MS

Mississippi 2026 Regular Session

Technology - Room 210; 28 January, 2026: 9:00 AM

Technology

Transcript Highlights:

The Chair started the 9:00 a.m. Technology meeting two minutes late.

Keywords: Technology - Room 210; 28 January, 2026: 9:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The Technology Committee met a few minutes late and took up four bills. Senate Bill 2437, which establishes a baseline definition of artificial intelligence and aligns it with federal language, was explained as a recommendation from the AI regulatory task force; it passed without questions and was reported out. Senate Bill 2650, the Mississippi Emergency Communications Authority Act, was presented as a follow-up to last year’s 911 legislation to make minor, non-funding adjustments to definitions around EOCs, EOCCs, and NG 911 standards; members noted the board has not yet fully met or been confirmed, and the bill passed and was reported out. Senate Bill 2653, the Mississippi IT Optimization Act, was described as creating a new code section to improve state IT efficiency and enterprise solutions as agencies move to the cloud and data sharing expands. The chair cited consolidation efforts such as reducing multiple Microsoft mail accounts and potential cost savings, and the bill passed with no opposition. Senate Bill 2654 would establish a state security operations center to centralize cybersecurity response and related assets; after a committee substitute corrected a typographical error, the substitute was adopted and then passed as a title sufficient do pass, to be reported out. The chair also said the committee would likely see further revisions later in session, especially on the 911 and cybersecurity measures, and announced a February 5 field trip for technology committees to visit MDE from about 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with more details to follow.

MS

Mississippi 2026 Regular Session

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

Mississippi House Floor Meeting

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.

MS

Mississippi 2026 Regular Session

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

Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

That's gone on since 9/11. And this is our fifth rotation up there for our air defense artillery.
That's gone on since 9/11. And this is our fifth rotation up there for our air defense artillery.

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.

MS