During the current Mississippi legislative session, which runs from Jan. 7 through April 6, lawmakers will consider a raft of bills that could become law and impact prisons and jails, courts, policing and statewide criminal justice that everyone in the state must follow.
Below are the bills involving the justice system that were introduced this year and still remain alive for consideration. We’ll update the guide as bills move through the 2025 session.
Here is more information to help you better understand the process:
What are some of the key bills?
Lawmakers are considering significant proposals, including new circuit and chancery court district maps and an overhaul of the youth court system.
Lawmakers also have another job: Tell the state how to spend tax dollars on state agencies, such as the Mississippi Department of Corrections. MDOC has requested millions more dollars this year compared to last year. One request asks for $14 million for new computer software to help the agency track the nearly 20,000 people in custody.
How does a law get passed in Mississippi?
The Legislature has two chambers, the state House and the state Senate. Legislation must work its way through each chamber. The Legislature provides a diagram with more information about this process.
If a bill passes both chambers, the governor can veto the bill, sign it or take no action. If the governor takes no action, the bill becomes law without the governor’s signature. The Legislature can override a veto with a two-thirds vote.
Mississippi Today has also published information about how the legislature works and how bills move through the process.
Can I watch lawmakers debate bills?
Yes. You can watch current and archived legislative floor debates and some committee hearings on YouTube.
How can I find out who my legislators are?
The Mississippi Secretary of State offers an online tool to find your polling place and elected officials, including the legislators who represent you in the state House and Senate.
The Legislature publishes contact information for House representatives and senators.