Yasmine Ware, Madison, commended as 2025 Truman Scholar

Yasmine Ware, Madison, commended as 2025 Truman Scholar

Recognize City of Greenville as National Public Safety Model

The Mississippi State Senate adopted SC546, a Concurrent Resolution recognizing the City of Greenville as a national model for innovative, coordinated public safety strategies. The resolution commends Mayor Errick D. Simmons for data-driven reductions in violent crime and acknowledges national recognition for the city's results. The Senate voted 52-0 to adopt the resolution.

Mississippi Missing Persons Reporting and Identification Act

Mississippi enacted HB377, the Missing Persons Reporting and Identification Act, requiring law enforcement agencies to enter missing persons reports into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) without delay and without requiring next of kin presence. The Act mandates DNA testing on unidentified human remains using forensic genetic genealogy, prohibits destruction of remains (classified as a felony), and requires law enforcement training on missing persons investigations.

Mississippi Keeping Kids Safe Online Act

Mississippi Governor signed HB1224, the Mississippi Keeping Kids Safe Online Act, establishing new requirements for interactive computer service providers regarding services offered to minors. The Act also mandates the Mississippi Department of Education to create an internet safety curriculum and publish safety resources. The bill passed with strong legislative support (House 102-1, Senate 51-0 final votes).

Mississippi Local Improvements Funding Revisions

The Mississippi State Legislature enacted HB1653 on April 6, 2026, amending multiple sections of Mississippi Code and session laws to revise the purposes of projects funded through the Local Improvements Projects Fund and IHL Capital Improvements Fund. The bill passed unanimously in both chambers with no dissenting votes.

Mississippi SB2114 - Criminalizes Illegal Entry and Immigration Enforcement

Mississippi Governor signed SB2114 into law, creating felony offenses for illegal entry and requiring state and local law enforcement agencies to cooperate with federal immigration authorities. The bill mandates the Department of Public Safety execute a Memorandum of Agreement with ICE to participate in the 287(g) immigration program and authorizes courts to order deportation of convicted illegal aliens.

Limits Vessel Stop Enforcement Without Probable Cause

Mississippi Governor signed SB2263 into law on April 6, 2026, amending Sections 59-21-127 and 59-23-5 of the Mississippi Code to prohibit enforcement officers from the Department of Marine Resources from performing vessel stops or boarding vessels without probable cause. The law also bans vessel stops conducted solely for safety or marine sanitation equipment inspections. The bill passed the Senate 51-1 and the House 119-0 with amendments.

Foreign Third-Party Litigation Funder Disclosure Requirements

Mississippi enacted SB2747 on April 6, 2026, requiring foreign third-party litigation funders to disclose specified information to the state Attorney General. The disclosure must be submitted in writing within 30 days of executing a litigation funding agreement. This new law establishes reporting obligations for non-domestic entities providing litigation financing in Mississippi.

Data Center Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Agreement Authorization

Mississippi Governor signed SB3410 on April 6, 2026, authorizing the City of Brandon and West Rankin Utility Authority to enter agreements with data center developers or operators for water and wastewater infrastructure. The bill permits agreements up to 30 years with renewal options, allows developer reimbursement of infrastructure costs on a progress payment basis, and authorizes reclaimed water delivery for cooling purposes.

Mississippi Disaster Aid Fund Transfers

Mississippi Governor signed SB2898, transferring $20 million from the Capital Expense Fund to the Disaster Assistance Trust Fund and $125 million to the 2026 Local Governments Disaster Recovery Emergency Loan Fund. The bill passed the Senate 52-0 and House 121-0 with bipartisan sponsorship from 52 senators.