In the 12th week of the 2025 Mississippi Legislative Session, the Senate accepted House amendments to and concurred on Senate Bill 2242 - the inmate work release program that authorizes certain inmates to work with the Department of Transportation, and become eligible for full-time employment upon release from detention if they meet all criteria.
The re-entry program will allow inmates to develop marketable skills and earn income from which to pay fines, support for dependents through the Mississippi Department of Human Services, save a portion of the money for post release, and have a percentage to use for commissaries while detained.
The Senate passed Local and Private bills, among which was Senate Bill 3056, which allows Calhoun County to secure money for courthouse repairs and pretrial detention facilities by assessing a $25 fine increase for convictions in the Justice Court, County Court and Circuit Court. A $50 assessment will be added to DUI convictions or driving while impaired.
The Senate had many floor presentations where exemplary Mississippians were honored.
Senator John Polk on Monday, March 24, 2025, was awarded the Mississippi Meritorious Civilian Service Medal for his unwavering support of the Mississippi National Guard. Governor Tate Reeves approved the recognition, which was presented by members of the military in the Senate Chamber as family and friends surprised the Chairman of the Senate Business and Financial Institutions Committee, who has served since 2012, and has announced he will not seek re-election.
The Newton County High School choir performed on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at the second-floor rotunda as part of Lt. Governor Delbert Hosemann’s tradition of letting students share their talents at the Capitol. Senator Tyler McCaughn spoke with the choir.
Senator Jeff Tate led on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, led presentation of Senate Resolution 55 to honor the memory of James Henry Taylor of Olive Branch, who was never heard from again after March 16, 1962, when the Flying Tiger Line Flight 739 he rode on, while on a secret military mission, disappeared, and was never found, family members said.
Senator Briggs Hopson on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, led presentation of Senate Resolution 66, to the widow and family of legendary former Alcorn State University Tennis Coach and Mathematics Instructor Anthony Bruce Dodgen, who passed away on January 18, 2025.
Senator Kevin Blackwell on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, led honors for Dr. Phyllis Polk Johnson, DNP, RN, FNP-BC, current Executive Director of the Mississippi Board of Nursing, with Senate Resolution 50, upon her appointment to the prestigious position of President of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. Senator Nicole Boyd was also present.
Senator Sarita Simmons led the Mississippi Senate on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, with presentation of Senate Concurrent Resolution 538 to Delta State University 2025 Sports Hall of Fame inductee Sarita “Bugg” Cooper White, for outstanding basketball career at Gentry High School and DSU. Senator Derrick T. Simmons and Senator Bradford Blackmon assisted.
Senator Sarita Simmons on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, led presentation of Senate Concurrent Resolution 534, recognizing the outstanding track and field career of Gentry High School and Florida State All-American Janet Davis of Indianola, for past achievements in track and field.
Senator Michael McLendon and Senator Walter Michel on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, led presentation of Senate Resolution 125, to J. Kelly Elliot, Executive Director of the Mississippi State Fire Academy , for the 50th Anniversary of the academy.
Senator Michael McLendon, Senator Reginald Jackson and Senator Kevin Blackwell, on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, led honors for the Lake Cormorant Volleyball Team and Head Coach Christina Morgan with Senate Resolution 126, commending the Lake Cormorant High School Lady Gators Volleyball Team for winning their third MHSAA Class 6A State Volleyball Championship.
Senator Juan Barnett on Thursday, March 27, 2025, led presentation of Senate Resolution 42, Stringer Attendance Center Red Devils Girls Volleyball Team for winning their first 1A State Championship. Senator Barnett also led the Senate’s presentation of Senate Resolution 76 to the Bay Springs High School Bulldogs Boys Basketball team and first year Coach Stan Jones for winning the Mississippi High School Activities Association's Class 2A Boys Basketball State Championship.
Senator Neil S. Whaley, Senator Michael McLendon and Senator Nicole Boyd, on Thursday, March 27, 2025, led presentation of Senate Resolution 108, to the 2024 Marshall Academy Fast-Pitch Softball Team, (27-9), and Coach Jamie Rappa for winning a third consecutive MAIS AAAA State Championship.
Senator Bradford Blackmon and Senator Joseph C. Thomas Sr., on Thursday, March 27, 2025, led presentation of Senate Resolution 77, to the Canton High School Tigers Boys Basketball Team and Coach BJ Townsend for back-to-back MHSAA Class 5A State Championships. Senator Bradford Blackmon and Senator Walter Michel on Thursday, March 27, 2025, led presentation of Senate Resolution 83 ,to Germantown High School Mavericks Boys Basketball Team and Head Coach Chris Love for having their first winning season and first State Class 7A Championship. Senator Bradford Blackmon, Senator John Horhn, and Senator Walter Michel on Thursday, March 27, 2025, also led presentation of Senate Resolution 117 to the Ridgeland High School Boys Basketball Team and Coach Terron McIntyre for their first 6A State Championship.
The Senate met the Monday, March 24, 2025, deadline to dispose of motions to reconsider concurrence or nonconcurrence in appropriation and revenue bills, a Thursday, March 27, 2025, deadline to concur or not concur in amendments from the Other House to general bills and constitutional amendments, and a Friday, March 28, 2025, deadline for introduction of local and private bills that are not revenue bills.
On the annual conference weekend, the Senate faces a Saturday, March 29, 2025, deadline for conference reports on appropriation and revenue bills to be filed, and deadline to dispose of motions to reconsider concurrence or nonconcurrence on general bills and constitutional amendments, a Monday, March 31, 2025, deadline for final adoption of conference reports on appropriation and revenue bills, and deadline for conference reports on general bills and constitutional amendments to be filed.
The Senate faces a Tuesday, April 1, 2025, deadline to dispose of motions to reconsider conference reports on appropriation and revenue bills, a Wednesday, April 2, 2025, deadline for first consideration of conference reports on general bills and constitutional amendments, a Thursday, April 3, 2025, deadline for filing conference reports on general bills and constitutional amendments that have been recommitted for further conference, a Friday, April 4, 2025, deadline for adoption of conference reports on general bills and constitutional amendments after recommittal, and a Saturday, April 5, 2025, deadline to dispose of motions to reconsider conference reports on general bills and constitutional amendments, and SINE DIE on Sunday, April 6, 2025.
