Mississippi Legislature begins 2026 session. These key issues will be discussed
Mississippi lawmakers reconvened at the state capital in Jackson on Tuesday, Jan. 6 to begin the 2026 legislative session.
Amid the thousands of bills filed, certain key issues emerged and will be discussed during the session. Here’s what to know.
What is the session?
The Mississippi Legislature’s session is an annual meeting to discuss, create and vote on bills and offer amendments to laws. The session starts on the first Tuesday in January and typically goes on for 90 days, unless it’s the first year in a new term, per the state’s website.
This year, the session began at noon, Jan. 6 and will last 90 days, through Apr. 5, according to the legislature’s calendar.
Who controls each the House and Senate?
The Mississippi Legislature is made up of two chambers: the House of Representatives and the Senate. There are 122 representatives and 52 senators in the State Legislature.
Both the House and Senate are controlled by Republicans, although the Democratic Party has been increasing its influence in the Senate. In November, Democrats gained two seats in the State Senate, breaking the Republican Party’s two-thirds majority, Mississippi Today reported.
Which key MS issues will be discussed?
The Mississippi Legislature is set to discuss the following key issues during the 2026 session, according to a State Legislature report:
- Teacher pay raise: A bill was introduced to increase the minimum salary for school teachers, assistant teachers and college faculty beginning in July.
- School choice: A bill which would remove the requirement for a student’s current school board and district to approve transfer to another district is set to be discussed.
- Healthcare: Several healthcare bills have been introduced, including one to prohibit insurers from discriminating against accredited durable medical equipment suppliers prescribed by a patient’s health care provider and one requiring the state health plan to provide coverage for prosthetic teeth and dental implants for children with Oligodontia.
- Elections: Legislators will discuss an amendment to the state constitution that would require elected officials to be natural-born citizens of the United States
Important dates to note
- Jan. 14: Last day to make requests for general bills and constitutional amendments to be drafted
- Jan. 19: Last day to introduce general bills and constitutional amendments
- Mar. 27: Last day to introduce local and private bills that are not revenue bills
- Apr. 5: Last day of session
This story was originally published January 7, 2026 at 5:00 AM.
