Mississippi Senate gavels in, establishes new committee aimed at restructuring state government

A new Senate committee – Government Structure – will be independent of committees established last year and will focus on the restructuring and efficiency of state government.

Mississippi’s State Senate gaveled in Tuesday afternoon to start the 2024 session. Since it is the start of a new four-year term, members were sworn in, including seven new Senators. The chamber also reelected its leadership and established a new committee called Government Structure.

The new Government Structure Committee will have seven members but they were not named on Tuesday. 

Lt. Gov. Delbert Hoseman’s office said the new committee will be independent from the other committees established in the previous term and will “focus on the restructuring and efficiency of the state’s government.” It was added as part of the rule changes, specifically to rule 36.

Tuesday’s session also saw seven new Senators take the Oath of Office with the remaining 45 members who are returning to the chamber after winning reelection in November.

The new senators are Reginald Jackson (D) for District 11, Bradford Blackmon (D) for District 21, Andy Berry (R) with District 35, Brian Rhodes (R) for District 36, Gary Brumfield (D) for District 38, Robin Robinson (R) for District 42 and Philman Ladner (R) for District 46.

The previous Senate President Pro Tempore, Dean Kirby, was renominated and reelected to that position.

Members also nominated and named Amanda Frusha White as Secretary of the Senate. She previously served as the Assistant Secretary to the Senate. 

Sergeant at Arms Larry Waggoner, a former Mississippi Highway Patrol Lt. Colonel, was reappointed to the position.