Special session for education freedom reform "not off the table," Speaker White says

February 18, 2026 - 02:00

Mississippi House Speaker Jason White has sharply criticized a state Senate committee's rapid dismissal of a major education reform bill, calling the proceedings a "theatrical committee performance." The comment comes after the Senate Education Committee took only 90 seconds to vote down House Bill 2, known as the "Education Freedom Act," effectively halting its progress for the current legislative session.

The proposed legislation aimed to establish a new school choice program, providing state-funded grants for students to attend private schools or cover other educational expenses. The bill had previously passed the Mississippi House by a wide margin, signaling strong support in that chamber.

Despite the setback, Speaker White indicated that all options remain open to revive the issue. He explicitly stated that calling a special legislative session focused solely on education freedom reform is "not off the table." This suggests a significant political determination to advance the proposal, setting the stage for a potential prolonged policy battle.

The brief hearing and subsequent fallout highlight the deep divide between the two legislative bodies on the issue of using public funds for private education. Proponents argue it empowers families with more options, while opponents often express concerns about the impact on the funding and stability of the state's public school system. With the threat of a special session looming, the debate over education freedom in Mississippi is far from concluded.