SB 2809 allows Mississippi Agricultural and Livestock Theft Bureau officers to keep the personal firearm they were officially issued during their service upon retirement. The bill amends Mississippi Code Section 45-9-133 to explicitly permit these officers to retain one issued sidearm as personal property when retiring for reasons like age or disability. This change applies only to firearms provided by the bureau during their employment, not personal weapons. The law takes effect on July 1, 2026.
SB 2117 adds 13 specific substances - including multiple fentanyl variants like acetyl fentanyl, beta-methyl fentanyl, and others - to Mississippi's Schedule I controlled substances list. It also creates a broad category covering fentanyl-related substances with structural modifications (e.g., changes to the phenethyl group or piperidine ring). This classification means these substances are deemed to have no legitimate medical use and a high potential for harm under Mississippi law. The bill directly affects anyone possessing, distributing, or using these substances within Mississippi, subjecting them to stricter state penalties.
SB 2056 automatically adds to Mississippi's controlled substances schedules any psilocybin-based pharmaceutical product approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and scheduled by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). This applies directly to pharmaceutical companies developing such products and state law enforcement handling them under existing penalties. The bill requires the state to mirror federal scheduling immediately upon federal action, with the automatic status lasting until the next legislative session or until state law is amended. It also updates Section 41-29-111 to remove outdated references to pandemic-related provisions. The bill does not change Mississippi's scheduling process for substances not federally scheduled.
SB 2832 extends the expiration date for a Mississippi income tax credit that supports railroad infrastructure investments. It directly affects Class II and Class III railroads operating in Mississippi that make qualifying track reconstruction, replacement, or new infrastructure expenditures. The credit allows eligible railroads to claim up to 50% of qualifying costs (capped at $5,000 per mile of track or $1 million per new customer project), with unused credits transferable to other taxpayers for up to five years. This bill modifies the existing credit program (Section 27-7-22.42) to prevent its automatic termination on January 1, 2029, extending the program's availability.
SB 2849 extends the repeal date of Mississippi's SMART Business Act from 2028 to a future date (as specified in the bill), allowing the existing law to remain in effect longer. The bill brings forward the original sections of the SMART Business Act (Sections 37-148-1 through 37-148-9) for potential future amendments. This procedural change does not alter the act's core provisions, which include a 25% rebate for investors funding qualified research at Mississippi colleges (capped at $1 million per investor annually) and a separate initiative for developing state-owned intellectual property. The extension provides time for lawmakers to review and modify the program before its current sunset.
HB 1532, the "Mississippi Business Filing Fraud Prevention Act," establishes a process to address fraudulent business filings, directly affecting business entities (like corporations, partnerships, and LLCs) and individuals involved in filing records. It requires a "complainant" (a person connected to the business or filing) to submit a verified declaration to the Secretary of State's Office alleging unauthorized changes to business records or identity theft in filings. The Office then notifies the "filer" to respond within 30 days; failure to respond results in the filing being deemed fraudulent and a final order issued. If the filer responds, the Office reviews evidence, may request additional information, and issues a final determination on fraud.
SB 2634 amends Mississippi law to authorize payment for members of the Department of Marine Resources Enforcement Officers Reserve Unit during "Special Need Events" with critical personnel shortages. Previously, all reserve members served without pay; this bill creates a specific paid category for reserve officers meeting defined eligibility criteria (e.g., certification, training, or community standing). Payment amounts and event eligibility are determined by the Department director. The change applies only to designated special events, not regular reserve duties, and does not alter the reserve unit’s overall structure or volunteer status for routine operations.
SB 2269 extends the repeal date for a requirement that operators of fully autonomous vehicles must submit a law enforcement interaction plan to Mississippi's Department of Public Safety (DPS). The bill maintains the existing rule - requiring plans detailing communication protocols, vehicle removal procedures, mode recognition, and safety information - until July 1, 2029 (previously set to expire earlier). This directly affects companies or individuals operating fully driverless vehicles on Mississippi roads, ensuring the DPS can continue enforcing the plan-submission requirement. The change only extends the existing legal timeline; it does not alter the substance of the plan requirements or introduce new regulations.
This bill is a House Resolution that formally commends JoHelen "Joey" Walker for her historic election as the first woman and African American to serve as Tax Assessor and Collector of Oktibbeha County, Mississippi. The resolution recognizes her achievements in breaking gender and racial barriers in county government and highlights her background in public service, including her experience as a deputy clerk. It does not create new laws or policy changes but serves as an official acknowledgment of her contributions to the community and her role in modernizing tax office operations. The resolution directs that copies be sent to Ms. Walker and the Capitol Press Corps.
This House Resolution commends the St. Patrick High School boys' soccer team and head coach Ryan Worsham for winning the 2026 Mississippi High School Activities Association Class I State Championship. The resolution recognizes the team's undefeated home record and 23-3 season, which set a new school record for wins. Copies of the resolution will be provided to the head coach and the Capitol Press Corps to formally acknowledge the team's achievement.
This House Resolution formally commends the Madison-Ridgeland Academy Patriots Boys Basketball Team for winning the 2026 MAIS Class 4A Division I State Championship. The resolution recognizes the team's historic 37-2 season record, their championship victory over Jackson Academy, and their role in honoring retiring head coach Richard Duease, who concluded his 51-year career with 1,888 victories. Copies of the resolution will be provided to the school administration, Coach Duease, and the Capitol Press Corps. This is a ceremonial acknowledgment rather than a policy change, as it does not alter any laws or regulations.
This bill designates March 11, 2026, as Crime Survivors Speak Mississippi Day at the state Capitol to recognize an event where crime victims and survivors will gather to share their experiences and advocate for policy changes. The resolution formally acknowledges the importance of hearing from survivors who have been impacted by crime and violence across Mississippi. It also commends the organizations and advocates working to support victims and strengthen community safety. This is a symbolic measure that does not create new laws or funding but serves to honor the voices of crime survivors.
