Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Annapolis, Maryland, January 19th, 2026. >> Recognizing the assistant majority leader. >> So much
• wishes on this memorable occasion and directs this resolution to be presented on this 20th day of January
• this<00:03:27.360> 20th<00:03:27.760> day<00:03:27.920> of<00:03:28.159> January
• I move that the House stands adjourned until Wednesday, January 21st at 10:00 The clerk would take the
• /c> the House stands adjourned until the House stands adjourned until Wednesday,<00:09:13.120> January

Keywords: House streaming session for Tuesday, January 20, 2026, 957, house, all

Summary: The House of Delegates met with 131 members initially present, opened with the pledge and prayer, and then approved the previous day’s journal. The main floor recognition was for Korean American Day, with Delegate Mark Chang and the AAPI caucus honoring Linda Han and Alana Lee and reading a resolution congratulating Global Han Yundai for its leadership in celebrating Korean American Day and assisting Korean immigrants in Maryland. Committee announcements followed, including an Appropriations briefing on the effects of federal budget cuts on Maryland health and nutrition, an Economic Matters briefing on seasonal and migrant farmworker housing, and an Environment and Transportation energy briefing series. Ways and Means announced bill hearings, while Government, Labor, and Elections, Health, and Judiciary said they would not meet that day; Health subcommittee chairs were scheduled for analyst training. During personal and caucus announcements, members noted upcoming meetings for the Howard County delegation, the Maryland Legislative Latino Caucus, and the Veterans Caucus, and introduced the doctor of the day, Dr. Padmei Ransani Rana Singh of Johns Hopkins. The House also adopted a committee change appointing Delegate Susan K. McComas to the Judiciary Committee. After a final roll call showing 132 members present, the House remained in session and the majority leader moved adjournment until Wednesday, January 21 at 10:00 a.m.

Keywords: Appropriations - Room 210; 20 January, 2026: 1:00 PM, 925, all

Keywords: MS House Floor - 20 January, 2026; 2:00 PM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > the<00:12:02.320> the<00:12:02.959> environment<00:12:03.440> has<00:12
• Would<00:12:09.600> that<00:12:09.760> not<00:12:11.040> I<00:12:11.200> mean
• <00:12:11.360> I'm<00:12:12.000> look<00:12:12.160> I'm<00:12:12.399> not
• > you<00:12:15.200> would<00:12:15.440> take<00:12:15.600> a<00:12:16.079
• your circumstances<00:12:18.639> are<00:12:18.880> and<00:12:19.040> then<00:12

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:

• > So,<00:12:08.720> uh<00:12:08.880> we<00:12:09.120> will<00:12:09.279><
• <00:12:17.120> he's<00:12:17.360> got<00:12:17.440> to<00:12:17.519> pull
• <00:12:18.639> uh<00:12:18.959> dress<00:12:19.839> trooper<00:12:20.399>
• too tight.<00:12:22.959> You<00:12:23.120> know<00:12:23.200> that<00:12:23.680
• /c><00:12:53.279> 12<00:12:53.519> o'clock<00:12:53.920> we'll<00:12:54.160>

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Tuesday, January 20, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Maryland Senate convened with a quorum present and began the session with an invocation by Rabbi Ari Goldstein of Temple Beth Shalom, who urged senators to listen carefully, act with humility and integrity, and keep policy focused on real people and practical justice. His remarks were journalized without objection. The chamber also welcomed several guests, including a senior Girl Scout troop from Jefferson, family members of a senator, and visiting teachers, educators, and students from the College Board Foundation. The main floor action was a resolution recognizing Korean-American Day and honoring the Korean Society of Maryland and the broader Korean American community for their contributions to Maryland and the nation. The sponsor highlighted the community’s history since the first Korean immigrants arrived in North America in 1903 and named several Korean American leaders present in the gallery. The resolution was read in full and adopted unanimously, with applause and thanks extended to the guests. The Senate then handled first-reader bill introductions: Senate Bill 280, relating to state parks terminology in the Natural Resources/Education/Energy/Environment committees, and Senate Bill 281, the Metro Funding Modification Act of 2026, referred to Budget and Taxation. Leadership noted that the early weeks of session would be committee-heavy, with most bills going to standing committees rather than the floor. Committee chairs then gave scheduling updates, including truncated hearing formats due to bill volume, upcoming hearings on longevity, the AHEAD model and emergency department wait times, election law bills, controller briefings, and departmental hearings. The Senate adjourned without objection until Wednesday, January 21, for a 10:00 a.m. pro forma session.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Thank<00:12:30.880> you,<00:12:31.120> Mr.<00:12:31.440> President.
• <00:12:31.839> In<00:12:32.000> the<00:12:32.079> North >> Thank you,
• In the North Gallery,<00:12:32.880> I<00:12:33.200> also<00:12:33.519> have<00:12
• Senator Williams and<00:12:37.200> I<00:12:37.360> both<00:12:37.680> have<00:12
• <00:12:41.600> Allison<00:12:42.160> Kaiser<00:12:42.639> and<00:12:42.880><

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.

Transcript Highlights:

• 19.839> while<00:12:20.160> we<00:12:20.320> strive<00:12:20.720> to<00:12
• <00:12:22.720> We<00:12:22.959> can<00:12:23.200> extend<00:12:23.680> grace
• King's<00:12:27.519> life<00:12:27.839> teaches<00:12:28.240> us<00:12:28.800>
• 12:30.800> of<00:12:30.959> fear.
• <00:12:50.560> Now,<00:12:50.880> family,<00:12:51.279> let's<00:12:51.519><

Keywords: House streaming session for Monday, January 19, 2026, 957, house, all

Summary: The House convened with the pledge of allegiance, prayer, roll call, and approval of the previous day’s journal. Members introduced a large block of House bills (331 through 380) and journalized several bill reassignments, including House Bill 174 to Environment and Transportation and House Bill 296 to Ways and Means and Economic Matters. The chamber then turned to a special Martin Luther King Jr. Day address delivered by the delegate from Calvert and Prince George’s County, which focused on Dr. King’s legacy, moral courage, rest as resistance, protecting vulnerable communities, and the need for legislators to move beyond ceremony into action on civil rights, voting rights, and justice. The speech also highlighted Maryland’s early recognition of King’s birthday, the restoration of a neglected graveyard near the House of Reformation and Instruction for Colored Children, and the state’s history of diverse leadership. After the address, the House memorialized and journalized the speech. The remainder of the session consisted largely of announcements: caucus meetings were scheduled for the next day, including Democratic, Republican, Royal, women’s, rural, and running caucus gatherings; the women’s caucus said it was accepting numbered bills for review and possible sponsorship; and the Montgomery County delegation continued a food drive for the Upcounty Hub. Members also welcomed several guests and constituents to the gallery, including District 22 visitors, a delegate’s daughter, and a delegate’s son. The protocol chair then introduced a group of student pages from several counties and schools. The House took a second roll call, confirming 132 members present, and then adjourned on motion of the majority leader until Tuesday, January 20th at 10:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• When<00:12:20.399> I<00:12:20.560> speak<00:12:20.800> about<00:12:20.959> the
• > this<00:12:23.920> young<00:12:24.160> man<00:12:24.399> who<00:12:24.720
• ><00:12:26.399> Booker<00:12:26.800> T.
• Washington<00:12:27.440> High<00:12:27.680> School<00:12:27.920> at<00:12:28.079
• ><00:12:31.680> Morehouse<00:12:32.320> at<00:12:32.560> the<00:12:32.800> age

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Monday, January 19, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Maryland Senate convened with an invocation by Pastor Ray Cotton of Mount Si Baptist Church, who prayed for wisdom, integrity, courage, compassion, and protection for lawmakers. The senator from the 45th district introduced the pastor and praised his long ministry and community leadership. The chamber then recorded a quorum and moved through brief introductions of guests, including constituents from District 22, local elected officials, a junior senator from District 8, Baltimore County Executive Kathy Klausmeier, and a new group of student pages from several districts. The Senate handled limited business, including the reading and referral of Senate Bill 257, the Mel Noland Woodland Initiatives and Fellowship Fund reporting bill, and two bond initiatives for the Linthicum Ferndale Youth Athletic Association and Carol Manor Elementary School. Leaders noted that committee hearings would be busy in the coming week and that the desk was otherwise clear. There was also an announcement encouraging members to watch the documentary "Ain't No Back to a Merry-Go-Round," tied to Glen Echo Park desegregation history and the legacy of former Senator Gwen Britt. The main event was the annual Martin Luther King Jr. remarks by the senator from the 45th district. The speech focused on passages from the "Letter from Birmingham Jail," emphasizing King’s discipline, nonviolent strategy, the interconnectedness of communities, the role of constructive tension, the need to demand justice rather than wait indefinitely, and the moral distinction between just and unjust laws. The senator framed King as both a strategist and a builder of institutions, and argued that lawmakers should measure their work against those principles. The chamber responded with strong applause, and the remarks were journalized without objection. After a final quorum call confirmed 43 members present, the Senate remained in session briefly and then adjourned without objection until Tuesday, January 20 at 10 a.m.

Keywords: MS House Floor - 19 January, 2026; 4:00 PM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That<00:12:19.920> was<00:12:20.079> for<00:12:20.320> Anna.
• <00:12:20.880> Didn't<00:12:21.120> have<00:12:21.279> anything That was for
• Didn't have anything to<00:12:21.600> do<00:12:21.680> with<00:12:21.920> you.
• Don't<00:12:24.399> be<00:12:24.560> bowing<00:12:24.959> around<00:12:25.279>
• Okay,<00:12:27.279> we'll<00:12:27.519> move<00:12:27.680> to<00:12:27.839> the

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 19 January, 2026; 4:00 PM, 925, all

Summary: The Senate opened with a roll call that established a quorum, followed by an invocation by Pastor Robert Hulet of Agape Church in South Haven and the pledge of allegiance led by Senator Jackson. The body then dispensed with the reading of the journal, committee reports, and bill titles. Several guests were introduced, including family members of Senators Carter and Thomas, and the chamber recognized a state flag flown in honor of Daniel Hudson Sparks. The main item of business was Senate Bill 2017, the repeal of various obsolete commissions. Senator McConn explained that the bill, as amended by a committee substitute, would repeal 22 boards and commissions that had not met, had not filed minutes, or had not carried out their intended functions. Senator Norwood asked about a $47,000 item tied to the Status of Women Commission, and McConn said he believed the money had been appropriated but likely not spent because the commission had not met. The committee substitute was adopted, and the bill passed on final passage by afternoon roll call. The Senate then moved to announcements, including a rules committee meeting after recess, a capital prayer group meeting the next morning, a finance committee meeting with a PERS presentation, and an appropriations subcommittee meeting. Senators also requested that the chamber adjourn in memory of several individuals, including Wesley Balden, Carl Wyers, and Joe Fernald. With roughly 300 to 350 bills reported as filed, the Senate recessed until the last bill was filed, with the journal to reflect adjournment until 10:00 a.m. the next morning.

Keywords: House streaming session for Friday, January 16, 2026, 957, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I move the Senate of Maryland stand adjourn until Monday, uh January 19th at 8:00 p.m. >> Without objection
• adjourn until Senate of Maryland stand adjourn until Monday<00:03:58.879> uh<00:03:59.040> January
• Monday uh January 19th at 8:00 p.m. Monday uh January 19th at 8:00 p.m.

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Friday, January 16, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate held a brief pro forma session, waived reading of the prior journal, and received the first calendar item, Senate Bill 246, which was referred to the appropriate standing committee. The chamber also announced several committee reassignments under Rule 33D. The reassignments included Senate Bill 18, concerning the State Board of Social Work Examiners, moved to Finance; Senate Bill 42, relating to reduction in facilities and veteran service organizations, moved to Judicial Proceedings; Senate Bill 106, the vehicle emissions inspection program repeal, moved to Judicial Proceedings; Senate Bill 119, the State Board of Environmental Health Specialist sunset extension, moved to Finance; and Senate Bill 186, concerning optometry examination requirements, moved to Finance. The presiding officer noted the reassignment process and joked that the chief of staff had a 98% accuracy rate on initial committee assignments. No substantive debate or votes on legislation occurred. The Senate thanked the pages for their service, held a quorum call for the pro forma session, and then adjourned without objection until Monday, January 19th at 8:00 p.m.

Keywords: MS House Floor - 16 January, 2026; 9:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The House convened with the pledge, confirmed a quorum, and dispensed with the reading of the journal. There were no reports from the selection committee and no resolutions, petitions, memorials, or guest introductions. A report from standing committees noted only a calendar report. During announcements, a member recognized Founders Day for Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. and introduced her son, a fourth-grade student at Pan Park Elementary School. The clerk’s office announced that Appropriations D would begin agency budget hearings Monday at 1:00 p.m. in room 2011. Members were also reminded that Monday is the deadline for introduction of general bills and constitutional amendments, and that bills must be physically dropped in the designated box or Speaker’s office to be considered filed. No bills were debated or voted on. The House then adopted a motion to adjourn until 4:00 p.m. on Monday.

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

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:12:45.520> And<01:12:45.760> the<01:12:46.000> most<01:12:46.320> that
• <01:12:48.960> is<01:12:49.360> I<01:12:49.600> believe<01:12:50.239> 330
• <01:12:53.440> So<01:12:53.679> these<01:12:54.000> courts<01:12:54.320>
• >> But<01:12:57.679> the<01:12:57.840> the<01:12:58.239> thing<01:12:58.480
• > to<01:12:58.880> remember<01:12:59.280> that<01:12:59.600> a<01:12:59.920

Keywords: Appropriations - Room 216, 15 January, 2026; 2:00 PM, 925, all

Summary: The meeting began with a budget presentation from the Office of Capital Post Conviction. Director Chrissy Noble described the office’s work representing death-row clients in state postconviction, federal habeas, clemency, and related matters, and said the Legislature has historically funded the office with enough flexibility to handle unpredictable cases. She highlighted four pending actual-innocence cases, including matters involving false forensics and a shaken-baby syndrome challenge, and noted that such cases often require multiple experts. She also cited a recent example where the office was appointed to a case shortly before an execution date was set, and said flexible spending authority allowed the office to secure experts and file on time. The office asked to retain any remaining special-fund cash balance into FY26 and said it had not requested additional salary funding for FY26 because the increase was already handled through flexibility; members praised the office’s work and no vote was taken. The committee then heard from the Ethics Commission. Staff explained requests for salary realignment, additional funding for a part-time hearing officer who handles public records and open meetings cases, and a small amount for fuel/food that was described as a system-related placeholder. The commission said it had a backlog because complaints have become more numerous and complex, and that more funding would allow the hearing officer to process more cases. Members also discussed a prior $10,000 system request that had lapsed and was later found to have been underestimated; the commission said the earlier figure came from an initial quote and the later $25,000 estimate reflected the actual cost. The chairman and members commended the commission’s work, and no formal action was taken. Finally, the Administrative Office of Courts presented its budget requests. The office outlined a deficit appropriation request tied to county-funded court reporter increases, funding for two newly appointed judges, special-judge appointment costs, and death benefits for a court administrator in Warren County. The discussion then focused on judicial salaries, with the office noting Mississippi ranks near the bottom nationally in trial and Supreme Court judge pay, though a cost-of-living adjustment would place the state around 27th. The office said its request follows State Personnel Board recommendations and that it is also seeking a possible increase in filing fees to support the Judicial Operations Fund, which helps cover salary costs not paid from general funds. Members discussed redistricting, special appointments, and the possibility of using fee revenue rather than general funds to support future increases; no vote was taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• > it<02:12:13.520> also<02:12:13.760> says<02:12:14.480> in<02:12:14.639>
• :12:18.159> getting<02:12:18.400> the<02:12:18.560> scores<02:12:18.880> to
• > if<02:12:28.960> I<02:12:29.119> can<02:12:29.280> find<02:12:29.599>
• And<02:12:46.320> and<02:12:46.639> one<02:12:46.800> last<02:12:47.119>
• :12:52.960> is,<02:12:53.199> but<02:12:53.520> it<02:12:53.920> it<02:12

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:

• > and<00:12:06.480> and<00:12:06.560> and<00:12:06.800> and<00:12:07.279>
• this uh<00:12:11.120> that<00:12:11.440> we<00:12:11.680> were<00:12:11.920>
• we<00:12:12.160> were,<00:12:13.040> you<00:12:13.200> know,<00:12:13.279><
• > we<00:12:13.920> were<00:12:14.079> kind<00:12:14.160> of<00:12:14.240>
• on<00:12:14.399> the<00:12:14.560> short<00:12:14.720> end<00:12:14.880>

Keywords: Appropriations - Room 216, 15 January, 2026; 9:30 AM, 925, all

Summary: The committee heard an update from the Mississippi National Guard leadership on deployments, operations, and the Guard’s budget request. The general described ongoing missions involving Mississippi units at the southern border, the National Capital Region, and Operation Safe and Beautiful, as well as the Guard’s role in Operation Midnight Hammer through the Meridian refueling unit. He also noted continued training of international partners at Camp Shelby and emphasized the Guard’s statewide, national, and global reach. The budget presentation focused on a modest increase over the prior year, including funding for state employees and the Youth Challenge Academy, the Mississippi Armed Forces Museum, the state education assistance program, readiness center maintenance for armories, and an increase in AC escalation authority from $164 million to $225 million to allow spending of federal funds on approved projects. The general said federal investment in Mississippi National Guard activities totaled $784 million in FY25, with $384 million for payroll, and explained that most permanent positions are federally reimbursed. Members discussed the state education assistance program, which the general said has helped stop recruiting losses to neighboring states by making Mississippi more competitive on tuition benefits. He said the program especially helps retain midcareer noncommissioned officers and supports younger service members who may lack health coverage when called to state active duty. Senators also asked about Camp Shelby Youth Challenge facilities and armory projects; the general reported that recent appropriations have improved the campus, that the program remains among the top three nationally, and that armory work is moving forward in Amory, Southaven, Corinth, and Carthage. No votes were taken, and the meeting ended with expressions of appreciation and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:00.320> I<00:12:00.560> invite<00:12:00.959> all<00:12:01.200> of<
• I invite all of you<00:12:01.600> to<00:12:01.920> come<00:12:02.240> over<00:12
• <00:12:06.000> Um<00:12:07.200> but<00:12:07.519> the<00:12:07.760> house
• <00:12:32.880> We<00:12:33.120> might<00:12:33.279> have<00:12:33.360> to
• <00:12:36.000> Uh<00:12:36.320> for<00:12:36.560> those<00:12:36.720> of<

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Thursday, January 15, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Maryland Senate convened on January 15 with a prayer offered by Reverend Sheridan Almond of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Kensington, introduced as a guest of the senator from the 18th district. Her remarks were journalized without objection. The chamber also welcomed several guests, including Carter Pry, a recent Crofton High School graduate interested in cybersecurity and AI, interns Isabelle War and Daniel Mora, and the Catonsville Middle School Student Council and adviser Katie Tucci. Members also recognized the day’s pages and thanked them for their service. The only bill read at the desk was Senate Bill 232, by Senator Salling, concerning state procurement preferences for historically underutilized business zone businesses; it was referred to the appropriate standing committee. Committee announcements followed, with Finance, Education, Energy, and the Environment, Judicial Proceedings, and Ethics all scheduling organizational meetings and related briefings later that day. Additional announcements noted Baltimore City and Baltimore County delegation meetings, a Fire EMS Coalition meeting, and Cecil Day events in Annapolis. A senator from Montgomery County highlighted an art exhibit, Art in Full Spectrum, on the fourth floor of the House office building, featuring artists with disabilities from many districts and a future reception. The Senate then confirmed a quorum of 45 members and, on motion of the majority leader, adjourned pro forma until Friday, January 16 at 11:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• workforce, uh, we have developed and coordinated and launched what we call Power Path, which is a K-12
• Equip Mississippi is the K-12 equipment grant program.
• There are some situations where our schools, K-12 specifically, cannot take a grant because they don't

Keywords: Appropriations - Room 210; 14 January, 2026: 3:30 PM, 925, all

Summary: MDES presented its FY27 budget request, describing the agency as a special fund workforce agency focused on helping Mississippians get jobs through employment services, labor market information, and unemployment insurance. Executive Director Bill Ashley said the revised request seeks level spending authority similar to FY26, with line-item changes driven mainly by higher salaries and fringe benefits and lower contractual services. He said MDES currently has 406 employees, 28 active recruitments, and six additional planned positions, for a requested total of 440 positions, down from 453 authorized last year. The request also includes $1.4 million for the State Longitudinal Data System and $400,000 for Accelerate Mississippi fiscal support. Committee members asked about the SLDS pass-through funding, whether it is recurring, and the staffing/pin changes; MDES explained the SLDS is a recurring annual pass-through and that the staffing request reflects turnover and recruitment needs rather than a net expansion. Accelerate Mississippi then outlined its FY27 request and program updates. Officials said the office is requesting level funding overall, with some salary adjustments tied to benefits and two new positions, including one for Talent Solutions and one systems administrator. They described workforce initiatives such as Encore, a recruiter/instructor program; Facet, a partnership with Northwest Mississippi Community College to strengthen instructor preparation; Power Path, a K-12 advanced manufacturing credential model; and expanded career coach activity, reporting 204 coaches serving 209 schools and more than 22,000 unique student interactions. They also reviewed funding streams for workforce enhancement training, Mississippi Works, Equip Mississippi, and ARPA, saying ARPA funds are on track to be fully spent by the September 30 reimbursement deadline and that monthly check-ins are being used to ensure funds are drawn down. Members asked about the budget changes, the use of contractual services, and the career coach program; the office said it was shifting some audit and monitoring costs to the funds being monitored and was not requesting an increase for career coach funding. The Mississippi community college presidents and the Community College Board also presented their budget priorities. They reported that Mississippi community colleges served 88,600 students in academic year 2023 and said the system’s graduation rate is about 42 percent, with a goal of reaching 55 percent. Their FY27 request includes a 6 percent salary increase for employees, increased basic operations funding, and continued support for CTE Advantage programs, totaling $61.5 million in general support. On facilities, they requested $150 million after receiving no facilities funding last year, citing roughly $413 million in identified needs across capital improvements, repairs and renovations, and pre-planning. The Community College Board requested restoration of $310,000 in general fund cuts and a new $2 million appropriation for adult education, noting that an estimated 300,000 to 330,000 Mississippians lack a high school diploma. No votes were taken during the presentations.

Transcript Highlights:

• BEST YOU COULD FOR ALL MISSISSIPPIANS<00:12:02.680> IN<00:12:03.080> THE<00:12:03.680>
• :12:10.000> CHRIST,<00:12:10.480> WE<00:12:10.640> PRAY.
• flag of<00:12:22.680> the<00:12:22.720> United<00:12:23.240> States<00:12:23.720
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Keywords: MS House Floor - 14 January, 2026; 2:00 PM, 925, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, during which the guest minister, Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Gladney, offered a prayer focused on justice, health care, public education, accessible elections, and economic progress across Mississippi. Members then introduced several guests, including a doctor of the day, local officials, former legislators, and visitors in the galleries. On the calendar, the House adopted several blocks of House Concurrent Resolutions and House Resolutions, with the recorded vote on one block showing 120 yeas and 0 nays. The chamber then took up House Bill 325, which removes the sunset repealer from the lottery-funded transportation program so the first $80 million continues to go to transportation and the remainder to the education enhancement fund. The sponsor said the bill does not change the program’s substance and is intended to allow MDOT to keep planning beyond 2028; a question was raised about whether education enhancement funds could later be redirected to PERS, and the sponsor said that could be considered later. The bill passed 121 yeas, 0 nays. Later, members made announcements, including notice of committee meetings and a Mississippi State Medical Association Alliance screening event. The House also observed the death of former Representative Jerry Wilburn and agreed to adjourn in his memory, with the full membership added as co-authors unless they opt out. The House then adjourned until 10:00 a.m. the next day.