In Week 10 of the 2025 Mississippi legislative session (March 10–14), several significant developments occurred:
BAN ON LAB-GROWN MEAT: The Mississippi House of Representatives passed a bill prohibiting the manufacture, sale, or distribution of lab-grown meat, making Mississippi the third state to enact such a ban, following Florida and Alabama. Violations would be misdemeanors, punishable by fines up to $500 and/or up to three months in county jail. The bill now awaits Governor Tate Reeves' signature.
APPROPRIATIONS AND BUDGET BILLS: With HB1761, funds for legislative expenses and contingent funds will be appropriated for the Joint Legislative Budget Committee and the Joint Legislative Committee on Performance Evaluation and Expenditure Review for Fiscal Year 2026.
Furthermore, HB1768 allocates funding for K-12 education and related educational activities for Fiscal Year 2026.
In the Senate, SB2177 amends Section 37-31-13 of the Mississippi Code to provide that payments from state appropriations to school districts for extended contracts for vocational agriculture education services and other related vocational education services shall be made to the school district.
TRANSPORTATION LEGISLATION: The Senate passed SB2803, requiring owners of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) to apply for a certificate of title from the Department of Revenue. This measure aims to standardize ATV ownership documentation.
CHILD SUPPORT FOR DISABLED INDIVIDUALS: The House passed SB2452, amending Section 93-11-65 of the Mississippi Code to allow child support for a child with a disability to continue past the age of majority. This change ensures ongoing support for individuals with disabilities who require continued assistance into adulthood.
LEGISLATIVE FRUSTRATIONS: House Speaker Jason White expressed frustration over the Senate's lack of response regarding the House's proposed tax overhaul plan. As the session reaches its midpoint, the absence of dialogue between the chambers raises concerns about the progress of significant tax legislation.
These developments reflect the legislature's focus on public health, education, transportation, social services, and fiscal policy during Week 10 of the 2025 session.
Prepared by Sen. Sarita Simmons
In the tenth week of the 2025 Mississippi Legislative Session, the Senate passed a number of appropriation bills, along with a Rules calendar saluting exemplary citizens.
SCR535, and HCR59, honoring the life and distinguished public service career of former House Speaker Pro Tempore Robert George Clark, Jr., upon his passing.
House Bill 662 revises criteria for presumptive eligibility for pregnant women to conform to federal laws and regulations to receive pre-natal care through Medicaid by having regular access to medical care before delivery.
House Bill 1268 creates the Mississippi Save Our Service Member Task Force to study and make recommendations concerning mental health needs of military members.
House Bill 1203 prohibits camping on public property.
House Bill 1459 authorizes Supreme Court Justice to appoint full-time and part-time judges for the Capitol Complex Improvement District.
Senate Bill 2280 establishes the Mississippi Wild Turkey Stamp for hunters.
House Bill 1077 prohibits sale of Kratom products to persons under 21 and sets forth guidelines to ensure public safety.
Senate Bill 2899 increases salaries for court reporters.
Senate Bill 2469 creates a committee to study solutions to unmerchantable and uninsurable titles resulting from tax sales.
House Bill 1201 creates tax incentives for developers to improve tax forfeited, blighted properties in Mississippi.
House Bill 1491 establishes the Cloud Center of Excellence for phased-in cloud computing and storage by state agencies and governing authorities.
Senate Bill 2239 adds Forrest and Wayne counties to the list of places where state offenders can by housed.
House Bill 1308 makes grooming of children for sexual exploitation a criminal offense.
House Bill 1063 creates the Mississippi State Employees Paid Parental Leave Act.
House Bill 1193 prohibits DEI statements and practices in public K-12 and postsecondary schools.
The Senate met a Wednesday, March 12 deadline for original floor action on general bills and constitutional amendments originating in the House, a Thursday, March 13 deadline for reconsideration and passage of general bills and constitutional amendments originating in the House, and a Friday, March 14, 2025, deadline to dispose of motions to reconsider general bills and constitutional amendments originating from the House.
The Senate faced a Tuesday, March 18 deadline for original floor action on appropriation and revenue bills originating in the House, a Wednesday, March 19 deadline for reconsideration and passage of appropriation and revenue bills originating in the House, a Thursday, March 20 deadline to dispose of motions to reconsider appropriation and revenue bills originating in the House, and a Friday, March 21 deadline to concur or not concur in amendments from the House to appropriation and revenue bills, and deadline for introduction of local and private bills that are revenue bills.
