Hello, my name is Gene Newman and I am thankful for the opportunity to represent the voters of Mississippi House of Representative District 61. As a Pearl school graduate who has lived in Pearl for most of my life, I have been a dedicated community leader committed to bringing a strong voice to the area. If you have a legislative issue or any issue or problem dealing with a state agency, please contact me and I will do my best to help.
I will post House updates below and on the @genenewman61 Facebook page.
Here are the House Committees that I serve on:
Here is a link to bills that I have sponsored or cosponsored in the 2025 session: Legislation introduced by Representative Gene Newman
Thank you!
- Gene
You can call or text me at: 601-316-2491
You can email me at gene@genenewman.ms
RULES: If you put me in a group text or a chain email - I will block you.
2025 Mississippi Legislative Session
Week of January 27, 2025
The fourth week of the 2025 Legislative Session commenced on Monday, January 27, at 4:00 Pm, as the House reconvened to continue legislative proceedings.
During the session, a resolution was adopted to schedule the annual State of the State Address by Governor Tate Reeves for Wednesday, January 29. The address would be delivered from the south steps of the Capitol, where the Governor will outline key policy priorities and legislative objectives for the upcoming year.
The House recently passed several bills, including HB 287, designating the sweet potato as the official state vegetable. HB 922 raises capital expenditure thresholds for Certificate of Need (CON) requirements, easing regulations. HB 1063 provides state employees with eight weeks of fully paid leave for primary caregivers and two weeks for secondary caregivers after the birth or adoption of a child. These measures now move to the Senate for consideration.
On Thursday, the House observed a moment of silence to honor the 64 passengers who tragically lost their lives in the plane crash at Reagan National Airport.
Looking ahead, key legislative deadlines are approaching. Tuesday, February 4, marks the deadline for committees to report general bills and constitutional amendments originating in their respective chambers. Thursday, February 13, is the final day for original floor action on general bills and constitutional amendments introduced in their respective chambers.
The House is set to reconvene at 4:00 PM on Monday.
Week of January 20, 2025
The third week of the 2025 Legislative Session marked a relatively lighter pace of floor activity as committees continue to meet and draft bills. Early in the session, much of the focus remains on refining and preparing legislative proposals for consideration.
Monday, January 20, was the deadline for introducing general bills and constitutional amendments. Committees are now fully engaged, holding meetings and hearings to review and discuss proposed legislation. This week, several bills were taken up, passed, and will now head to the Senate for further consideration and potential action.
Looking ahead, Tuesday, February 4, is the deadline for committees to report general bills and constitutional amendments originating in their respective houses. The House is set to reconvene on Monday at 4 PM as the session moves forward with its legislative agenda.
Week of January 13, 2025
On Monday, January 13, the House convened at 4 PM the House passed a resolution from the Committee on Rules to commemorate the 100th birthdays of cultural icons B.B. King and Medgar Evers, recognizing their invaluable contributions to music and American culture.
Wednesday, January 15, was the deadline for submitting requests to draft general bills and constitutional amendments.
A notable development was the introduction and passage of House Bill 1, the “Build Up Mississippi Act” by Ways and Means Chairman, Trey Lamar. The bill aims to eliminate state income tax and overhaul the state’s tax structure, making it a key legislative priority for the session.
HB1 proposes several significant changes including a 1.5% local sales tax starting in 2026, a reduction in grocery sales tax to 2.5% by 2036, and a 5% motor fuels tax to fund road and infrastructure projects.
Additionally, the act outlines the phased elimination of state income tax for or incomes over $10,000 by 2037, the reallocation of lottery proceeds to PERS, and the establishment of advisory boards to oversee transportation and budget reforms. Implementation of these provisions is scheduled to begin in 2025 with staggered timelines.
Looking ahead, Monday, January 20, is the deadline for introducing general bills and constitutional amendments. The House is scheduled to reconvene at 4:00 PM on the same day.
House Bill 1: 2025 House Bill 1
Week of January 6th, 2025
The Mississippi Legislature officially began its 2025 session on January 7, marking the second session of the current four-year term. In accordance with the state constitution, the session will last 90 days. The opening ceremonies were steeped in tradition and solemnity, with Boy Scout Troop 27 from First Presbyterian Church in Corinth, Mississippi, presenting the colors and leading the Pledge of Allegiance. Speaker Jason White’s pastor, Col. Ed McDaniel of West Baptist Church, offered the opening prayer, while Bolie Stoles of the Lauderdale Sheriff’s Department and Faith Eakes of Cross Mountain Ministries performed a heartfelt rendition of the National Anthem.
When session commenced, The House addressed the Governor’s five vetoes from the 2024 session. Speaker Jason White then appointed committees to inform the Governor and the Senate that the House is organized and ready to proceed with the agenda for the 2025 session. A moment of silence was observed to honor the late Representatives Andy Stepp and Charles Young Jr., both of whom passed away recently. Special elections for their vacant seats have been scheduled for March 25.
Members are scheduled to reconvene at 4:00 PM on Monday, January 13.
House members took the oath of office on the first day before the election of Speaker of the House and Speaker Pro Tempore. As part of the House Rules, both positions and the House Clerk are elected by the members and are sworn into office on the first day of session. Representative Jason White (R – West) was elected Speaker of the House after previously serving as Speaker Pro Tempore. Former Local and Private Chairman Manly Barton (R – Moss Point) was chosen as Speaker Pro Tempore. Andrew Ketchings was re-elected as House Clerk for his fourth term.
Members also had to elect fellow representatives to serve on both the Management and Rules committees. All members split into the four Mississippi congressional districts and nominate members to serve on these committees. Both committees are comprised of two members from each of the congressional districts, as well as the Speaker and the Pro Tempore.
Speaker Jason White announced several new House committees, including a major change to Appropriations. There will be four new standing committees within Appropriations (Appropriations B, Appropriations C, Appropriations D and Appropriations E), and these will each be comprised of eight members from the main Appropriations Committee. The Chairman of Appropriations will also serve as an ex officio voting member of the four committees. Each committee will be tasked with a portion of the state budget. Other new committees include Business and Commerce, Housing and State Affairs.
Six statewide elected officials were sworn into office by Chief Justice Michael Randolph before a joint session of the House and Senate on Thursday, January 4. The joint session also re-elected Steven Parks as state librarian.
The inauguration ceremony of Governor Tate Reeves is scheduled for next Tuesday, January 9 at 10:30 a.m. before a joint session of the House and Senate.
Early Wednesday morning, officials received a bomb threat to the Capitol, and the building was evacuated. The Mississippi Department of Public Safety conducted a thorough sweep of the premises and gave the all-clear around 11 a.m. A similar threat was made on Thursday morning to the Capitol, Mississippi Supreme Court and some Hinds County buildings. Mississippi was one of several states that received a bomb threat, and the FBI announced these were all hoaxes.
The Capitol was overflowing with guests this week due to inaugurations. Visitors to the Capitol are always welcome to meet with their legislators and witness the legislative process.
Being Sworn in January 2, 2024