Mississippi House opens, recognizes Alcorn State students and junior pages, dispenses with journal reading and adjourns

The Mississippi House of Representatives convened and was called to order before an opening prayer delivered by Representative Butler Washington, who asked for guidance and safety for members and their families: "Father God, I come to you at this moment as humble as I know how." The chamber then observed the Pledge of Allegiance.

Members granted unanimous consent to dispense with the reading of the journal after Representative Powell (the gentleman from Rankin) moved to do so; the presiding officer announced, "The ayes have it." The clerk also announced committee and scheduling information for members, including an Appropriations A committee meeting set for 10 a.m. tomorrow in Room 201A and an additional Appropriations committee session five minutes after adjournment to consider a bill inadvertently omitted earlier.

The House recognized a group of nursing students from Alcorn State University seated in the North and South Galleries and welcomed a slate of junior pages introduced by Anders Estor. Clerks and members read several student names and hometowns, including Carlos Tillman of Clinton, Samaria Kelly of Jackson and Ruby Reese of Richland. Representative Scoggin introduced Hayes Puckett, a financial planner from Element Wealth, as a visiting guest.

During member announcements, Representative Powell asked the chamber to adjourn in memory of the mother of his committee assistant, who he said passed away the previous night. The vice chairman of rules, identified as the gentleman from Holmes, moved that the House adjourn until 2:00 p.m. tomorrow; the motion passed on a voice vote. The floor session closed with the clerk and presiding officer confirming the adjournment.

No bills or substantive debates were recorded on the floor during the segments provided; members used the time for ceremonial recognition, procedural motions and scheduling committee work.