Mississippi Legislature suspends its regular session until April 1

The Mississippi Legislature will suspend its current session in accordance with guidance from the State Department of Health and new federal guidelines regarding COVID-19.

The state House of Representatives passed a resolution yesterday that would extend the regular session 30 days and allow lawmakers to adjourn now and reconvene on April 1. If the Legislature comes back into session on that day, the 2020 session would end on June 9 instead of May 10. The resolution allows for a second 30-day extension if necessary.

A Senate resolution will also provide paid administrative leave for county and city government employees, including educators, but blocked an effort by Democratic members to provide relief for private-sector employees who might be laid off, face reduced hours or contract the virus.

The Senate will return for one final session on Wednesday to vote on the two bills, after which the Capitol will be virtually empty for two weeks.