Retired judges; authorize to solemnize marriages.

HB 299 would amend Mississippi law to allow retired judges from the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, circuit court, chancery court, or county court to perform marriage ceremonies, expanding the current list of authorized officiants. The bill specifically adds "retired judges" to Section 93-1-17, which already permits active judges, ministers, and other officials to solemnize marriages. If enacted, this change would directly affect retired judges seeking to officiate weddings and couples in Mississippi seeking officiants. The bill was introduced but died in committee in February 2026 and would have taken effect July 1, 2026, had it passed.