What You Need to Know from the State Capitol, March 10-14
As we approach Sine Die adjournment on April 6, the Mississippi Legislative Session is entering its final stages, and numerous bills are making their way toward final passage. Once identical bills are approved by both chambers, or when a bill passes one chamber in a different form and the chamber of origin accepts the changes, or both chambers adopt a conference report, the enrolled bill is sent to Governor Tate Reeves for his consideration. The bill then becomes law either if it is signed by the Governor, not signed by the deadline, or vetoed but subsequently overridden.
Throughout the 2025 Mississippi Legislative Session, we have provided updates on numerous agriculture-related bills. Below are some of the key bills that have made it to the Governor’s desk for consideration:
- House Bill 1295 & Senate Bill 2264 – These bills revise the definition of “Agritourism Activity” and clarify the posting of signage for liability purposes.
Governor’s Response Deadline: March 17, 2025 - Senate Bill 2025 – This bill adds definitions to the chapter of law on fertilizing materials and additives.
Governor’s Response Deadline: March 17, 2025 - Senate Bill 2204 – This bill mandates that sheriffs, chiefs of police, directors of the Highway Patrol, constables, and other peace officers report stolen farm-related vehicles to the Mississippi Agricultural and Livestock Theft Bureau.
Governor’s Response Deadline: March 17, 2025 - Senate Bill 2266 – This bill requires the Department of Revenue to publish a list of eligible items for sales tax exemption or reduced sales tax rates for holders of commercial farmer permits by August 1, 2025.
Governor’s Response Deadline: March 17, 2025
While many appropriations bills will be reviewed and discussed by conferees from both chambers, some important general bills related to agriculture will also undergo a conference committee process. If a bill passes both chambers in different forms and the originating chamber rejects the amendments, the bill will be sent to a conference committee for further negotiations. The committee, composed of three members from the Senate and three from the House of Representatives, will work toward a compromise. Once a conference report is supported by at least two members from each chamber and filed, both chambers must vote to adopt it before the bill will be sent to the Governor.
A few notable agriculture-related bills under conference consideration include:
- House Bill 953 & Senate Bill 2257 – These bills address the extension or deletion of the repealer for provisions concerning Mississippi’s Harvest Permit, impacting our state’s agricultural operations.
- House Bill 913 – This bill proposes labeling requirements for meat and meat substitute products to prevent consumer confusion, ensuring clarity in the marketplace.
With several important deadlines approaching, it is essential that the legislative process move efficiently to ensure timely action on these and other bills. Here are the key upcoming deadlines:
- Tuesday, March 18: Deadline for original floor action on appropriation and revenue bills originating from the other chamber.
- Wednesday, March 19: Deadline for reconsideration and passage of appropriation and revenue bills originating in the other chamber.
- Thursday, March 20: Deadline to dispose of motions to reconsider appropriation and revenue bills originating in the other chamber.
- Friday, March 21: Deadline to concur or not concur on amendments from the other chamber to appropriation and revenue bills; and deadline for introduction of local and private bills that are revenue bills.
Just as a farmer’s seed requires a proper process to grow, so too does the legislative process to see a bill become law. Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation is proud to represent the agricultural community in the Mississippi Legislature. We remain committed to ensuring that the voice of agriculture is heard, and we thank you for your continued work throughout this legislative session.