Senator Andy Berry Weekly Report, March 1, 2024

The Senate passed House Bill 539, that would provide for presumptive Medicaid eligibility for pregnant
women claiming a net income of up to 194 percent of the federal poverty level in an effort to have
healthier babies born in Mississippi and lower the infant mortality rate – which Mississippi leads the
nation in. The effort will cost the state $567,000 to implement but would bring about better health
outcomes for mothers and babies.

Also passed was Senate Bill 2926, authorizing appropriation of an additional $26.6 million in funds to
cover various payments for Fiscal Year 2024 and Fiscal Year 2025, including legal expenses and increased
property insurance.

Passage of Senate Bill 2851, would allow the Mississippi Farm Bureau to create and operate a self-funded
health insurance program for members and their families. It would be administered through a third-
party.

Passage of Senate Bill 2248, enables the City of Amory to seek voter approval for an additional 1-percent
tourism tax on hotels, motels and restaurants to earn more revenue for rebuilding efforts following a
March 2023 tornado. The city already levies a 2-percent tax.

Passage of House Bill 970, extends the date of repeal from 2024-2028 on the services and managed care
provisions and the provider assessment provisions of Medicaid.

All bills have been transmitted to the House for review.
Senators continue to meet in committees, reviewing 1130 assigned bills.

The Senate’s next deadline is Tuesday, March 5, 2024, for committees to report general bills and
constitutional amendments originating in the Senate.

On Tuesday, February 27, 2024, the Meridian High School Choir performed in the second-floor rotunda
of the state Capitol as part of Lt. Governor Delbert Hosemann’s weekly showcasing of Mississippi’s
student talent, which provides lawmakers a chance to wind down and focus on what is important.

On Wednesday, February 28, 2024, Senator Andy Berry introduced FFA President Ashton Luke, who
addressed the Senate, and Senate Junior Page Michelle Green sang the National Anthem.

On Thursday, February 29, 2024, “Stennis Space Center Capitol Day,” the Senate honored Stennis Space
Center and NASA, with a resolution citing their many contributions to space technology and science. The
presentation was led by Gulf Coast delegation members Senator Joel R. Carter, Jr., Senator Scott DeLano,
Senator Jeremy England, Senator Angela Hill, Senator Philman Ladner, Senator Mike Thompson, and Senator Brice Wiggins.