation, and a Mississippi Board of Pharmacy bill. Senator England was added as a co-author to Senate Bill 2017. The Senate also noted campaign finance report deadlines and remembered Senator Butler’s brother, Percy L. Butler, in memory. The meeting ended with extensive announcements about committee and subcommittee meetings, but the dominant procedural action was a weather-related recess resolution. After warnings of possible severe travel conditions on Monday and Tuesday, the Senate adopted a motion to recess until 5:00 p.m. that day, with the journal to reflect adjournment until 4:00 p.m. Monday unless weather conditions require reconvening Tuesday or Wednesday instead.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think<00:10:02.320> it's<00:10:02.560> important<00:10:02.800> to<00:10:03.040
• <00:10:08.560> get<00:10:08.800> the<00:10:09.040> information<00:10:09.839>
• it looks<00:10:10.640> really<00:10:10.959> to<00:10:11.200> see<00:10:11.680><
• c> okay<00:10:12.240> is<00:10:12.480> that<00:10:12.959> is<00:10:13.200>
• then<00:10:18.480> to<00:10:18.720> go<00:10:18.959> back<00:10:19.279>

Keywords: Education - Room 216, 22 January, 2026; 10:30 AM, 925, all

Summary: The committee took up several education-related bills. Senate Bill 2071 would allow school boards to vote on providing health insurance to board members and their dependents using local, not state, funds; it was advanced after Senator Brian objected that it could create an incentive for people to seek school board seats for the insurance benefit. Senate Bill 2072 would move the deadline for teacher supply cards earlier, from August to July, using EF funds, and it was reported. Senate Bill 2103 would require school boards to adopt policies banning or restricting student cell phone use during school and class time, and it was also reported. Senate Bill 21103 would remove a requirement that school counselors follow the National Association of School Counselors’ code of ethics and instead align them with the Mississippi teacher code of ethics; it passed without opposition. Senate Bill 2236 would authorize the use of LifeVac choking devices in schools, with the sponsor saying the devices are inexpensive and could be provided free to districts; it passed as well. The committee then spent most of its time on Senate Bill 2242, the Mississippi Math Act, which would create a statewide math improvement initiative within the Department of Education. The bill would deploy math instructional coaches, require K-5 universal math screeners three times a year, create individual math plans for students below benchmark, support algebra readiness, protect data under FERPA, and establish a fund for grants and other deposits. Senator Boyd said the bill is modeled on efforts in other states, especially Alabama, and is intended to build on Mississippi’s literacy reforms by focusing on support, intervention, and professional development rather than retention or punishment. Members raised concerns about cost, the proposed anti-lapsing language for the fund, and whether the bill should require high-quality instructional materials statewide rather than leaving curriculum choices to local districts. Senator Hopson estimated the program could cost about $3.5 million and suggested the anti-lapsing language might be removed or handled through appropriations. Senators Blunt, Hill, and Wiggins argued that the success of literacy reforms came from requiring standardized, high-quality instructional materials and accountability, not home rule alone. Senator Wiggins offered an amendment to require high-quality instructional materials for math statewide, and Senator Boyd said he was supportive of that as a friendly amendment. The discussion ended with the amendment still being worked through and the bill not yet finally disposed of in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• For<00:10:32.880> you<00:10:33.040> had<00:10:33.279> formed<00:10:33.680> the
• In<00:10:42.160> fact,<00:10:42.399> the<00:10:42.720> heavens<00:10:43.200>
• How<00:10:50.640> excellent<00:10:51.360> is<00:10:51.600> your<00:10:51.839>
• :10:54.560> the<00:10:54.800> earth.
• And<00:10:56.720> we<00:10:56.959> bless<00:10:57.279> your<00:10:57.519> name

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 21 January, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum present, received an invocation from Reverend Jerry Young of New Hope Baptist Church, and then took the pledge of allegiance led by Senator Mumford. The chamber quickly dispensed with the reading of the journal, committee reports, and bill and resolution titles, and there were no messages or petitions. Several guests were introduced, including the doctor of the day, a William Carey University student, a county sheriff, the senator’s wife, students and church members from New Hope Christian School and New Hope Baptist Church, physical therapists and assistants from the Mississippi chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association, and former Senator Chris Massie. The main floor action was on Senate Resolution No. 2, which commended and congratulated the 2025 Jackson Academy Raider football team and head coach David Dugen for winning the MHSAA 4A Division I state championship. The resolution was adopted by voice vote after the title was read, and floor privileges were granted to the team. Coach Dugen addressed the Senate, thanking Senator Chassaniol, the school, families, coaches, and supporters, and describing the championship as the result of discipline, teamwork, and player leadership. The team presented a gift to Senator Chassaniol, and senators offered congratulations. During announcements, senators noted several upcoming committee meetings and events, including White Coat Day at the Capitol, the Mississippi Ambulance Alliance reception, an Empower Mississippi summit, and multiple appropriations and committee hearings. Several senators also requested that the Senate adjourn in memory of individuals including John Guthrie, Colonel Jean Smith, Regina Roberts, and Brenda Le. Later, Senator Michelle and Senator Blackwell were added as co-authors to SR 2 without objection. The President announced that more than 500 bills had been assigned, that the Senate would not meet on Friday, and that the body would still meet Monday afternoon despite possible winter weather. The Senate then adopted a motion to stand in recess until 5:00 p.m., with the journal to reflect adjournment until 10:00 a.m. the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:10:13.519> Um<00:10:13.839> I<00:10:14.079> don't<00:10:14.240> know<
• <00:10:17.200> I<00:10:17.360> certainly<00:10:17.519> could<00:10:17.680>
• :21.600> feel<00:10:21.760> about<00:10:21.839> it<00:10:22.000> or<00:10
• :10:25.760> think<00:10:26.560> that<00:10:27.279> um<00:10:27.600> should
• a large<00:10:28.720> influx<00:10:29.200> of<00:10:29.360> funding<00:10:29.600

Keywords: Finance - Room 216, 20 January, 2026; 10:30 AM, 925, all

Summary: The committee heard an update from PERS Executive Director Higgins, who reported that the system has about $38 billion in assets, earned roughly 11.7% last fiscal year, and is about 57% funded. He thanked lawmakers for a newly passed $1 billion funding bill and emphasized that funding the existing system remains the top priority. Higgins also noted that the board’s actuarially recommended contribution is about 26% of payroll, while the system is currently receiving about 18.4%, and said PERS will return later in session with a few requested bills. Higgins addressed several policy topics under discussion this session, including return-to-work rules, first responders, and Tier 5. He said return-to-work changes are possible if the law is changed and funding implications are addressed. For first responders, he said any special treatment should be done within PERS rather than by creating a separate system, with the affected group and parameters clearly defined and fully funded. He also said the new Tier 5 hybrid plan is being implemented on track for March 1 and is projected to improve the system’s long-term financial position by reducing future liabilities and helping pay down the unfunded liability. Members then questioned Higgins about the system’s funding policy, the 30-year closed amortization period used in the ADC calculation, and whether that approach should be revisited in light of recent funding actions and changes in assumptions. Higgins said the board reviews the policy annually, that the closed amortization approach was chosen to better pay down the unfunded liability, and that the annual valuation and experience studies already incorporate recent funding changes, Tier 5, and the phased employer-rate increases. He acknowledged that a significant new infusion of funding could justify reviewing the amortization period, but cautioned against changing it too often because it could undermine progress toward paying down the unfunded liability.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Resolution Number 10, >> We'll first suspend the rules and block.
• Finance will meet at 10:30 a.m. today, Room 216.
• <00:41:45.119> tomorrow where journ until 10:00 a.m. tomorrow where journ until 10:00 a.m.
• Senate stands and journ until 10:00 a.m.
• Senate stands and journ until 10:00 a.m. on<00:41:53.280> Wednesday.

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 20 January, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The Mississippi Senate convened with a quorum present and began the day with an invocation by Dr. Ben Bernett of William Carey University, followed by the pledge and national anthem performed by William Carey students. The chamber then handled routine motions to dispense with the reading of the journal, committee reports, and bill titles, and welcomed numerous guests, including youth court judges, medical professionals, and representatives from Women for Progress of Mississippi, which was recognized for its 48th anniversary and its work in civic leadership, education, advocacy, and community empowerment. Angela Stewart spoke about the organization’s founder, Dorothy May Thompson Stewart Samuel, and the group’s mission to promote informed citizenship, strong education, and economic opportunity. The Senate also confirmed Senate Nomination 74, Michael Barry Nelson of Madison, to the Mississippi Commission on the Status of Women for a four-year at-large term beginning July 1, 2025, after Senator Kirby explained that the commission-repeal bill had not yet become law. The chamber then suspended the rules to take up items 2 through 9 in block and adopted a series of resolutions honoring Warren Central High School’s swim team, recognizing the cultural connection between Quebec and Mississippi, commending the Terry High School boys track and field team, expressing support for Beth Israel congregation after an arson attack, recognizing Dr. Charles McLullen’s impact on the SWAC, commemorating Mississippi College’s bicentennial, honoring Alexander and Friends of Mississippi Veterans, and congratulating Brookhaven High School’s football team. All of these items passed by voice vote or use of the morning roll call. Later, senators announced committee meetings and other events, including Finance, Appropriations subcommittees, a Rules Committee meeting, and a government structure meeting. Senator Turner Ford also moved to hold Senate Bill 2017, the “Various Obsolete Commissions Repeal,” on a motion to reconsider. The session ended with the Senate entering recess until 5:00 p.m., with the journal to reflect a return at 10:00 a.m. the following morning.

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 15 January, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• allegiance to the flag of the United States<00:10:51.040> of<00:10:51.360> America<00:
• 10:52.160> and<00:10:52.480> to<00:10:52.720> the<00:10:52.959> republic
• <00:10:54.160> it<00:10:54.320> stands,<00:10:55.440> one<00:10:55.680> nation
• 10:22.080> to<03:10:22.240> keep<03:10:22.399> up<03:10:22.560> with.
• 10:28.479> me<03:10:28.560> in<03:10:28.800> on<03:10:28.880> the<03:10:29.040

Keywords: MS House Floor - 15 January, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, a quorum present, and approval to dispense with the reading of the journal. Members introduced guests from Humphreys County and South Haven, then moved to the calendar and took up House Bill 2, a broad education-related measure. The bill was called up, the rules were suspended, and a committee substitute was adopted. An initial amendment correcting drafting errors in the charter school section and subsection numbering was then adopted without objection. Members then gave extended explanations of HB 2, describing it as a comprehensive school choice and education reform package. Supporters said the bill would create Magnolia student accounts/education savings accounts funded from existing per-pupil dollars, prioritize lower-income families, require testing and financial audits, expand special needs ESAs, and allow public-to-public transfers without a sending district veto. The bill also would expand charter schools into districts with D or F schools, create an accountability dashboard for public and private school reporting, expand the Tim Tebow Act for homeschool extracurricular participation, extend literacy and math requirements through eighth grade, adjust teacher and assistant teacher pay and retirement-related provisions, create a specialized school option program, and require a federal testing waiver. Supporters framed the measure as empowering parents while preserving public schools. During questions, members raised concerns about charter schools, the cost of the program, accountability, and whether the bill would help or harm public education. One member asked whether failing charter schools were addressed; the response was that the bill was aimed at reconstituting the system rather than directly fixing those schools. Another questioned why a child accepted for transfer could still be denied by a receiving district; the bill sponsor said districts would set and publish acceptance policies and could deny students for lack of room. The discussion remained focused on the bill’s scope and policy rationale, and the transcript does not show a final vote on passage of HB 2 in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:10:07.040> Uh<00:10:07.440> we<00:10:07.680> have<00:10:07.920> with<
• <00:10:16.720> Uh<00:10:17.040> we<00:10:17.279> have<00:10:17.600> wonderful
• <00:10:19.519> There<00:10:19.680> you<00:10:19.839> go.
• <00:10:21.600> Um<00:10:22.160> they're<00:10:22.399> all<00:10:22.640> here
• It's capital<00:10:23.680> day<00:10:23.920> for<00:10:24.160> the<00:10:24.320>

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 14 January, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum present, received an invocation from Brother Justin Cheney of Cedar Grove Baptist Church, and then adopted routine motions to dispense with the reading of the journal, committee reports, and the titles of bills and resolutions. Several guests were introduced and welcomed, including Dr. Brianna Herd Pinho and a student shadowing her, multiple mayors and local officials from around the state, and several groups of gifted students, teachers, and parents visiting the chamber. The main item of business was Senate Bill 2016, which creates the Mississippi Department of Tourism. The bill transfers tourism-related powers, duties, property, contracts, staff, and obligations from the Mississippi Development Authority’s tourism division to the new department effective July 1, 2026. It also establishes an executive director, authorizes grant programs and tourism promotion efforts, creates a state treasury fund for the department, and forms a Mississippi Tourism Association Marketing Advisory Board. The bill’s sponsor said the change would better support an industry that brings significant revenue and goodwill to the state and requested passage by use of the morning roll call. No objections were raised, and the bill passed. Afterward, the Senate completed its calendar and moved to announcements. Senator Frasier announced a 3:30 p.m. meeting of the community colleges and workforce subcommittee of Appropriations, and Senator Younger noted a Highways and Transportation meeting after adjournment. The presiding officer also reported that about 1,128 bills had been filed for drafting, with roughly 300 already allocated, and the Senate then agreed to stand in recess until 5:00 p.m. or until the last committee report was filed, with the journal to reflect adjournment until 10:00 a.m. the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• :52.160> President,<00:10:53.279> Supervisor<00:10:54.000> Willie Vice President
• , Supervisor Willie Vice President, Supervisor Willie Wright,<00:10:55.200> David<00:10:55.600
• > Barry,<00:10:56.079> and<00:10:56.320> David<00:10:56.800> Payton.
• We<00:10:57.760> also<00:10:58.000> have<00:10:58.160> the<00:10:58.320> mayor
• <00:10:58.560> of<00:10:58.640> Ya<00:10:59.120> City,<00:10:59.920> Mayor

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 13 January, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The Senate convened, the clerk called the roll, and a quorum was declared. The chamber then heard an invocation by Reverend Curtis Strong of Mount Vernon Missionary Baptist Church, followed by the pledge of allegiance led by Senator Thomas. The Senate approved motions to dispense with the reading of the journal, committee reports, and the titles of bills and resolutions. Several guests were introduced, including members of the Convention of the States in Mississippi, a Yazoo County delegation celebrating Yazoo Day at the Capitol, the doctor of the day, Dr. Pete Ara of Pascagoula, former senator and BEAM director Sally Doty, the Mississippi Worker Center for Human Rights and City University of New York group, and a group of junior pages. The main floor action was a resolution honoring Dr. Charles Mlen, commissioner of the Southwestern Athletic Conference and newly appointed NCAA board of governors member, for his financial and athletic impact and for elevating the national image of the SWAC. Senator Norwood presented the resolution and Dr. Mlen addressed the Senate, speaking about his Mississippi roots and thanking the chamber for the recognition. The Senate also recognized additional Yazoo County visitors and other guests in the gallery. Members then made a series of announcements about upcoming committee meetings and events, including the legislative prayer breakfast, a Visit Jackson reception, budget hearings, an air task force meeting, and tourism committee business. Several senators asked that the Senate adjourn in memory of individuals including Shelton McCay, Delmo Payne, Mayor Dale Barry, Cynthia Patterson Bond, Boyce Davis, and Nona Living Plazo. The Senate ultimately adopted Senator Blackwell’s motion to stand in recess until 5:00 p.m., with the journal to reflect adjournment until 10:00 a.m. the next morning.

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 8 January, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This<00:10:05.800> would<00:10:05.960> go<00:10:06.240> to<00:10:06.400> the<
• That<00:10:12.600> is<00:10:12.720> obviously<00:10:13.120> managed<00:10:13.560
• 10 years following<00:10:17.880> that<00:10:18.040> there<00:10:18.160> will<00
• And just<00:10:39.680> a<00:10:39.720> couple<00:10:40.120> of<00:10:40.280>
• And we<00:10:53.880> owe<00:10:54.320> the<00:10:54.400> benefits<00:10:55.000><

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 7 January, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum present, heard an invocation from Reverend Chip Stevens of First Baptist Church in Jackson, and recited the pledge of allegiance. The body then dispensed with the reading of the journal, committee reports, and bill titles, and received several guest introductions, including the president of Mississippi University for Women, the physician of the day, and the session’s pages. The main item of business was Senate Bill 2004, the Mississippi PERS Stability Act. Senator Sparks explained that the bill would provide a $500 million infusion to the PERS accumulated employers account on July 1, 2026, followed by $50 million annually for 10 years, with backup funding from unobligated general funds if needed. He said the measure was intended to help address the system’s roughly $26 billion liability and to support both state employees and local government employers, noting that the state had already taken other steps to strengthen PERS. The bill was advanced to engrossed status, read for the third time, and placed on the calendar for final passage. Senator Norwood asked whether the funding would help local governments, and Senator Sparks said it would, because the liability is shared by all employers in the system and affects local balance sheets and bond ratings. Senator Bryan then spoke at length in opposition to the broader direction of retirement policy, criticizing the committee process, the fragmentation of retirement legislation, and what he described as incentives for privatization and unfair treatment of new hires. He said he would still vote for the bill because it sends money into the system, but argued that the state should focus retirement benefits on older retirees and avoid further benefit expansions. Senator Sparks responded that the bill was a necessary cash infusion to honor commitments to employees, stabilize the system, and avoid insolvency, and said more PERS legislation would follow.

Keywords: Education - Room 216, October 10, 2025; 9:00 AM, 925, all