Capitol Comments – Mississippi State Legislature Week 11 Update

The Mississippi Legislature has completed Week 11 of the 2026 Regular Session, and with just 16 days remaining, the pace at the Capitol has intensified. Lawmakers are working long hours as major deadlines approach and negotiations begin to take shape.

The official end of session, Sine Die, is currently scheduled for Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026. As always, that date is subject to change depending on how quickly lawmakers can finalize the state budget and remaining legislation. This upcoming week is another critical stretch, as lawmakers begin transitioning into conference negotiations.

• Monday, March 23: Deadline to dispose of motions to reconsider concurrence or non-concurrence on appropriation and revenue bills
• Thursday, March 26: Deadline to concur or not concur on amendments from the other chamber to general bills and constitutional amendments
• Friday, March 27: Deadline for introduction of local and private bills that are not revenue bills
• Saturday, March 28: Deadline for conference reports on appropriation and revenue bills to be filed; AND Deadline to dispose of motions to reconsider concurrence or non-concurrence on general bills and constitutional amendments

As bills advance through the legislative process, it is not uncommon for them to be amended in committee or on the floor. These changes can significantly alter a bill’s original intent or scope. One procedural tool frequently used at this stage is the reverse repealer. This mechanism prevents a bill from taking effect unless specific conditions are met, ensuring both chambers reach agreement on final language. In practice, it provides lawmakers with additional leverage and flexibility during conference negotiations, particularly on complex or high-impact legislation.

Senate Bill 2272, authored by Senate Agriculture Chairman Neil Whaley, proposes to eliminate the 1.5% sales tax on certain agricultural and logging inputs. This bill passed out of the House Ways and Means committee on March 16, where a reverse repealer was added. On March 17, it was brought up on the House floor and passed with an amendment offered by Representative Dana McLean to exempt children’s diapers from sales tax. Due to those changes, the Senate declined to concur, and the bill will now move to conference for further negotiation.  

House Bill 4060, authored by House Agriculture Chairman Bill Pigott, clarifies technical language related to exemptions for lime and fencing materials. The bill passed out of the Senate Finance committee on March 17 without changes. However, on the Senate floor, an amendment was offered by Senator Angela Turner-Ford to exempt children’s diapers from sales tax. With that amendment, the bill passed and now faces additional consideration as the chambers work to reconcile differences.  

The coming days lead into what is commonly referred to around the Capitol as “Conference Weekend.” During this time, House and Senate leaders appoint conference committees to resolve differences between versions of legislation passed by each chamber.

Your Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation Public Policy Team remains actively engaged at the Capitol, working to ensure farmers and ranchers are represented in every stage of the legislative process, especially during this critical time.

We will continue to monitor developments closely and keep you informed as the Legislature works toward adjournment. Thank you for your continued support of Mississippi agriculture.