Mississippi
Bill to protect women’s spaces moves forward in Mississippi
- The SAFER Act seeks to define sex-based terms by biological sex while providing protections for women’s spaces such as bathrooms and locker rooms.
Mississippi Republican lawmakers continue to seek protections for women in the most vulnerable of spaces by advancing the SAFER Act, authored by State Senator Josh Harkins.
SB 2753 passed the Senate by a vote of 40-12 in mid-March.
The legislation was then amended in the House, passing on the floor by a vote of 80-31 on Wednesday after a robust challenge from Democrats opposing the bill, claiming it was nothing more than playing politics.
One Democratic lawmaker, State Rep. Zakiya Summers, said the bill would cause transgender people and their supporters not to move to the state while another Democrat, State Rep. Jeffrey Harness, warned of lawsuits should the bill become law.
The SAFER Act seeks to define sex-based terms such as woman, female, man, and male on biological sex instead of following trends in blue states that are using gender identify, or how a male or female view themselves, as the defining factor.
The SAFER Act also aims to protect women’s safe spaces, such as in bathrooms, locker rooms, and changing rooms.
The legislation builds on the Mississippi Fairness Act, passed into law in 2021, which prevents males from competing in girls and women sports. Language that would have protected single-sex spaces was not in the final version of that bill, meaning for those seeking to protect those spaces for women additional legislation is needed.
Opponents of the legislation claim it’s an anti-transgender bill targeting an extreme minority. Yet, supporters point to recent polling of registered voters in Mississippi from the Independent Women’s Voice that shows 95% of respondents believe it is important that Mississippi law protect private spaces for women.
According to a 2022 report from UCLA’s Williams Institute, state-level estimates of person who identify as transgender in Mississippi is 9,600 over 18 years old and another 2,400 between the ages of 13 and 17.
The legislation now heads back to the Senate where lawmakers could concur and send it on to the Governor for his signature, invite conference to work out any differences, or let it die. Given the overwhelming support for the bill from the supermajority Republican chamber, the bill has a good chance of finding its way to Governor Tate Reeves’ desk.
Senator Harkins told Magnolia Tribune that he is glad to see that the Senate and the House of Representatives have now demonstrated that they support legislation defining sex according to biology and protecting safe public spaces for women and girls.
“I look forward to working with my colleagues to get the SAFER Act on Governor Reeve’s desk to be signed into law,” Harkins said.
Odds of winning the Powerball and Mega Millions are NOT in your favor
Odds of hitting the jackpot in Mega Millions or Powerball are around 1-in-292 million. Here are things that you’re more likely to land than big bucks.
The Mississippi Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Dec. 15, 2025, results for each game:
Winning Mississippi Match 5 numbers from Dec. 15 drawing
07-10-24-28-33
Check Mississippi Match 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash 3 numbers from Dec. 15 drawing
Midday: 3-5-7, FB: 6
Evening: 5-8-0, FB: 0
Check Cash 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash 4 numbers from Dec. 15 drawing
Midday: 5-5-2-5, FB: 6
Evening: 3-1-0-9, FB: 0
Check Cash 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash Pop numbers from Dec. 15 drawing
Midday: 08
Evening: 08
Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Story continues below gallery.
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize
Winnings of $599 or less can be claimed at any authorized Mississippi Lottery retailer.
Prizes between $600 and $99,999, may be claimed at the Mississippi Lottery Headquarters or by mail. Mississippi Lottery Winner Claim form, proper identification (ID) and the original ticket must be provided for all claims of $600 or more. If mailing, send required documentation to:
Mississippi Lottery Corporation
P.O. Box 321462
Flowood, MS
39232
If your prize is $100,000 or more, the claim must be made in person at the Mississippi Lottery headquarters. Please bring identification, such as a government-issued photo ID and a Social Security card to verify your identity. Winners of large prizes may also have the option of setting up electronic funds transfer (EFT) for direct deposits into a bank account.
Mississippi Lottery Headquarters
1080 River Oaks Drive, Bldg. B-100
Flowood, MS
39232
Mississippi Lottery prizes must be claimed within 180 days of the drawing date. For detailed instructions and necessary forms, please visit the Mississippi Lottery claim page.
When are the Mississippi Lottery drawings held?
- Cash 3: Daily at 2:30 p.m. (Midday) and 9:30 p.m. (Evening).
- Cash 4: Daily at 2:30 p.m. (Midday) and 9:30 p.m. (Evening).
- Match 5: Daily at 9:30 p.m. CT.
- Cash Pop: Daily at 2:30 p.m. (Midday) and 9:30 p.m. (Evening).
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Mississippi editor. You can send feedback using this form.
Gayla Peevey returns to OKC Zoo to celebrate her hippo holiday hit
The Oklahoma native, who was 10 when she recorded the ditty, used the song’s popularity to help the OKC Zoo raise money to buy a real hippo in 1953.
If you want a hippopotamus for Christmas, there are some hurdles to legal and responsible pet ownership in Mississippi.
There are plenty of exotic species, like birds, reptiles and rodents that are considered safe pets. They can be bought next to cat and dog supplies at pet stores and exotic animal shows.
But some people, only a hippopotamus will do. Baby hippos, like Fiona and Moo Deng, can make the species look cute and, well, manageable. (The same can be said of many species that can grow up to be a menace, like baby big cats.) And as much as the song pleads, a garage isn’t the best home for a hippo hero.
Mississippi has laws about owning pets that are considered inherently dangerous, like monkeys or wild dog species. If you’re planning to get an exotic animal as a pet, it helps to know which animals are on the list. If you want to give an unusual species as a Christmas gift, be sure the new owner can meet the criteria so they won’t end up in a tricky legal situation.
Colt Mooney, Exotic Species Program leader of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks said animals on the list aren’t totally banned in a previous interview with the Clarion Ledger. But owners have to apply for a permit and meet several requirements.
And permitting isn’t a one-and-done process. There will be an annual follow up, and it could get expensive over the lifetime of the animal. That’s not even accounting for the costs of specialty veterinary care.
Here’s what to know about which dangerous animals you need a permit for in Mississippi, whether you can own a wild animal native to the Magnolia State and what the permitting process requires and costs.
Can I own an exotic pet in Mississippi?
Yes, but you have to have a permit for certain species, like big cats, bears and primates.
It’s illegal to sell, give, deliver, or transfer an animal on the state’s list of dangerous animals unless the recipient has a permit or is an exempt organization.
“It’s mostly due to their ability to inflict damage if something goes wrong,” Mooney said. “The potential is always there.
“They’re not pets. All it takes is one slip-up, one moment, to cause a life-threatening incident.”
What exotic animals do I need a permit for in Mississippi?
The state defines several animals as “inherently dangerous,” including elephants, rhinoceroses, African buffaloes and, yes, hippopotamuses.
If those sound like large pets, there are plenty of small primates and carnivores on the list too. (Lions and tigers and bears, oh my!)
Carnivoras:
- Wolves, including crosses between wolves and domestic animals
- Jackals
- Dingos
- Red dogs
- African hunting dogs
- Bears (all species)
- Wolverines
- Hyenas (all species)
- Lions
- Tigers
- Jaguars
- Leopards
- Cheetahs
- Cougars (all sub-species)
Primates:
- Gibbons
- Orangutans
- Chimpanzees
- Siamangs
- Gorillas
- Macaques
- Mandrils
- Baboons
What do Mississippi exotic animal permits cover?
Each permit is good for one year, according to information from the Mississippi Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks. It’s only for the species specified, and a permit is needed for each animal.
At base level, applicants must:
- Be at least 21 years old with no convictions involving wildlife offenses or cruelty to animals within the past 3 years
- Have 2 years of experience with care and handling of the species or be able to pass a DWFP test on biology, diet, health care and habit needs
- Have a plan to quickly and safely capture the animal if it escapes, including how to put it down or kill it if it can’t be caught
Personal permits don’t cover exhibiting the animal, like making money by showing it at a fair or appearing at parties. They must have a full-time caretaker on the grounds where the animal will be kept. Applicants must have a letter from a vet stating that all the owner’s pets are vaccinated and receive yearly care. Proof of liability insurance of $100,000 per animal and up to $1 million is also required.
If your own version of Cousin Eddie wants to start a petting zoo, don’t buy him animals. At least not until he has the permits.
Public zoos have multiple criteria to meet, including being the designated zoo of a town or city and being accredited by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association.
Zoos and exhibitors must hold a USDA Class “C” Exhibitor’s License. Exhibitors also have other extensive requirements.
Rehabbers and sanctuaries also have conditions. Like they can’t make a profit from exhibiting, breeding or selling the animals. They also must have 501(c)(3) Federal tax-exempt status and meet state and federal permitting requirements.
How much do dangerous animal permits cost in Mississippi?
According to MDWFP, the personal permit cost depends on the type of animal:
- Canids (wolves, jackals, etc.): $75
- Primates (gorillas, chimpanzees, orangutans, etc.): $150
- All species of bears: $200
- Big cats (lions, tigers, cheetahs, jaguars, etc.): $300
- Wolverines: $300
- Hyenas: $300
- Elephants: $300
- Rhinoceroses: $300
- Hippopotamuses: $300
- African buffalo: $300
Exhibitor fees range from $100 for up to 30 days or $300 for up to a year.
How do I apply to get a permit?
Email Colt.Mooney@wfp.ms.gov or call MDWFP at 601-432-2199.
Some organizations, like “public zoos, university research facilities, governmental agencies, exhibitors, and rehabilitation/sanctuary facilities may be exempted from having a permit,” according to the commission. MDWFP or the commission would have to approve the exemption.
Can I keep a wild animal as a pet in Missississippi?
There are several wild animals native to Mississippi, like deer, raccoons and opossums. The state does not allow people to keep wild native species as pets.
“They’re a public resource that’s held in trust by the state, or public, to enjoy,” Mooney said. “It’s the people of Mississippi’s animals.”
Do you have a story idea? Contact Brian Broom at 601-961-7225 or bbroom@gannett.com.
Bonnie Bolden is the Deep South Connect reporter for Mississippi with Gannett/USA Today. Email her at bbolden@gannett.com.
Odds of winning the Powerball and Mega Millions are NOT in your favor
Odds of hitting the jackpot in Mega Millions or Powerball are around 1-in-292 million. Here are things that you’re more likely to land than big bucks.
The Mississippi Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Dec. 14, 2025, results for each game:
Winning Mississippi Match 5 numbers from Dec. 14 drawing
10-18-19-20-22
Check Mississippi Match 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash 3 numbers from Dec. 14 drawing
Midday: 7-7-0, FB: 6
Evening: 1-8-0, FB: 1
Check Cash 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash 4 numbers from Dec. 14 drawing
Midday: 0-4-0-4, FB: 6
Evening: 3-0-5-9, FB: 6
Check Cash 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash Pop numbers from Dec. 14 drawing
Midday: 02
Evening: 15
Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Story continues below gallery.
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize
Winnings of $599 or less can be claimed at any authorized Mississippi Lottery retailer.
Prizes between $600 and $99,999, may be claimed at the Mississippi Lottery Headquarters or by mail. Mississippi Lottery Winner Claim form, proper identification (ID) and the original ticket must be provided for all claims of $600 or more. If mailing, send required documentation to:
Mississippi Lottery Corporation
P.O. Box 321462
Flowood, MS
39232
If your prize is $100,000 or more, the claim must be made in person at the Mississippi Lottery headquarters. Please bring identification, such as a government-issued photo ID and a Social Security card to verify your identity. Winners of large prizes may also have the option of setting up electronic funds transfer (EFT) for direct deposits into a bank account.
Mississippi Lottery Headquarters
1080 River Oaks Drive, Bldg. B-100
Flowood, MS
39232
Mississippi Lottery prizes must be claimed within 180 days of the drawing date. For detailed instructions and necessary forms, please visit the Mississippi Lottery claim page.
When are the Mississippi Lottery drawings held?
- Cash 3: Daily at 2:30 p.m. (Midday) and 9:30 p.m. (Evening).
- Cash 4: Daily at 2:30 p.m. (Midday) and 9:30 p.m. (Evening).
- Match 5: Daily at 9:30 p.m. CT.
- Cash Pop: Daily at 2:30 p.m. (Midday) and 9:30 p.m. (Evening).
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Mississippi editor. You can send feedback using this form.
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