MAS Weekly Legislative Recap Newsletter

Week 2 - January 16, 2026

Regular Legislative Session

The second week of the 2026 Regular Legislative is complete. The Deadline for making requests for general and constitutional amendments to be drafted has passed. The deadline for introduction of general bills and constitutional amendments is Monday January 19^th. 

House Chamber Passes the “Mississippi Education Freedom Act”

House Bill 2 

On Thursday, January 15, 2026, the House Chamber passed House Bill 2 by a vote of 60 to 58.



House Bill 2 represents the House of Representatives version of “School Choice.” This measure was amended from its original form out of the House Education Committee.

The amending language addressed Charter Schools for D and F school districts. MAS will continue to monitor this measure as it moves through the legislative process.



NOTE: This measure will now head to the Senate Chamber for consideration. 

NOTE: MAS will continue to monitor this measure’s progression and keep the membership updated.

Senate Chamber Passes the “Mississippi PERS Stability Act”

Senate Bill 2004

On Wednesday, January 7, 2026, the Senate Chamber passes the Mississippi PERS Stability Act by a vote of 52 to 0.

Senate Bill 2004 establishes a new act address the funding needs of the Mississippi Public Employees Retirement System (PERS).

Beginning July 1, 2026, this proposed measure mandates a transfer of $500 million from the State Capit0l Expense Fund over to the PERS system.

Beginning July 1, 2027 and on very July 1^st thereafter through July 1^st of 2036, the state will mandate a transfer of $50 million from the State Capitol Expense Fund to the PERS system.

NOTE: This measure will now head to the House Chamber for consideration.

Measures Introduced Potentially Impacting County Government

Senate Bill 2012: This measure increases the jurisdictional limit from $3,500 to $5,000 for residential evictions. No action currently taken on this measure.

House Bill 4: This measure provides that an election shall be held on the question of municipal annexation. No action currently taken on this measure.



House Bill 329: This measure revise the method of receiving bids through for agencies and governing authorities for reverse auction. No action currently taken on this measure.

House Bill 53: This measure creates a sales tax diversion to counties for sales tax collected outside the municipal jurisdiction. No action currently taken on this measure.

Senate Bill 2024: This measure establishes a Statewide Uniform Youth Court System. No action currently taken on this measure.

Weekly Legislative Recap Zoom Call

Don't Forget! Next Friday, January 23

Please join us next Friday, January 23 at 10:30 am for our weekly legislative recap Zoom call.

Join Zoom Link:

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/3852299667?omn=82125835448

OR

To Dial In: 888.788.0099

Then Enter Meeting Id Number: 385 229 9667