[author: Caroline Wicker Sims. Senior Government Relations Advisor]
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE SUSPENDS SESSION
The Mississippi Legislature has adjourned until Wednesday, April 1st at 2:00 p.m. in response to growing concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic. HCR 65 was passed to suspend the session and allow the Lt. Governor and Speaker of the House authority to reconvene at an agreed upon time with the advice of State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs. The legislature also pushed the legislative dates back at least 30-days which may be a better indication of when they plan to reconvene. The new sine die date is June 9th, and all deadlines will be pushed back accordingly. Before adjourning, the legislature also approved SCR 561, which allowed for the adoption of HB 1647, which authorizes leave with pay for local government employees during a declared state of emergency.
GOVERNOR REEVES ISSUES EMERGENCY PROCLAMATION AND EXECUTIVE ORDERS
In addition, Governor Reeves issued a state of emergency proclamation for Mississippi on March 14th and has since issued several emergency orders in response to COVID-19.
- Executive Order 1458 allows state agencies to determine which state employees are essential and send others home. It also ensures state employees receive paid leave due to absences related to coronavirus. Additionally, the order instructs school districts to work with the Mississippi Department of Education on distance learning initiatives and asks districts to maintain access to free and reduced lunches for students.
- Executive Order 1459 activates the Mississippi National Guard to support COVID-19 testing efforts.
- Executive Order 1460 orders schools to remain closed through April 17th. The Governor also granted flexibility to the State Board of Education to provide waivers and flexibility for end of year testing and accountability measures.
