Mississippi lawmakers on Tuesday approved a resolution to extend the 2026 regular legislative session “on paper” to April 15, nearly two weeks past the scheduled sine die date, House Speaker Jason White, R, said.
The state constitution requires extensions to run for 30 days, and Sen. Dean Kirby, R., chairman of the Senate Rules Committee, told senators they could be called back on April 15 unless the speaker and the lieutenant governor jointly agree not to reconvene, Kirby said.
The measure passed the House by a vote of 116-1, Speaker White said, and drew opposition from three senators in the upper chamber. Several lawmakers in the Senate displayed visible displeasure during the proceedings, according to session observers.
White said late Monday the intent is to give lawmakers more time to address last-minute issues if there is agreement to do so or if Gov. Tate Reeves, R., calls a special session. White has suggested Reeves call a special session during the regular session to address failed PBM reform and said the governor could also include other items such as education freedom measures, he said.
The governor’s office had not commented on a special session as of Tuesday. Most lawmakers still expect to head home by the end of the week, lawmakers said.
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
