Mississippi House overrides governor on GCRF revolving-loan bill after debate over audits

The Mississippi House of Representatives voted to override Governor Tate Reeves’ veto of House Bill 16-48, passing the bill by a recorded vote of 111 yays and 0 nays.

Supporters said the bill creates a revolving loan program intended to extend Gulf Coast Recovery Fund (GCRF) dollars for infrastructure and community projects rather than spending the funds all at once. Representative Morgan, who spoke for the measure, said the bill “creates this revolving loan” and includes reporting and audit provisions requiring an annual report to the Speaker of the House, the lieutenant governor, appropriations chairs and the Legislative Budget Office.

The governor’s veto message, read aloud to the House, said the bill “contains absolutely no reporting or monitoring requirements for loan recipients nor does it contain any audit requirements for the revolving loan fund” and concluded that omission was “fatal to this proposed legislation,” according to the clerk’s reading of the message. During floor debate, proponents pointed to the bill’s text and specific lines that impose annual reporting and auditing requirements and said the veto mischaracterized the bill’s safeguards.

Opponents of overriding did not prevail; several members argued procedural options but the override motion advanced. Representative Scott said members concerned about oversight should make sure reporting and procurement language are explicit; supporters responded that the house language was intentionally consistent with existing GCRF procedures.

After the recorded vote the motion carried. The House then released the bill for immediate consideration and scheduled committee follow-ups; appropriations chairs and subcommittees met during the recess called by the Speaker.

The House adjourned later that day, recessed subject to call for committee business, and then moved toward sine die adjournment for the 2026 regular session.