The 2023 Mississippi Legislative Session officially has kicked off as legislators met in their respective chambers to convene on Tuesday, January 3. Lieutenant Governor Delbert Hosemann (R) continues to be the presiding officer in the Senate and the House of Representatives is led by Speaker Philip Gunn (R-Clinton). Members will complete this 90-day session on April 2.
In this final year of the current four-year term, there are 120 members in the House of Representatives with two existing vacancies. Former District 72 Representative Debra Gibbs (D-Jackson) was elected to the Hinds County Circuit Court and former District 23 Rep. Jim Beckett (R-Bruce) was appointed to lead the Public Utilities Staff. Their positions will remain vacant until a special election is held to fill those seats. The Senate is operating with their full number of 52 members.
Within the House of Representatives, 75 legislators are members of the Republican Party, 42 legislators are members of the Democratic Party, and three legislators are Independents. Of the 120 current House members, there are 106 males and 14 females. Of the Senate membership, 36 members are a part of the Republican Party, and the remaining 16 members are a part of the Democratic Party. There are 42 male Senators and 10 female Senators.
Legislative deadline dates have been set with several important dates coming up within this month. The deadline for making requests for general bills and constitutional amendments to be drafted is Wednesday, January 11. In addition, the deadline for introduction of general bills and constitutional amendments is Monday, January 16. The deadline for committees to report general bills and constitutional amendments originating in their own chamber, the final deadline for this month, is Tuesday, January 31.
A variety of organizations hosted legislative events and receptions this week. On Wednesday, Mission Mississippi had its 7th Annual Legislative Prayer Breakfast at First Baptist Church of Jackson. The event’s purpose was for all Christian denominations to collectively pray for legislators and their job over the next three months of the legislative session. Additionally, the Mississippi Economic Council hosted its annual Capitol Day on Thursday, January 5, at the Mississippi Trade Mart and State Capitol. Among guest speakers were Governor Tate Reeves, Speaker Philip Gunn and Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann along with other business leaders across the state.
A topic that likely will generate the most discussion during this session is how the state plans to spend almost $4 billion in excess collections and reserves (see attached). Of the unallocated funds, only $729 million statutorily is required to be held in reserve. Both chambers have presented plans to return money to taxpayers via a tax cut or rebate, but an agreement on how that happens seems unlikely at this point. Regardless, the Legislature likely could spend more money in Fiscal Year 2024 than it ever has before and most likely will spread that spending all across Mississippi as the legislators prepare for re-election.
This week held an important date for Representatives, Senators, and other public officials across the state. The opening date for candidates to qualify to run for their current seats or other options was this week on Tuesday, January 3. The period for potential candidates to file will be open until Wednesday, February 1. Some prominent officials such as Gov. Tate Reeves (R) and Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann (R) already have filed their paperwork for the next election cycle.
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