House and Senate committees faced a key deadline Tuesday, Feb. 4, to report general bills and constitutional amendments, though no floor action occurred. Wednesday, Feb. 5th, began floor action and several key pieces of legislation were passed.

HB 1302 was introduced and passed, legalizing online sports betting and race book wagering in the state.

HB 1193, prohibiting public schools, state-accredited nonpublic schools and public colleges from implementing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs or requiring diversity statements in hiring and admissions, was passed. Specifically, HB 1193 aims to:

— Prohibit the use of diversity statements and training in hiring, admissions, and employment practices at state institutions of higher learning.
— Mandate that the State Department of Education, the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher — Learning, and the Mississippi Community College Board teach, promote, and distribute information asserting that there are two genders, male and female, as determined by an individual’s chromosomes.
— Require annual reports to the Governor and the Legislature detailing compliance with the act by each school district.
— Provide mechanisms for private enforcement and enforcement by the Mississippi Attorney General.

HB 1435 streamlines Mississippi’s student transfer process by eliminating the requirement for a student’s home district to approve transfers, leaving the decision solely to the receiving district.

A joint resolution was passed to amend the House district map following a federal court ruling on Voting Rights Act violations. The revisions affect House Districts 16, 22, 36, 39, and 41 to ensure compliance while minimizing disruption.

HB 1544 adjusts the number of judges and residency requirements for several circuit and chancery court districts, ensuring proper judicial representation and accommodating district needs.