First Extraordinary Session 2026

The Mississippi House of Representatives adjourned Sine Die on Thursday, July 16, 2026, concluding the two-day First Extraordinary Session. The House met in the historic Old Capitol while restoration work continues in the current House Chamber. Built in 1839, the special session marked the first time legislation had been passed in the Old Capitol since 1903.

The primary focus of this special session was comprehensive youth court reform. The House passed Senate Bill 2001, the Mississippi Youth Court Reform Act of 2026, which is a measure designed to strengthen Mississippi’s juvenile justice system and improve services for children and families involved in youth court proceedings. Legislators also approved funding to support implementation of the reforms.

Senate Bill 2001 makes several significant changes to the state’s youth court system, including:

• Creating nine full-time, state-funded Youth Court Chancellors to provide greater consistency statewide.

• Replacing the current youth court referee system beginning July 1, 2027.

• Establishing a statewide Youth Diversion Program to help appropriate first-time and low-risk juveniles avoid entering the formal court system.

• Expanding counseling, probation, family assessments, and support services for youth and families.

• Creating a Family Services Forum to improve coordination among courts, schools, the Department of Human Services, law enforcement, and community partners.

• Increasing transparency by making many youth court proceedings open to the public unless otherwise ordered by the court.

To implement these reforms, the Legislature approved two appropriations measures:

• House Bill 1 appropriates $1.5 million to the Mississippi Department of Human Services to establish and operate the new Youth Diversion Program.

• House Bill 2 appropriates $29.5 million to strengthen Mississippi’s juvenile justice system, including:

  • $12 million to renovate and expand the Oakley Youth Development Center.

  • $7.5 million to establish youth diversion programs statewide.

  • $10 million for additional secure juvenile detention facilities in North and South Mississippi.

The reforms approved during the First Extraordinary Session are intended to improve accountability, strengthen rehabilitation efforts, provide earlier intervention for at-risk youth, and better equip Mississippi’s juvenile justice system to serve children and families across the state.

The House adopted two resolutions honoring the lives and public service of colleagues who recently passed away. House Resolution 1 honors the unwavering service of Representative James Price Wallace, and House Resolution 2 honors the unwavering service of Representative William R. “Bo” Brown. Both resolutions express the House’s deepest sympathy to their families, friends, and constituents.