Week of March 31, 2025

The Mississippi House of Representatives gaveled in at 1:00 PM on Monday, marking the start of the thirteenth and final week of the 2025 Regular Legislative Session. This week was marked by significant legislative activity, the passage of key bills and the final adoption of conference reports on general and revenue bills.

Throughout the week, the House also took time to recognize the accomplishments of outstanding Mississippians and host visitors from across the state. A series of heartfelt resolutions were adopted, highlighting the spirit of community and excellence that exists throughout Mississippi.

Among the resolutions passed was House Resolution 34, commending longtime broadcaster Jim Ellis on his retirement after 46 years as the play-by-play voice of Mississippi State University baseball. Known affectionately as “The Voice of the Diamond Dawgs,” Ellis has been a cornerstone of MSU athletics. He called numerous NCAA tournaments, SEC championship games, and was behind the mic for the Bulldogs’ first national title in 2021. The resolution honors his unparalleled contributions to sports broadcasting and expresses gratitude for his enduring impact on Mississippi athletics.

House Resolutions 119 and 123 recognized two exceptional high school football programs. The Kirk Academy Raiders were honored for winning the 2024 MAIS Class 3A State Championship. Players and coaches alike were commended for their strong performances and leadership on and off the field. Similarly, the Grenada High School Chargers received recognition for securing their first-ever MHSAA Class 6A State Championship

The House also adopted House Resolution 128, celebrating the Jackson Prep Lady Patriots Basketball Team for capturing the 2024–2025 MAIS Class 6A State Championship. This win marked their 10th state title, secured through a decisive fourth-quarter comeback that demonstrated determination and skill.

Additionally, House Resolution 115 was passed to honor the Ingomar Lady Falcons Basketball Team for winning the MHSAA Class 2A State Championship. Their 58–28 victory marked a third consecutive title and the program’s fourteenth overall. With a remarkable 32–2 season record, the team’s success is attributed to dedicated coaching, cohesive teamwork, and a longstanding tradition of basketball excellence in Union County.

In addition to celebratory resolutions, several notable pieces of legislation were finalized this week:

• HB 1544, as passed by the Mississippi House, proposes extensive amendments to the Mississippi Code to revise the number of judges and residency requirements across various circuit and chancery court districts throughout the state. It updates district compositions, reassigns precincts, adjusts judicial positions, and schedules a special election in 2025 to fill a new circuit judge seat. These changes aim to align judicial resources with population shifts, caseloads, and geographic needs.

• HB 1193, prohibits public schools and public postsecondary institutions from promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, using diversity statements in hiring or admissions, or endorsing “divisive concepts.” It mandates that these institutions teach there are only two genders, male and female, defined by chromosomal makeup. The bill also allows private enforcement, mandates annual compliance reporting, and authorizes the Attorney General to ensure compliance.

• HB 599 allows individuals to file civil lawsuits against commercial entities that knowingly publish obscene material or child pornography online. The bill carefully defines key terms and includes exemptions for internet service providers and news organizations that are not responsible for producing the content.

• HB 1341 extends the Mississippi Health Care Industry Zone Act through July 1, 2028. This extension maintains vital tax incentives—including ad valorem and sales tax exemptions—as well as fee-in-lieu agreements, to support qualifying health care facilities and businesses that meet specific investment and job creation benchmarks.

• HB 1203 addresses unauthorized camping on public property not designated for that purpose. The bill permits the removal of individuals and belongings and imposes a fine of up to $50. Courts are also granted discretion to consider mitigating circumstances and alternative outcomes when enforcing penalties.

• HB 1461 expands the definition of "capital improvements" to include any project approved by the Mississippi Development Authority. This broadened definition enhances eligibility for local government loan funding, potentially enabling a wider range of community development projects across the state.

• The House also worked very hard on HB 1123 to provide support for our independent pharmacists while also protecting employer and consumer drug prices. Although an agreement was met with a conference report, it died on the calendar after a point of order was raised.

The House sent a resolution to suspend the rules of the Legislature, giving the Senate until 5:00 p.m. on April 2 to consider and vote on the measure. The Senate did not take up the resolution; therefore, the rules were not suspended, and the House subsequently adjourned sine die on Wednesday, April 2.

While this concludes the regular session's business, a special session will be necessary to reach a final agreement on the state budget by the close of the fiscal year.