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HR 169

City of Jackson; declare that certain property be sold and/or leased for the benefit of creating value of.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Gene Newman

Mississippi would sell/lease state land in Jackson to fund a JSU stadium project, with a $50M private funding goal and a required master plan by 2027.

Died On Calendar
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Bill Summary · HR 169

Summary of Mississippi House Resolution 169 (2026 Regular Session)

What the bill is

  • A House Resolution (HR 169) from Mississippi, introduced by Representatives Bell (65th) and co-sponsored by Gene Newman.
  • Status: Died on calendar (April 2026) after being suspended from deadlines; referred to Rules earlier in the session.
  • Jurisdiction: State of Mississippi, City of Jackson.
  • Purpose: Declare that certain state-owned property in Jackson be sold and/or leased to create value, while preserving the environment, promoting local economic growth, and contributing to Jackson’s tax base. The resolution directs development of a master plan and outlines conditions for such disposition and related facilities.

Main purpose and intent

  • To authorize and guide the sale or leasing of a specified parcel of state land in Jackson for the goal of increasing value to the community and city finances.
  • To ensure environmental preservation, economic growth, and tax base enhancement as tied to the disposition of the land.

Key provisions and changes contemplated

  • Master planning requirement:
    • The Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) must consult with:
    • Board of Trustees of the Institutions of Higher Learning (ITL)
    • University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC)
    • Jackson State University (JSU)
    • Other relevant agencies/organizations
    • A master plan for the “highest and best use” of the land bordered by North State Street, East Woodrow Wilson Avenue, North Mill Street, and Taylor Street must be developed.
    • A comprehensive report with actionable recommendations due to the Legislature by January 1, 2027.
  • Objectives of the master plan:
    • Sell and/or lease the land to create value, while preserving the local environment, promoting area economic growth, and contributing to Jackson’s tax base.
    • Include recommendations for constructing a multi-purpose facility near JSU with at least 30,000 total seats for sporting events (e.g., football and soccer).
    • Require multi-year financial commitments from the State and matching private contributions from the JSU Foundation.
    • Ensure the site chosen is logistically feasible and economically viable, benefiting JSU students and local residents without causing undue harm.
  • Private fundraising and public funding:
    • Prior to January 1, 2027, JSU must show irrevocably dedicated funds from private, local, and/or federal sources totaling at least $50,000,000.
    • The plan envisions private/public cost-sharing for the stadium project and related facilities.
  • Naming rights and leasing:
    • JSU may allow naming rights or other branding on stadium property through leases to governmental, public, private, commercial, or charitable entities, subject to approval by the ITL Board.
    • Leases may last up to 20 years.
    • The lessee would be responsible for the cost of erecting, maintaining, and removing signage.
  • Appropriation to support the planning:
    • The State Capital Expense Fund would allocate $400,000 (or as much as needed) to the ITL Board to assist with the report and related activities.

Who would be affected

  • State government:
    • Department of Finance and Administration (DFA): tasked with leading the master planning process and coordinating with higher education and health institutions.
    • Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning: given authority over any naming-rights leases and related approvals.
    • Capital Expense Fund: potential allocation of funds to support planning activities.
  • Educational and health institutions:
    • Jackson State University (JSU): primary beneficiary and driver of the planned multi-purpose stadium; must provide proof of funding commitments; may participate in naming rights and leasing arrangements.
    • University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) and other state higher education entities: to be consulted during planning; potential use of land for expansion or related public purposes.
  • Jackson community and taxpayers:
    • Potential expansion of the city’s property tax base.
    • Economic development implications from new stadium and associated development.
    • Environmental considerations related to site development.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Reporting deadline: A master plan report with actionable recommendations must be presented to the Mississippi Legislature by January 1, 2027.
  • Pre-2027 funding requirement: JSU must secure and demonstrate funds of at least $50 million from private/local/federal sources before January 1, 2027.
  • Enactment status: The resolution as introduced did not advance to enactment in time and was ultimately suspended/died on the calendar during the 2026 session.

Potential impact and considerations

  • If implemented, the project could reposition a state-owned parcel in Jackson toward a major stadium complex associated with JSU, funded through a mix of private and public dollars.
  • The plan emphasizes environmental preservation and local economic growth, but will require careful oversight to align with community needs, fiscal constraints, and tribal/state procurement rules.
  • The 20-year leasing provision for naming rights introduces a revenue mechanism for JSU and the university foundation, with space for public-private partnerships.
  • Given the bill’s status, any future reintroduction would need to address budgeting, financing commitments, site suitability, community impact, and governance approvals.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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