Mississippi Senate

Mississippi State Senate
Mississippi State Legislature
Type
Type	Upper house
Term limits	None
History
New session started	January 5, 2016
Leadership
President of the Senate	Tate Reeves (R) Since January 5, 2012
President pro Tempore	Terry C. Burton (R) Since January 5, 2016
Structure
Seats	52
Political groups	Governing party   Republican (32) Opposition party   Democratic (20)
Length of term	4 years
Authority	Article IV, Mississippi Constitution
Salary	$10,000/year + per diem
Elections
Last election	November 8, 2011 (52 seats)
Next election	November 5, 2015 (52 seats)
Redistricting	Legislative Control
Meeting place
State Senate Chamber Mississippi State Capitol Jackson, Mississippi
Website
Mississippi State Legislature

Governing party

Opposition party

The Mississippi Senate is the upper house of the Mississippi Legislature, the state legislature of the U.S. state of Mississippi. The Senate is composed of 52 senators representing an equal amount of constituent districts, with 54,704 people per district (2000 figures). Senators serve four-year terms with no term limits.

Like other upper houses of state and territorial legislatures and the federal U.S. Senate, the Senate can confirm or reject gubernatorial appointments to the state cabinet, commissions and boards.

The Senate convenes in the State Capitol in Jackson.

According to the current Mississippi Constitution of 1890, the Senate is to be composed of no more than 52 members elected for four-year terms. Elections to the Senate are held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November during the state general elections.

The state legislature is constitutionally-mandated to meet for 125 days every four years and 90 days in other years. The Mississippi Senate has the authority to determine rules of its own proceedings, punish its members for disorderly behavior, and expel a member with a two-thirds vote of its membership. Bills must undergo three readings in each house, unless two-thirds of the house dispenses with the rules. Amendments to bills must be approved by both houses.

The governor has the power to veto legislation, but legislators can override the veto with a two-thirds decision.

The Lieutenant Governor of Mississippi serves as the President of the Senate, but only casts a legislative vote if required to break a tie. In his or her absence, the President Pro Tempore presides over the Senate. The President Pro Tempore is elected by the majority party caucus followed by confirmation of the entire Senate through a Senate Resolution. Unlike other upper houses in state legislatures, the President Pro Tempore's power is limited. The Lieutenant Governor has the sole ability to appoint the chairmanships or vice chairmanships of various Senate committees, regardless of party size. The other Senate majority and minority leaders are elected by their respective party caucuses.