MFBF Watching Several Areas as Mississippi Legislature Opens 2025
The Mississippi Legislature convened for the 2025 session at noon on January 7. This marks the second year of the current four-year term, with lawmakers preparing to tackle a wide array of issues that could impact agriculture, rural communities, and Mississippi’s economy. While the session may not see the same level of ceremony as the previous year, leaders in both the House of Representatives and Senate are focused on addressing key challenges and opportunities facing the state.
Here’s a look at some of the major issues expected to come up during the 2025 Legislative Session:
Agriculture
Addressing the poultry house tax and deleting the state harvest permit repealer stand atop Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation’s priority list this year. Many counties have already faced steep tax hikes on poultry houses, and we’ll push for legislation to prevent taxes from reaching such unexpected levels again. We will also aim to protect other rural structures like grain bins, barns, and sheds from similar tax increases. Additionally, a repealer in the state’s Harvest Permit Law is set to expire on July 1, 2025. Removing the repealer will ensure the law remains in effect without any other changes.
Ballot Initiative Restoration
For the fourth consecutive year, lawmakers are expected to introduce legislation to restore the state’s ballot initiative process. The Mississippi Supreme Court ruled in 2021 the previous initiative process was invalid, and efforts to replace it have failed in each of the past three sessions. The outcome of this debate will have direct consequences for citizens’ ability to bring issues to a statewide vote without relying on lawmakers.
Public Employee Retirement System (PERS)
The financial health of the Public Employees Retirement System of Mississippi (PERS) is a key issue for legislators. Last year, lawmakers allocated $110 million to help shore up PERS, but experts argue a larger investment is needed. There will also be discussions about altering the benefits for new hires to ensure the system remains viable long term. Given PERS affects state employees, local government workers, and school personnel, any changes could have widespread implications.
Redistricting
State law mandates Mississippi must redraw its 23 Circuit Court and 20 Chancery Court districts by 2025, based on the results of the 2020 Census. The goal is to ensure the districts reflect shifts in population and caseloads. In addition to judicial redistricting, the Legislature will need to redraw certain legislative districts following a court ruling that found Mississippi’s current districts diluted Black voting strength. The court has required the creation of additional majority-Black Senate and House districts, which lawmakers will address during the session.
Tax Cuts
Both House Speaker Jason White and Lieutenant Governor Delbert Hosemann have proposed tax cuts in their agendas for 2025. Speaker White is advocating for lowering the grocery tax, eliminating the state income tax, and ensuring stable funding for transportation infrastructure. Lt. Gov. Hosemann is also focusing on reducing the grocery tax but has not emphasized the income tax in his proposal. Governor Tate Reeves has voiced support for eliminating the income tax altogether. These proposals could have significant implications for Mississippi’s tax structure and state revenues.
Looking Ahead
As the 2025 Legislative Session kicks off, these are just a few of the many issues on the table. Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation will stay informed and engaged, as the outcome of these debates could directly affect agriculture, rural economies, and the overall business climate in the state.
We look forward to continuing to monitor these developments and keep you updated on key legislation that may impact our members.