Mississippi HR81: JoHelen "Joey" Walker; commend on being first female and African-American elected Oktibbeha County Tax Assessor/Collector.

What the bill says

A resolution commending and congratulating johelen "joey" walker on her historic election as the first woman and african american to serve as tax assessor and collector of oktibbeha county, mississippi.

From the engrossed text:

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING JOHELEN "JOEY" WALKER ON HER HISTORIC ELECTION AS THE FIRST WOMAN AND AFRICAN AMERICAN TO SERVE AS TAX ASSESSOR AND COLLECTOR OF OKTIBBEHA COUNTY, MISSISSIPPI. WHEREAS, JoHelen "Joey" Walker, a lifelong resident of northeast Mississippi, made history in the Magnolia State in November of 2023 when she broke both gender and racial barriers by being the first woman and first African American elected to the Office of Tax Assessor and Collector of Oktibbeha County, Mississippi; and WHEREAS, born and raised in the Starkville community, Ms. Walker, fondly called "Joey" by her family and friends, graduated from Starkville High School before furthering her education at East Mississippi Community College and Mississippi University for Women; and WHEREAS, although she grew up at a time when the majority of leadership roles in Oktibbeha County were overwhelmingly held by white men and opportunities for women, particularly African-American women, were severely limited, Ms. Walker *HR43/R2575* H. R. No. 81 ~ OFFICIAL ~ N1/2 26/HR43/R2575 PAGE 1 (RKM\KP) developed an early understanding of the importance of economic empowerment and civic participation; and WHEREAS, Ms. Walker, with 10 years experience in Lowndes County and 14 years in Starkville as deputy clerk, followed her own sage advice that she frequently shares with young leaders to "be the change that you want to see" …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Taylor, Cheikh (D, 38) · primary sponsor
• Karriem, Kabir (D, 41)
• Osborne, Solomon C. (D, 32)
• Roberson, Rob (R, 43)
• Sanders, Robert L. (D, 29)

Latest actions

1. March 12, 2026: Enrolled Bill Signed
2. March 11, 2026: Immediate Release
3. March 11, 2026: Adopted
4. March 10, 2026: Title Suff Do Be Adopted
5. March 5, 2026: Referred To Rules

Common questions

What is HR81?

HR81 is a bill in the Mississippi Legislature (2026 Regular Session): JoHelen "Joey" Walker; commend on being first female and African-American elected Oktibbeha County Tax Assessor/Collector.

What does HR81 do?

In its own words: A resolution commending and congratulating johelen "joey" walker on her historic election as the first woman and african american to serve as tax assessor and collector of oktibbeha county, mississippi.

What is the status of HR81?

Passed both chambers as of March 12, 2026. Latest action: Enrolled Bill Signed (March 12, 2026).

Who sponsored HR81?

Taylor, Cheikh (D, 38), with 4 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for HR81?

On the Mississippi Legislature website: http://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2026/pdf/history/HR/HR0081.xml