SUMMARY: Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves has signed House Bill 1077, banning synthetic kratom products and restricting sales to those 21 and older. This law comes after intense debate on kratom, which has been linked to both addiction and relief from other narcotics. The bill passed unanimously through both the House and Senate, reflecting a compromise between differing views. Kratom, known for its opioid-like effects, is acknowledged by the FDA and CDC as potentially dangerous, with 4,100 related deaths reported between 2020 and 2022. The law is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, amid calls for further regulation and research.

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SUMMARY: Mississippi lawmakers approved Senate Bill 2573, which would create a standalone Department of Tourism, separating it from the Mississippi Development Authority (MDA). However, due to a budget impasse and no appropriations bill, Gov. Tate Reeves vetoed the bill. He expressed concerns about the lack of funding details for both MDA and the new tourism agency. While recognizing the importance of tourism, Reeves warned that without proper funding, it would be irresponsible to weaken MDA or set up the new department to fail. Mississippi’s tourism industry reached record numbers in 2023, drawing 43.7 million visitors and generating $17.5 billion.

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SUMMARY: Following a federal panel’s order, Mississippi’s Board of Election Commissioners proposed new Senate districts in DeSoto County to address the NAACP’s concerns about Black voting dilution. The plan, backed by Republican officials, designates Senate District 2 as a majority-minority district but reduces Black representation in District 11. The NAACP is likely to challenge the proposal, as it seeks guarantees for Black voter representation. New election timelines will take effect if approved, with deadlines set for candidate qualifying and absentee voting. Should the proposal fail, judges may redraw the districts themselves and implement the revised election schedule.

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