Capitol Comments, March 24-28
As we approach the final days of the 2025 Mississippi Legislative Session, Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our members for their ongoing support and advocacy during this important legislative period. We have been working hard on behalf of our agricultural community.
The final push is upon us, and while many critical budget decisions remain to be made, we have already seen significant strides in the bills that impact our farming community. It’s important now, more than ever, to acknowledge the dedication and hard work of our legislators, who have worked tirelessly on behalf of Mississippi’s farmers and ranchers.
Thursday, Governor Tate Reeves signed House Bill 1 into law. This bill reduces the state’s income tax rate over time, lowers sales tax on groceries, and increases the excise tax on fuel to help fund roads and bridges.
In addition to House Bill 1, several other key bills have been moving through the legislative process:
· HB 953 – The Harvest Permit Bill that extends the program’s repealer until 2028, ensuring that Mississippi’s farmers continue to have access to this program.
· HB 1878 – The Rural Structure Bill that introduces a more structured and defined approach to property valuation in Mississippi, providing clarity and consistency for rural property owners.
As we near the end of the 90-day legislative session, the following deadlines will determine the final fate of numerous bills:
· Saturday, March 29: Deadline for conference reports on appropriation and revenue bills to be filed; deadline to dispose of motions to reconsider concurrence or nonconcurrence on general bills and constitutional amendments.
· Monday, March 31: Deadline for final adoption of conference reports on appropriation and revenue bills; deadline for conference reports on general bills and constitutional amendments to be filed.
· Tuesday, April 1: Deadline to dispose of motions to reconsider conference reports on appropriation and revenue bills.
· Wednesday, April 2: Deadline for first consideration of conference reports on general bills and constitutional amendments.
· Thursday, April 3: Deadline for filing conference reports on general bills and constitutional amendments that had been recommitted for further conference.
· Friday, April 4: Deadline for adoption of conference reports on general bills and constitutional amendments after recommitment.
· Saturday, April 5: Deadline to dispose of motions to reconsider conference reports on general bills and constitutional amendments.
· Sunday, April 6: The official adjournment of the 2025 Legislative Session, also known as Sine Die.
The coming week will be crucial, as lawmakers finalize funding for key programs and departments. Our members’ voices will continue to be critical as decisions are made that affect agriculture funding and other vital priorities.
On Tuesday, March 24, special elections were held in Mississippi’s House Districts 23 and 82, both advancing to runoff elections on April 22, 2025.
In District 23, five candidates competed to fill the seat of the late Representative Andy Stepp (R). Perry Bailey, a farmer and businessman, led with 41% of the vote, while Colby Bollinger, a Calhoun County School Board member and small business owner, secured second with 33%.
In District 82, three candidates vied for the seat of the late Representative Charles Young, Jr. (D). Gregory Elliot, known for his community service in Lauderdale County, won over 40% of the vote, while Joseph Norwood, a former Lauderdale County Board of Supervisors member, earned nearly 30%. Norwood narrowly edged out third-place candidate Joseph Denson by just four votes.
Mississippi’s special elections are non-partisan, though candidates often highlight their political ideologies during campaigns.
As we wrap up this Legislative Session, we want to again thank each of you for your active participation and for staying engaged with the legislative process. We encourage you to continue thanking your lawmakers for their hard work and to keep your relationships with them strong—both during and outside of legislative sessions. The future of Mississippi’s agricultural industry depends on the relationships we build today.
Even if you haven’t had the chance to meet your lawmakers in person yet, consider taking the opportunity to introduce yourself. Many legislators are home in their districts when out of the Legislative Session, and it is a great time to build a relationship with the people who represent you at the Capitol. Establishing a connection with your elected officials can make a world of difference when critical issues arise in the future.
Your engagement and support are what make our advocacy efforts so powerful. Mississippi Farm Bureau remains committed to representing the interests of all our members, and we will continue to work tirelessly on your behalf at the state Capitol.
Together, we’re making a real difference for Mississippi’s farming families. Thank you again for all your hard work and support, and let’s continue to stay engaged as we work toward a stronger agricultural community in our great state.