JACKSON, Miss. — Mississippi House Speaker Jason White has appointed three new select committees to focus on education freedom, the Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS), and voters’ rights, while reappointing members to a committee aimed at revitalizing the capital and surrounding metro areas.
White, a Republican from West, said the House is continuing its work to address major statewide issues ahead of the 2026 legislative session.
“The Mississippi House of Representatives has a strong track record of recognizing both challenges and opportunities within our state,” White said in a statement. “We are committed to transforming the educational landscape in Mississippi to ensure that every child has access to an education that caters to their unique needs and aspirations.”
White said “education freedom” will be the House’s top legislative priority in 2026, suggesting that school choice policies could take center stage.
The speaker also reiterated the House’s ongoing concern over the financial health of PERS. Lawmakers have proposed a dedicated revenue stream for the retirement system over the past two years and will continue to explore solutions to secure benefits for current and future retirees.
The new Voters’ Rights Select Committee will examine early voting policies and consider ways to restore voting rights to Mississippians with felony convictions who have completed their sentences. The committee may also explore options for creating a statewide ballot initiative process—something voters have expressed interest in restoring since the Mississippi Supreme Court struck down the previous process in 2021.
Meanwhile, the Capital and Metro Revitalization Select Committee will continue its work after helping pass five bills during the 2024 legislative session. The committee focuses on improving Jackson and the surrounding metro area.
The newly appointed committee chairs and co-chairs include:
Education Freedom: Rep. Rob Roberson, R-Starkville, chairman; Rep. Jansen Owen, R-Poplarville, co-chairman.
PERS: Rep. Hank Zuber, R-Ocean Springs, chairman; Rep. Randy Rushing, R-Decatur, co-chairman.
Voters’ Rights: Rep. Noah Sanford, R-Collins, chairman; Rep. Price Wallace, R-Mendenhall, co-chairman.
Capital and Metro Revitalization: Rep. Shanda Yates, I-Jackson, chairman; Rep. Clay Mansell, R-Clinton, co-chairman.
White said the goal of these committees is to continue bipartisan collaboration and prepare robust legislative proposals ahead of the 2026 session.
