Mississippi legislation · 2026 Regular Session
Mississippi SC509: Extend sympathy on passing of Rod Paige.
Status: Passed both chambers, March 18, 2026
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION EXTENDING THE SINCEREST SYMPATHY OF THE MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE ON THE PASSING OF MISSISSIPPI NATIVE DR. ROD PAIGE, THE NATION'S FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN TO SERVE AS UNITED STATES SECRETARY OF EDUCATION, AND PAYING TRIBUTE TO HIS MEMORY AND LEGACY.
What the bill says
A concurrent resolution extending the sincerest sympathy of the mississippi legislature on the passing of mississippi native dr. rod paige, the nation's first african american to serve as united states secretary of education, and paying tribute to his memory and legacy.
From the enrolled text, March 18, 2026:
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION EXTENDING THE SINCEREST SYMPATHY OF THE MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE ON THE PASSING OF MISSISSIPPI NATIVE DR. ROD PAIGE, THE NATION'S FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN TO SERVE AS UNITED STATES SECRETARY OF EDUCATION, AND PAYING TRIBUTE TO HIS MEMORY AND LEGACY. WHEREAS, Dr. Rod Paige, an educator, coach, and administrator who initiated the nation's landmark No Child Left Behind law as the first African American to serve as United States Education Secretary, passed away on December 9, 2025. Former President George W. Bush, who appointed Dr. Paige for the nation's top federal education post, announced the death. Paige was ninety-two; and WHEREAS, under Paige's leadership, the Department of Education implemented the No Child Left Behind policy that in 2002 became Bush's signature education law and was modeled on Paige's previous work as a school superintendent in Houston, Texas. The law established universal testing standards and sanctioned schools that failed to meet certain benchmarks. "Rod was a leader and a friend," Bush said in his statement. "Unsatisfied with the status *SS08/R539* S. C. R. No. 509 ~ OFFICIAL ~ N1/2 26/SS08/R539 PAGE 1 (rdd\kr) quo, he challenged what we called 'the soft bigotry of low expectations.' Rod worked hard to make sure that where a child was born didn't determine whether they could succeed in school and beyond"; and WHEREAS, Roderick …
Sponsors
- Norwood, Sollie B. (D, 28) · primary sponsor
- Frazier, Hillman Terome (D, 27)
- Derrick Simmons (D, 12)
- Butler, Albert (D, 37)
- Thomas, Joseph (D, 22)
- Blount, David (D, 29)
- DuPree, Johnny L. (D, 45)
- Hopson, W. Briggs (R, 23)
- Michel, J. Walter (R, 25)
Latest actions
- : Enrolled Bill Signed
- : Returned For Enrolling
- : Immediate Release
- : Adopted
- : Title Suff Do Be Adopted
- : Referred To Rules
- : Transmitted To House
- : Adopted
- : Title Suff Do Be Adopted
- : Referred To Rules
Votes
- Adopted (February 4, 2026): 52 yea, 0 nay, passed
Common questions
- What is SC509?
- SC509 is a bill in the Mississippi Legislature (2026 Regular Session): Extend sympathy on passing of Rod Paige.
- What does SC509 do?
- In its own words: A concurrent resolution extending the sincerest sympathy of the mississippi legislature on the passing of mississippi native dr. rod paige, the nation's first african american to serve as united states secretary of education, and paying tribute to his memory and legacy.
- What is the status of SC509?
- Passed both chambers as of March 18, 2026. Latest action: Enrolled Bill Signed (March 18, 2026).
- Who sponsored SC509?
- Norwood, Sollie B. (D, 28), with 8 co-sponsors.
- Where is the official record for SC509?
- On the Mississippi Legislature website: http://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2026/pdf/history/SC/SC0509.xml
Source: official Mississippi record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.