Capitol Comments – Mississippi State Legislature Week 6 Update
As we head into Friday afternoon at the Mississippi State Capitol, today marks the 39th day of the 90-day Regular Legislative Session in Jackson. Lawmakers have been working long hours this week as key deadlines shape the trajectory of legislation for the remainder of session.
Thursday, February 12th, was the deadline for original floor action on general bills originating in their own chamber. Today, Friday, February 13th, is the deadline for reconsideration and passage of those general bills. Looking ahead to Monday, February 16th, legislators must dispose of motions to reconsider on general bills originating in their own chamber.
With these deadlines largely behind us, attention now turns to the next stage of the process. Several mirror bills have passed their respective chambers and now move across the rotunda to be considered by the opposite body in committee and, if successful, on the floor. For example, House Bill 1647, authored by Representative Bill Pigott, will create the Mississippi Grain Indemnity Act and has passed the House. As well as its mirror bill in the Senate, Senate Bill 2631, authored by Senator Neil Whaley, passed the Senate. These mirror measures creating a voluntary Grain Indemnity Trust Fund for Mississippi farmers is now headed to the opposite chambers for consideration.
Important for Mississippi’s poultry industry, Senate Bill 2648, authored by Senator Brian Rhodes, would authorize Mississippi State University Extension Service to assist poultry farmers with their comprehensive nutrient management plans. The bill has successfully passed the Senate floor and now heads to the House of Representatives. This legislation ensures that producers have access to more trained professionals who can provide technical assistance and support as they implement comprehensive nutrient management strategies.
Tax policy continues to be a major focus in both chambers, particularly as it relates to agriculture and forestry. Senate Bill 2272, authored by Senator Neil Whaley, seeks to exempt from state sales tax certain agricultural and logging items that are currently taxed at the rate of 1.5%. This includes retail sales of equipment, parts, and labor used to maintain and/or repair such equipment. Eliminating this tax would provide direct financial relief to farmers and loggers who rely heavily on equipment to operate their businesses. House Bill 1523, authored by Representative Trey Lamar, would require the Department of Finance and Administration to establish a grant program to assist farmers with the purchase of new farm tractors, as well as parts and labor used to maintain and repair those tractors. While this bill does not eliminate the existing tax, it aims to offset costs through a structured grant program and tax new farm implements at 1.5%.
As we move deeper into the session, your engagement remains critical. We encourage you to stay informed and continue communicating with your local elected officials as these important measures advance. Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation is proud to represent our members at the Capitol and advocate for policies that strengthen Mississippi agriculture and rural communities.