A bill introduced in January 2026 to merge six Mississippi community college districts died in committee, leaving the wider question of the state’s 23 public colleges and universities unresolved.
The details were reported by WJTV, which said Rep. Trey Lamar, a Republican from Senatobia, introduced House Bill 1284 to pursue the consolidations.
WJTV reported that college leaders and students quickly launched a petition opposing the measure, and that the bill subsequently died in committee. The station also raised whether Mississippi still needs 23 public colleges and universities.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
