The 2023 Regular Session of the Mississippi Legislature has completed one third of its scheduled 90-day session. Two major deadlines came and went this past week. Tuesday, January 31, was the deadline for House of Representatives and Senate committees to report general bills and constitutional amendments originating in their own chambers. In the House, 1495 bills were filed. In the Senate, 960 bills were filed. After this past Tuesday’s deadline, only 531 bills remain alive in the House. That is 35.5% of the total bills filed in that chamber. The Senate had 382 bills to pass from committees and that is a survival rate of 39% in that chamber. The next major deadline for legislation is Thursday, February 9, which is the deadline for original floor action for legislation originating in their own chamber.
On Monday, Governor Tate Reeves delivered his fourth State of the State address as he is completing his fourth and final year of his first term. In his address, Gov. Reeves emphasized strong economic growth, a multi-billion dollar surplus, and educational achievements. He also highlighted $6 billion in new capital investments and expansion of the Capitol Police to combat crime in the capital city. Mississippi Public Service Commissioner Brandon Presley (D-Nettleton), a Democratic candidate for governor, gave the response.
House Bill 1168 was introduced by the Ways and Means Chairman, Representative Trey Lamar (R-Senatobia). This bill involves the use of municipal sales tax to solely pay for the cost of repairs, upgrades, and improvements to a municipality’s water and wastewater system. Many legislators opposed this bill due to the impact it would have specifically on Jackson and their one percent sales tax. In 2013, Jackson’s citizens voted to approve a one percent sales tax that would target repair of the city’s infrastructure. The sales tax was estimated to bring in around $15 million but could not be collected until an independent commission appointed and approved a master plan to govern how the money would be allocated. According to HB 1168, the one percent sales tax that has been collected would now be strictly used on the city’s water system, with a required report detailing how the money is being spent. If the city fails to comply with reporting requirements and does not remedy the noncompliance within thirty days after receiving written notice, payments would be withheld by the Department of Revenue until corrected. Many Jackson legislators opposed this bill due to a federal government allocation of approximately $800 million in aid directed to improvements towards the city’s water system, yet the bill passed after a lengthy debate.
The second major deadline that passed this week was for candidates qualifying for elections across the state. The race for Governor includes candidates Gov. Tate Reeves (R-Flowood) and former Northern District Public Service Commissioner Brandon Presley (D-Nettleton). The two are widely considered to coast through their respective primaries to meet in the general election. A major primary challenge to note after Wednesday’s filing deadline includes Lt. Governor Delbert Hosemann (R-Jackson) and state Senator Chris McDaniel (R-Ellisville). This matchup marks the most interesting primary challenge across statewide races as Lt. Gov. Hosemann aims to secure a second term.
In addition to all statewide elected positions being open, all legislative seats are open in this election year. A large percentage of the current membership chose to run for re-election. Several members are retiring or running for other positions. Representative Alyce Clarke (D-Jackson) announced her retirement from the House of Representatives after almost 38 years of service. She is the first African American woman ever elected to either chamber of the Mississippi Legislature. While taking a point of personal privilege on Wednesday, Rep. Clarke thanked her colleagues in the chamber and her constituents in House District 69. Rep. Clarke was elected in a 1985 special election. After years of advocating for a state lottery, the Alyce G. Clarke Mississippi Lottery Law passed in 2018. Four Democratic candidates have qualified to run for the District 69 seat. Attached, you will find a listing of candidates for statewide office and all legislative seats.
Below is a link to the 2023 Qualifying Candidates List released by the Secretary of State’s Office. This list is not all encompassing.