Week of March 24, 2025

The Mississippi House of Representatives convened at 4:00 PM on Monday to begin the twelfth week of the 2025 legislative session.

Throughout the week, the House recognized several notable resolutions:

• House Concurrent Resolution 32 honors the life and service of James Henry Taylor of Olive Branch, Mississippi, who perished aboard the secretive Flying Tiger Line Flight 739 during the Vietnam War. Though his name is not inscribed on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, a newly erected monument in Maine now commemorates Taylor and all those aboard the ill-fated flight.

• House Concurrent Resolution 43 recognizes Charles F. McClelland, Sr. for his distinguished career and exemplary public service. As a former athlete and educator, McClelland has made significant contributions through leadership in education, civic engagement, and government initiatives, leaving a lasting legacy across the state.

• House Resolution 100 commends Miss Izzy Karns for being crowned Miss Teen Volunteer America. A student at the University of Southern Mississippi, Karns is celebrated for her dedication to volunteerism, animal welfare advocacy, and her entrepreneurial efforts in social media branding.

Additionally, Speaker White welcomed the Northwest Mississippi Community College women’s soccer team to the chamber in recognition of their NJCAA National Championship victory—the first national title in the program’s history.

• HB 569 amends Section 41-7-191 of the Mississippi Code to allow a long-term care hospital in Harrison County to participate in the Medicaid program as a crossover provider. It revises the conditions under which a Certificate of Need (CON) is issued, enabling the facility to expand access and eligibility for Medicaid reimbursement. The bill primarily focuses on adjusting regulatory provisions for healthcare facility operations and Medicaid participation.

• HB 599 amends Mississippi law to define "child pornography" and "obscene matter" and allows individuals to bring civil lawsuits against commercial entities that knowingly publish such content online. It excludes liability for internet service providers and similar entities that are not responsible for content creation. The bill also includes a severability clause and will take effect on July 1, 2025.

• HB 1063, titled the Mississippi State Employees Paid Parental Leave Act, establishes six weeks of fully paid parental leave for eligible state employees who are the primary caregivers of a child following birth or adoption. The leave must be used within 12 weeks of the qualifying event and does not count against other accrued leave. It also permits school districts and community colleges to adopt similar policies and includes provisions for notice, eligibility, and coordination with the Family and Medical Leave Act.

On Thursday, Governor Reeves signed House Bill 1 into law, officially eliminating the state income tax. He was joined by Speaker White, Lieutenant Governor Hosemann, Chairman Trey Lamar, Chairman Josh Harkins, and several members of both the House and Senate.

Looking ahead, the House faces a deadline for Monday, March 31, for final adoption of conference reports on appropriations and revenue bills; and deadline for conference reports on general bills and constitutional amendments to be filed.

The House is set to reconvene on Monday at 1:00 PM.