MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE |
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Welcome to the Mississippi Legislature Page!
We are very excited about it for the use of EVERY MISSISSIPPIAN to assist you as an active citizen, to be informed about the laws being passed in YOUR State Legislature, to encourage you to stay in touch with Representative and Senator, and to hold them accountable to the folks who elected them! WATCH THIS SECTION for current news and alerts about the 2018 Mississippi Legislature. We will continually monitor the Legislative process and its members as we lobby for the Patriots. The 2018 Mississippi Legislature began its session on Tuesday January 2 at noon. We are here to keep up with happenings. We have many helpful links and reference tools on this page. Follow us throughout the session and stay tuned. . . . You will want to stay engaged as a citizen watchdog who keeps the new Legislature on target for important legislation "for the people"! If you want to receive our email ALERTS on the Legislature and other MS news, please sign up here! 
The 132nd Mississippi State Legislature just completed its third session of its four-year term. To view all of the 2018 bills that have been filed, failed, etc. - click on the Legislative website here. The budget year begins July 1. A review of the good and bad bills is also found in this article.
2018 MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
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2018 mississippi legislature
AND THE MISSISSIPPI TEA PARTY
The Tea Party of December 16, 1773 brought about a liberty movement that extends to today. It has become a major factor in keeping Americans aware of our Liberty and why we should preserve it.
IS the tea party still relevant? Yes, because the Tea Party is still alive, and its values are eternal.
The Tea Party as an idea is not dissimilar to the focus of the American Revolution. The purpose was to bring INDIVIDUAL LIBERTY to the individual. To do that, the revolution was FOUGHT to construct LIMITED GOVERNANCE BY A NATIONAL GOVERNMENT. The States were to protect their citizens from an overreaching mega-government as we have in Washington, DC. CLEARLY outlined in the Constitution are the areas of appropriate authority. The Tenth Amendment was written to re-state this fact -- the central government has no governing authority to meddle beyond that scope articulated in Article I, Sections 8 & 9.
Globalists directing the corrupt media are trying to stop any form of individual liberty. And that is why they are trying to capture educating our children from understanding what individual liberty will mean for the future of this country. They will stop at nothing to prevent the ideals of liberty to be brought to full understanding of all school children. Standing for American principles, values, ideals, the Tea Party movement meant to fight back, but not physically. No, what is being attempted is the re-establishment of Constitutional governance into practice by Washington, DC (and State Capitols) but the swamp(s) is resisting.
Let this be repeated: The Framing documents, the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were written to RESTRAIN government so that individual liberty can live and breathe free. WHO would conceive such an idea? We only need to re-familiarize ourselves with the men who wrote the original documents -- they were imperfect men, to be sure, but men of VIRTUE and Christian heritage. So, if we want to re-establish limited governance approved by a consenting populace, we must find leaders of virtue who will recognize that this is the only way our Republic can be made strong enough to be taken off life support (by the people) to a self-sustaining mode.
The MAGA movement may have eclipsed it, but the Tea Party still has something to say - even if under another name. Since its beginning, the Tea Party was treated like a clan of mental defectives by the now disgraced left-wing media. Much like President Donald Trump himself the Tea Party suffered merciless attacks from the IRS, Hollywood, television, news outlets, and received no fair hearing on college campuses. AFTER the shockingly unexpected results of the November 8, 2016 election, a populist cry was brought to fulfillment. But President Donald J. Trump can't turn America around alone.
Donald Trump has appeared on the scene as a national leader who agrees with our principles and who loves and respects the American people. We, the Mississippi Tea Party continue the fight started by our founding fathers – to keep the Liberty we cherish and sought since Revolutionary days. As we recognize leaders such as President Trump supporting the Constitutional movement, let us renew our energy and goals to join others who want to keep our country great and appreciate the things our parents and others have fought for. Does any of this sound familiar? . . . remember Donald Trump’s “Contract with the American Voter.”
Now that we have a real leader, we have a sufficient opposing faction that wants to live off the fat of the land, and we CAN'T let that continue. We have some remnants of virtuous individuals left who will persevere. We need to find re-enforcements for them and remove the swamp creatures. In this election New Year, we, the people are called to be good people, because all the efforts of the Tea Party movement of the last 8 to 9 years can all be for naught if we do nothing. Yes, it is time for the troops to be rallied, rising to the occasion of recovering the nation that was established to allow liberty to reign. And we do that by finding leaders who don't want to lead so much as they focus the returning of America to the last best hope on earth.
IS the tea party still relevant? Yes, because the Tea Party is still alive, and its values are eternal.
The Tea Party as an idea is not dissimilar to the focus of the American Revolution. The purpose was to bring INDIVIDUAL LIBERTY to the individual. To do that, the revolution was FOUGHT to construct LIMITED GOVERNANCE BY A NATIONAL GOVERNMENT. The States were to protect their citizens from an overreaching mega-government as we have in Washington, DC. CLEARLY outlined in the Constitution are the areas of appropriate authority. The Tenth Amendment was written to re-state this fact -- the central government has no governing authority to meddle beyond that scope articulated in Article I, Sections 8 & 9.
Globalists directing the corrupt media are trying to stop any form of individual liberty. And that is why they are trying to capture educating our children from understanding what individual liberty will mean for the future of this country. They will stop at nothing to prevent the ideals of liberty to be brought to full understanding of all school children. Standing for American principles, values, ideals, the Tea Party movement meant to fight back, but not physically. No, what is being attempted is the re-establishment of Constitutional governance into practice by Washington, DC (and State Capitols) but the swamp(s) is resisting.
Let this be repeated: The Framing documents, the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were written to RESTRAIN government so that individual liberty can live and breathe free. WHO would conceive such an idea? We only need to re-familiarize ourselves with the men who wrote the original documents -- they were imperfect men, to be sure, but men of VIRTUE and Christian heritage. So, if we want to re-establish limited governance approved by a consenting populace, we must find leaders of virtue who will recognize that this is the only way our Republic can be made strong enough to be taken off life support (by the people) to a self-sustaining mode.
The MAGA movement may have eclipsed it, but the Tea Party still has something to say - even if under another name. Since its beginning, the Tea Party was treated like a clan of mental defectives by the now disgraced left-wing media. Much like President Donald Trump himself the Tea Party suffered merciless attacks from the IRS, Hollywood, television, news outlets, and received no fair hearing on college campuses. AFTER the shockingly unexpected results of the November 8, 2016 election, a populist cry was brought to fulfillment. But President Donald J. Trump can't turn America around alone.
Donald Trump has appeared on the scene as a national leader who agrees with our principles and who loves and respects the American people. We, the Mississippi Tea Party continue the fight started by our founding fathers – to keep the Liberty we cherish and sought since Revolutionary days. As we recognize leaders such as President Trump supporting the Constitutional movement, let us renew our energy and goals to join others who want to keep our country great and appreciate the things our parents and others have fought for. Does any of this sound familiar? . . . remember Donald Trump’s “Contract with the American Voter.”
Now that we have a real leader, we have a sufficient opposing faction that wants to live off the fat of the land, and we CAN'T let that continue. We have some remnants of virtuous individuals left who will persevere. We need to find re-enforcements for them and remove the swamp creatures. In this election New Year, we, the people are called to be good people, because all the efforts of the Tea Party movement of the last 8 to 9 years can all be for naught if we do nothing. Yes, it is time for the troops to be rallied, rising to the occasion of recovering the nation that was established to allow liberty to reign. And we do that by finding leaders who don't want to lead so much as they focus the returning of America to the last best hope on earth.
Lt. Governor Tate Reeves and Speaker of House Philip Gunn
Another MS Legislative Session 2018 has now begun. What are your wishes and desires for Mississippi laws that our leaders could enact to help growth, goodwill and success? Do you have needs that should be addressed to improve our state?
The Mississippi Tea Party will focus on a short list of issues for advocacy during this Session. If you have opinions, we welcome them and your assistance, as together we strive to make our state better and advance the civil society serving all our citizens. Check our Legislative page website for summary updates.
We support --
For a more complete understanding of WHY the Tea Party has not gone away, please read the article The League of Power by Mark Patricks. To contact us, see info below and our website www.themsteaparty.com
Another MS Legislative Session 2018 has now begun. What are your wishes and desires for Mississippi laws that our leaders could enact to help growth, goodwill and success? Do you have needs that should be addressed to improve our state?
The Mississippi Tea Party will focus on a short list of issues for advocacy during this Session. If you have opinions, we welcome them and your assistance, as together we strive to make our state better and advance the civil society serving all our citizens. Check our Legislative page website for summary updates.
We support --
- Limited government
- Oppose efforts to establish lottery
- Oppose tax increase (especially gasoline)
- Increase transparency in all areas
- Address existing problems with municipalities
- Parental Vaccine Rights
For a more complete understanding of WHY the Tea Party has not gone away, please read the article The League of Power by Mark Patricks. To contact us, see info below and our website www.themsteaparty.com
2017 MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
SUMMARY OF BILLS PASSED & FAILED
- ASSETS - SB 2445 –authorizes MS Dept. of Revenue to develop a system to identify assets held in banks by those with tax liens; potential for abuse, including invasion of privacy
- ASSETS - HB 812 - CIVIL ASSET FORFEITURE - bill further protects innocent property owners by ensuring that assets cannot be forfeited by law enforcement unless a warrant is obtained from a judge. It furthers transparency by establishing a reporting website (by MS Bureau of Narcotics) for forfeitures completed in the state; also prevents local departments from hiring outside counsel to complete forfeitures. A civil seizure warrant must be obtained for each seizure within 72 hours, excluding weekends, from a county or circuit judge in that jurisdiction. All forfeiture cases must be prosecuted by MBN or the district attorney for the area where property was seized. The aim of forfeiture laws is to seize assets derived from criminal activity. However, under Mississippi law, property — including cash — can be seized based on mere suspicion of criminal activity, leading to forfeiture even if a person hasn't been convicted of a crime.
- BUDGET - Gov. Bryant had to cut ($171 million) the current year’s budget for the fourth time because of revenue shortfalls and raid ($50 million) the rainy day fund - On the day before the deadline for lawmakers to reach budget agreements, their joint budget committee reduced the coming year’s estimate by $175 million. The result was more budget cuts for most agencies — the sixth or seventh round for many in two years, some now cumulatively in double digits. The total state support budget is $6.04 billion which is $329 million less than the original budget set for the current year.
- CAMPAIGN FINANCE - SB 2689 - Campaign funds; transfers more authority to the Mississippi Ethics Commission and clarified which campaign funds would not be allowed for use Lawmakers passed a reform measure that would restrict politicians' spending campaign money on personal expenses and provide for some enforcement and oversight by the state Ethics Commission. See reports by The Clarion-Ledger, "Public Office/Private Gain," which illustrates how the state's lax enforcement of campaign finance laws has created a tax-free second income for many Mississippi politicians, mostly funded by special interests. Mississippi politicians in the past have spent campaign money on clothes, cars, groceries, apartments, children's parties, an $800 pair of cowboy boots, taxes, car insurance, investments, payments to themselves or their own companies, an RV, a garage door for a home and trips to Alaska, California, Colorado and Florida, among other places.
- COMPLIANCE - HB 1425 Occupational Board Compliance Act - give oversight of the state's many occupational licensing boards to a three-member commission of governor, secretary of state and attorney general; oversight should prevent anti-competitive policies and enforcement.
- Dyslexia, HB 1046 The bill expands the state’s dyslexia therapy scholarship grades from 1 through 6 to the grades 7 to 12. The scholarship funds tuition at private schools providing specialized treatment for the learning disorder.
- DIVORCE - SB 2680 Divorce Reform. The bill adds the language of “including spousal domestic abuse” to the state’s “habitual, cruelty and inhumane treatment” ground for divorce making it easier for abuse victims to get a divorce.
- GAMBLING - Fantasy sports - HB 967 - licensure requirements for daily fantasy sports gaming operators; authorizes the state Gaming Commission regulate the fantasy sports industry and charge operators an 8 percent tax on their MS revenue, same as the state tax on casino revenue. Lawmakers said the tax is expected to generate less than $5 million a year starting out, but that the industry is growing.
- Health care – Deep cuts to Health and Mental Health, see “BUDGET” - The final appropriations for the departments of Health, and Mental Health, slashed the agencies’ budgets $6.1 million and $14 million, respectively.
- Health care – HB 926 Health Care Collaboration - allows the University of MS Medical Center to form collaboratives with private or public hospitals and clinics.
- IMMIGRATION - SB 2710 - Anti-sanctuary cities - prohibit local governments and universities from enacting ordinances or policies that would limit enforcement of or cooperation with federal and state immigration laws and enforcement. It says local Mississippi governments and universities and colleges can't prohibit employees or law enforcement from checking someone's immigration status and that no Mississippi government or agency can give legal status to someone in the country illegally.
- LAW ENFORCEMENT, CRIMINAL - HB 645 - Back the Badge Act (Blue lives matter) - increases penalties for violent crimes committed against law enforcement officers, first responders and emergency medical technicians
- LAW ENFORCEMENT, CRIMINAL - HB 1356 - Sexual assault protection order - allows a judge to issue an order prohibiting an offender from contacting a victim for at least two years after the offender's sentence is completed in rape or sexual assault cases
- LAW ENFORCEMENT, CRIMINAL –HB 1089 - Rivers McGraw Act (Minors) - Creates a mental health diversion pilot program; within 8 hours of arrest of someone under age of 21, law enforcement officers must make reasonable efforts to notify parents before releasing the minor.
- LAW ENFORCEMENT, CRIMINAL - HB 638 - Death penalty options - gave authority for executions by gas chamber, electrocution or firing squad, in successive order if others are thwarted by courts. There hasn't been an execution in Mississippi since 2012 because of challenges filed to lethal injection.
- LAW ENFORCEMENT, CRIMINAL – HB 263 - Anti-bullying legislation - would prohibit the bullying of a student and prohibit retaliation against any person, including a victim, a witness, or another person who reports in good faith an act of bullying.
- SPENDING - CAPITOL COMPLEX (Jackson), HB1226 Capitol Complex Improvement District –to provide infrastructure relief to Jackson, which serves as the Legislature's home away from home for 3-4 months a year. The measure would divert 2 percent of state sales taxes collected in Jackson for infrastructure work starting in 2018, increasing to a 6 percent diversion by 2020. Estimates are this will provide $3.2 million for the first year, increasing to about $11 million a year starting in 2020. District includes state Capitol, surrounding state government buildings and encompasses areas around Jackson State University and the University of MS Medical Center. MS Department of Finance and Administration will choose and oversee projects in the district.
- SPENDING - JACKSON - HB 1585 – “One Lake” Bill - revenue bill to move forward the flood control project that has already received $150 million in federal funding, involves widening the Pearl River south of Ross Barnett Reservoir to below Jackson. The flood control reservoir idea discussed and planned for decades still needs more federal approval and money.
- WELFARE, MEDICAID AUDIT FRAUD - HB 1090 Act to Restore Hope Opportunity and Prosperity for Everyone; aimed at reducing "welfare fraud" and would require more eligibility auditing of Medicaid recipients.
FAILED ATTEMPTS AT LEGISLATION
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE 2017
- Arts Commission, Mississippi. HB 1325/ SB2611 - would have abolished the Mississippi Arts Commission in its current form and charged the Mississippi Development Authority with its oversight.
- BP Settlement Account – SB 2634 - would have channeled BP Settlement Funds to a special account designated for Gulf Coast restoration projects
- EDUCATION - an expected rewrite of adequate education funding formula (MAEP) never materialized
- FEDERAL SPENDING - ARTICLE 5 Convention - HC 9 - U.S. Senator Tom Coburn visited Jackson on January 17 to encourage our lawmakers to pass this bill for applying to convene an Article 5 Convention with the other 49 States to rein in Federal spending.
- LOTTERY – none
- MOVIE INDUSTRY - HB 711 - extends corporate welfare by continuing to redistribute taxpayer money to movie-makers; rebates up to $20M
- State workers' rights, HB 974 bill would have stripped civil service protection for most of the state’s workers for three years, removing them from under the Mississippi Personnel Board.
- TAXATION WITHOUT REPRESENTATION - HB 699 – bill to authorize Dept. of Revenue Commissioner to disclose taxpayer info to Law Enforcement Officer and the U.S. without the need for a subpoena. DEAD in committee!!
- TAXES - Force big online sellers to collect and remit a 7 percent state use tax already on the books; divert only the use tax voluntarily collected and remitted on online and other sales — currently about $40 million but expected to increase as Amazon begins voluntarily collecting the tax. Internet sales taxes killed the annual MS Department of Transportation and State Aid roads budgets, and left the attorney general's budget in limbo.
- TAXES - Borrow $50 million for bridge work.
- TAXES - no major overhaul of the state’s tax code or budgeting
- TRANSPARENCY - HB 1127 – requires that minutes from a public body’s meeting be posted on their website within a certain time period following the meeting, thereby increasing transparency surrounding decisions that could come at a cost to citizens
- VACCINE RIGHTS - SB 2636 – Mississippi Parents for Vaccine Rights champions state and federal laws that advocate the basic human right of parents to be the final authority in their children's healthcare, particularly vaccinations. In a climate of increasing government control over healthcare, MPVR is focused on defending the freedom of informed voluntary consent for all. Supporting this issue are Robert Kennedy, Jr. and President Donald Trump. A rally was held at the Capitol on January 11. For more info, check out MS Healthcare Professionals for Informed Consent and MPVR. DEAD in committee.
To view all of the bills that have been filed - click on the Legislative website here.
Also note updates posted by Representatives Steve Hopkins (@Hopkins4House7) and Dan Eubanks (@dan4staterep) on Mississippi 411, subscribe to this YouTube channel for more info, and updates by Representative Joel Bomgar at his blog.
GOVERNOR CALLS SPECIAL SESSION – June 5. The budget year begins July 1.
SUMMARY -- mARCH 7, 2017
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
BILLS STILL ALIVE
March 7, 2017
ARTICLE 5 Convention
HC 9 - U.S. Senator Tom Coburn visited Jackson on January 17 to encourage our lawmakers to pass this bill for applying to convene an Article 5 Convention with the other 49 States to rein in Federal spending.
CIVIL ASSET FORFEITURE
HB 812 - bill further protects innocent property owners by ensuring that assets cannot be forfeited by law enforcement unless a warrant is obtained from a judge. It furthers transparency by establishing a reporting website for forfeitures completed in the state. The bill also prevents local departments from hiring outside counsel to complete forfeitures. This is a good step towards furthering due process and transparency in MS; passed both Houses.
CRIMINAL
HB 638 – Death penalty bill revises the methods by which death penalty can be carried out; PASSED by House. Sent to Senate, passed Jud A.
DIVORCE
SB 2680 - The House on Monday 3/7/17 unanimously passed a measure that would allow abused spouses to more easily get a divorce. After receiving harsh blow-back from killing two divorce law reform measures without a vote in his committee, Rep. Andy Gipson said he worked with an anti-domestic violence group to come up with a measure he introduced as an amendment to another bill, and passed unanimously in HOUSE. See article & another article -- Gipson last week killed two Senate-passed bills in committee.
DRUGS
HB 515 --enhance penalty for illegal sale of controlled substances within close proximity to drug or alcohol rehab facilities. Referred to Senate Jud B
HB 996 – allow pharmacies to dispense drugs used to prevent opioid overdose without a prescription, a good free-market reform which will increase access to life-saving medication; passed both Houses.
SB 2610 – expand medical trial at UMMC using marijuana oil, meaning more patients might have access to health care, removed drug from illegal drugs list; sent to Governor.
EDUCATION
SB 2273 - would mandate teaching of cursive in state’s public elementary schools
HB 565 and HB 567 – bills regarding compulsory school age. Referred to Senate Edu com.
HB 599 - grows the size of government by establishing a new Vocational education program, and allows the state to borrow up to $10 Million to fund the program. Referred to Senate Edu com.
Election Reform, Campaign Contributions
HB 479 - defines and outlines usage guidelines for campaign contributions by any elected official or candidate, and prohibits the personal use of campaign contributions and provides acceptable options for how to use leftover money at the conclusion of an elected official or candidate’s service or campaign. Enforcement of this legislation would be overseen by the Mississippi Ethics Commission. Referred to Senate Elections com.
SB 2689 - Campaign funds; transfers more authority to the Mississippi Ethics Commission and clarified which campaign funds would not be allowed for use; passed by both Houses.
GAMBLING
HB 967 - licensure requirements for daily fantasy sports gaming operators
GOVERNMENT, INCREASE SIZE OF
HB 162 - bill increases the size of government by creating a new government-administrated trust fund that administers tax-deductible flexible spending accounts for disabled people. While tax-deductible accounts should be allowed, they should NOT be regulated and dictated by a newly created governmental board; referred to Senate Finance com.
GOVERNMENT, MORE EFFICIENT
HB 572 – authorizes Department of Finance & Administration to sell state-owned property in Jackson or Hattiesburg, providing a path to efficiently reduce size of government. (Spending & Regulation); TABLED subject to call in Senate.
HB 1330 - abolishes several inactive boards and commissions; sent to Senate Appropriations Committee; referred to Senate Appropriations com.
GOVERNOR AUTHORITY
HB 1425 - to put Governor over licensing boards, promotes economic liberty; cleared a Senate committee.
HEALTHCARE
HB 928 - expands choice in marketplace by allowing small businesses to use Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs) which were banned under Obamacare but recently re-instituted by Congress. Referred to Senate Finance.
LOBBYISTS
SB 2632 – prohibits use of public funds on contract lobbyists
MINORS
HB 1089 - Rivers McGraw Act - within 8 hours of arrest of someone under age of 21, law enforcement officers must make reasonable efforts to notify parents before releasing the minor; referred to Senate Jud A com.
POLICE
HB 645 - Back the Badge Act - increases penalties for violent crimes committed against law enforcement officers, first responders and emergency medical technicians; referred to Senate Jud A com.
REGULATORY
HB 50 - increases regulations on businesses operating in the state by imposing licensing restrictions on vendors; the state should seek to decrease regulations on all businesses instead of increasing size of current regulatory footprint; referred to Senate Jud A com.
HB 318 - increases size and scope of state government by creating a new grant program that redistributes taxpayer dollars to certain healthcare providers. The state should seek to decrease dependence on tax dollars and reduce the intrusiveness of government in healthcare. (Need to get the government OUT of healthcare); referred to Senate Public Health com.
HB 399 - expands regulatory powers of banking commissioner to regulate, examine and oversee private financial entities; referred to Senate Finance com.
HB 450 extends state regulations on how individual businesses may conduct telephone solicitation calls in the state. The state should NOT place regulations on private businesses, and this is beyond the proper role of government; referred to Senate Energy com.
HB 464 - bill extends the regulatory authority of the board of cosmetology; referred to Senate Public Health com.
HB 465 - bill extends the regulatory authority of board of funeral service referred to Senate com.
HB 883 - expands the freedom of regulated utilities to undertake certain business-related activities. The state should not be in the business of dictating how energy providers serve their customers, but this bill expands the freedom of current businesses to operate; referred to Senate Energy com.
HB 1109 – standards for state agencies to follow regarding bids; passed both Houses.
HB 1116 – requires that notice of special meetings be posted on website of public body hosting the meeting, thereby increasing transparency surrounding decisions that could come at a cost to citizens; passed both Houses.
HB 1320, 1321, 1322 and 1447 – reduces regulatory burdens on sale of alcohol
SB 2017 – extends licensing requirements on home inspectors; this is burdensome regulation; passed both Houses.
SB 2445 – authorizes Dept. of Revenue to develop a system to identify assets held in banks by those with tax liens; potential for abuse, including invasion of privacy
SANCTUARY CITIES, PROHIBIT
SB 2710 Prohibit sanctuary cities; motion to reconsider; PASSED by House and Senate.
SPENDING
HB 938/SB 2645 – prohibit state agencies from purchasing vehicles for one year; passed both Houses.
HB 941 - raises amount of funds that can be withdrawn from Capital Expense Fund to repair state buildings from $2M to $5M during a single fiscal year; referred to Senate Appropriations com.
HB 1301 - bill makes technical amendments to PERS statute by removing old language and simplifying payment intervals; also exempts director of PERS from the salary cap applied to other statewide department heads. (Do we want to exempt certain agencies from this cap and allow department heads to make more than our governor?); referred to Senate Finance.
HB 1585 – “One Lake” - revenue bill to move forward the flood control project that has already received $150 million in federal funding, involves widening the Pearl River south of Ross Barnett Reservoir to below Jackson.
SB 2274 – authorizes MDA to dispose of property from a failed economic development project, hopefully recouping a portion of loss incurred on taxpayers’ behalf
SB 2275 – provides for annual reports from state agencies to be published on the Transparency Mississippi website.
SB 2625 - Deposit of state agency special funds into the State General Fund; technical corrections made to legislation passed last year (yearly sweep of the special funds of 15 state agencies into state general fund); passed both Houses.
SB 2642 – requires state agency budget info be submitted to legislative budget office and posted on legislative budget office website
SPENDING - AIRPORT
HB 1333 - extends a grant program that redistributes taxpayer money to airport services, as well as expands eligibility for the grants. The state should decrease spending and corporate welfare, this bill expands both; referred to Senate Appropriations com.
SPENDING - BRIDGES
HB 1732 - $50M bond for bridges, would allow the state to issue bonds to counties and municipalities to repair defective bridges.
SPENDING - CITIES
HB 1242 - creates a new grant program to redistribute taxpayer money from state to municipalities to assist in repairing water and sewer systems; referred to Senate Appropriations com.
SPENDING - JACKSON
HB 1226 -creates an improvement district to make improvements to Capitol Complex in Jackson, funded from a diversion of existing tax revenue generated in district; referred to Senate Accountability com.
TAXES
HB 710 - extends authority of MS Development to allocate federal tax credits to a "Qualified community development entity" to decrease overall tax burden; referred to Senate Finance com.
HB 858 - deleted the provision allowing for bond proceeds to be used to help a private company (the state should not borrow money at taxpayer’s expense to benefit private companies); referred to Senate Finance com.
HB 1332 - extends an income tax credit that reduces tax burden on certain cargo imports; (this is a step in right direction to decrease tax burden for everyone in state); referred to Senate Finance com...
WELFARE REFORM
HB 1090 – implements reform to welfare – eligibility, asset tests, work requirements, etc.; see info; referred to Senate Medicaid & Appropriations.
ARTICLE 5 Convention
HC 9 - U.S. Senator Tom Coburn visited Jackson on January 17 to encourage our lawmakers to pass this bill for applying to convene an Article 5 Convention with the other 49 States to rein in Federal spending.
CIVIL ASSET FORFEITURE
HB 812 - bill further protects innocent property owners by ensuring that assets cannot be forfeited by law enforcement unless a warrant is obtained from a judge. It furthers transparency by establishing a reporting website for forfeitures completed in the state. The bill also prevents local departments from hiring outside counsel to complete forfeitures. This is a good step towards furthering due process and transparency in MS; passed both Houses.
CRIMINAL
HB 638 – Death penalty bill revises the methods by which death penalty can be carried out; PASSED by House. Sent to Senate, passed Jud A.
DIVORCE
SB 2680 - The House on Monday 3/7/17 unanimously passed a measure that would allow abused spouses to more easily get a divorce. After receiving harsh blow-back from killing two divorce law reform measures without a vote in his committee, Rep. Andy Gipson said he worked with an anti-domestic violence group to come up with a measure he introduced as an amendment to another bill, and passed unanimously in HOUSE. See article & another article -- Gipson last week killed two Senate-passed bills in committee.
DRUGS
HB 515 --enhance penalty for illegal sale of controlled substances within close proximity to drug or alcohol rehab facilities. Referred to Senate Jud B
HB 996 – allow pharmacies to dispense drugs used to prevent opioid overdose without a prescription, a good free-market reform which will increase access to life-saving medication; passed both Houses.
SB 2610 – expand medical trial at UMMC using marijuana oil, meaning more patients might have access to health care, removed drug from illegal drugs list; sent to Governor.
EDUCATION
SB 2273 - would mandate teaching of cursive in state’s public elementary schools
HB 565 and HB 567 – bills regarding compulsory school age. Referred to Senate Edu com.
HB 599 - grows the size of government by establishing a new Vocational education program, and allows the state to borrow up to $10 Million to fund the program. Referred to Senate Edu com.
Election Reform, Campaign Contributions
HB 479 - defines and outlines usage guidelines for campaign contributions by any elected official or candidate, and prohibits the personal use of campaign contributions and provides acceptable options for how to use leftover money at the conclusion of an elected official or candidate’s service or campaign. Enforcement of this legislation would be overseen by the Mississippi Ethics Commission. Referred to Senate Elections com.
SB 2689 - Campaign funds; transfers more authority to the Mississippi Ethics Commission and clarified which campaign funds would not be allowed for use; passed by both Houses.
GAMBLING
HB 967 - licensure requirements for daily fantasy sports gaming operators
GOVERNMENT, INCREASE SIZE OF
HB 162 - bill increases the size of government by creating a new government-administrated trust fund that administers tax-deductible flexible spending accounts for disabled people. While tax-deductible accounts should be allowed, they should NOT be regulated and dictated by a newly created governmental board; referred to Senate Finance com.
GOVERNMENT, MORE EFFICIENT
HB 572 – authorizes Department of Finance & Administration to sell state-owned property in Jackson or Hattiesburg, providing a path to efficiently reduce size of government. (Spending & Regulation); TABLED subject to call in Senate.
HB 1330 - abolishes several inactive boards and commissions; sent to Senate Appropriations Committee; referred to Senate Appropriations com.
GOVERNOR AUTHORITY
HB 1425 - to put Governor over licensing boards, promotes economic liberty; cleared a Senate committee.
HEALTHCARE
HB 928 - expands choice in marketplace by allowing small businesses to use Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs) which were banned under Obamacare but recently re-instituted by Congress. Referred to Senate Finance.
LOBBYISTS
SB 2632 – prohibits use of public funds on contract lobbyists
MINORS
HB 1089 - Rivers McGraw Act - within 8 hours of arrest of someone under age of 21, law enforcement officers must make reasonable efforts to notify parents before releasing the minor; referred to Senate Jud A com.
POLICE
HB 645 - Back the Badge Act - increases penalties for violent crimes committed against law enforcement officers, first responders and emergency medical technicians; referred to Senate Jud A com.
REGULATORY
HB 50 - increases regulations on businesses operating in the state by imposing licensing restrictions on vendors; the state should seek to decrease regulations on all businesses instead of increasing size of current regulatory footprint; referred to Senate Jud A com.
HB 318 - increases size and scope of state government by creating a new grant program that redistributes taxpayer dollars to certain healthcare providers. The state should seek to decrease dependence on tax dollars and reduce the intrusiveness of government in healthcare. (Need to get the government OUT of healthcare); referred to Senate Public Health com.
HB 399 - expands regulatory powers of banking commissioner to regulate, examine and oversee private financial entities; referred to Senate Finance com.
HB 450 extends state regulations on how individual businesses may conduct telephone solicitation calls in the state. The state should NOT place regulations on private businesses, and this is beyond the proper role of government; referred to Senate Energy com.
HB 464 - bill extends the regulatory authority of the board of cosmetology; referred to Senate Public Health com.
HB 465 - bill extends the regulatory authority of board of funeral service referred to Senate com.
HB 883 - expands the freedom of regulated utilities to undertake certain business-related activities. The state should not be in the business of dictating how energy providers serve their customers, but this bill expands the freedom of current businesses to operate; referred to Senate Energy com.
HB 1109 – standards for state agencies to follow regarding bids; passed both Houses.
HB 1116 – requires that notice of special meetings be posted on website of public body hosting the meeting, thereby increasing transparency surrounding decisions that could come at a cost to citizens; passed both Houses.
HB 1320, 1321, 1322 and 1447 – reduces regulatory burdens on sale of alcohol
SB 2017 – extends licensing requirements on home inspectors; this is burdensome regulation; passed both Houses.
SB 2445 – authorizes Dept. of Revenue to develop a system to identify assets held in banks by those with tax liens; potential for abuse, including invasion of privacy
SANCTUARY CITIES, PROHIBIT
SB 2710 Prohibit sanctuary cities; motion to reconsider; PASSED by House and Senate.
SPENDING
HB 938/SB 2645 – prohibit state agencies from purchasing vehicles for one year; passed both Houses.
HB 941 - raises amount of funds that can be withdrawn from Capital Expense Fund to repair state buildings from $2M to $5M during a single fiscal year; referred to Senate Appropriations com.
HB 1301 - bill makes technical amendments to PERS statute by removing old language and simplifying payment intervals; also exempts director of PERS from the salary cap applied to other statewide department heads. (Do we want to exempt certain agencies from this cap and allow department heads to make more than our governor?); referred to Senate Finance.
HB 1585 – “One Lake” - revenue bill to move forward the flood control project that has already received $150 million in federal funding, involves widening the Pearl River south of Ross Barnett Reservoir to below Jackson.
SB 2274 – authorizes MDA to dispose of property from a failed economic development project, hopefully recouping a portion of loss incurred on taxpayers’ behalf
SB 2275 – provides for annual reports from state agencies to be published on the Transparency Mississippi website.
SB 2625 - Deposit of state agency special funds into the State General Fund; technical corrections made to legislation passed last year (yearly sweep of the special funds of 15 state agencies into state general fund); passed both Houses.
SB 2642 – requires state agency budget info be submitted to legislative budget office and posted on legislative budget office website
SPENDING - AIRPORT
HB 1333 - extends a grant program that redistributes taxpayer money to airport services, as well as expands eligibility for the grants. The state should decrease spending and corporate welfare, this bill expands both; referred to Senate Appropriations com.
SPENDING - BRIDGES
HB 1732 - $50M bond for bridges, would allow the state to issue bonds to counties and municipalities to repair defective bridges.
SPENDING - CITIES
HB 1242 - creates a new grant program to redistribute taxpayer money from state to municipalities to assist in repairing water and sewer systems; referred to Senate Appropriations com.
SPENDING - JACKSON
HB 1226 -creates an improvement district to make improvements to Capitol Complex in Jackson, funded from a diversion of existing tax revenue generated in district; referred to Senate Accountability com.
TAXES
HB 710 - extends authority of MS Development to allocate federal tax credits to a "Qualified community development entity" to decrease overall tax burden; referred to Senate Finance com.
HB 858 - deleted the provision allowing for bond proceeds to be used to help a private company (the state should not borrow money at taxpayer’s expense to benefit private companies); referred to Senate Finance com.
HB 1332 - extends an income tax credit that reduces tax burden on certain cargo imports; (this is a step in right direction to decrease tax burden for everyone in state); referred to Senate Finance com...
WELFARE REFORM
HB 1090 – implements reform to welfare – eligibility, asset tests, work requirements, etc.; see info; referred to Senate Medicaid & Appropriations.
SUMMARY
BILLS DEAD
AS OF MARCH 7, 2017
March 7, 2017
ATTORNEY GENERAL
HB 555 - Establishes oversight provisions on outside counsel hired by Attorney General. It holds this office accountable and ensures that they are protecting the interests of the taxpayers of the state of Mississippi. Passed in House, but a Senate committee effectively killed the bill that would have restricted Attorney General Jim Hood’s authority to sue companies on behalf of the state.
DIVORCE
SB 2703 - Domestic violence as grounds for divorce. DEAD (see above SB 2680)
EDUCATION
HB 878 - On January 16, EdBuild, the consultant organization hired to reevaluate Mississippi’s education funding formula (MAEP), presented a full proposal to the House and Senate Education and Appropriations committees concerning the MAEP formula and education reform. DEAD in committee
HB 1227 –vests more authority in local districts to adopt their own teacher evaluation system. DEAD
HB 866 - limit school testing to three days or less; DEAD
ELECTIONS, VOTING
HB 228 - This bill allows for early voting in Mississippi elections, up to 14 days prior to Election Day, and limits absentee voting. This will expand the right to vote and give voters more options; DEAD.
HB 373 - would allow online registration for first-time voters; there are currently too many concerns about online hacking and other problems with elections to allow online registration for first-time voters.
GOVERNOR
SB 2567- to put Governor over Dept. of Mental Health – DIED ON CALENDAR (During the debate on SB2567 to move the Dept of Mental Health, Dept of Health and Dept of Rehabilitation Services under the Governor office Sen. McDaniel asked Chairman Clarke if the bill would save money and he said, "No, not a single cent". )
LAW ENFORCEMENT (Blue Lives Matter)
HB 640, HB 647, HB 747 and HB 754 — crime against law enforcement officers considered a hate crime. DEAD in committee.
LOTTERY
H.B. 136 creates a HOPE scholarship fund to provide tuition for all high school graduates who meet certain requirements at state-owned universities and community colleges. DEAD.
S.B. 2294 lottery revenue put into infrastructure projects. DEAD.
S.B. 2473 fund K-12 education and infrastructure. DEAD.
S.B. 2504 fund K-12 education, infrastructure and higher education capital improvements. DEAD.
REGULATIONS
HB 1265 – to ease the state’s regulatory burden on businesses; DIED on calendar.
HB 1112 - would require PEER to establish accountability review schedule of all state agencies and submit to PEER; DIED on calendar.
HB 1076 – reduces regulatory burdens and taxes in Mississippi’s Growth and Prosperity Districts to help spur economic growth. If passed, these areas will have greater economic freedom. DEAD.
HB 843 – protect the property rights of owners seeking to evict tenants. (Regulation). DEAD.
SB 2299 – provides for additional exemptions for occupational licensing laws work without burdensome regulations. DEAD.
HB 709 - Extends the authority of a public entity to borrow money and provide taxpayer-financed funds to special private projects. This activity distorts the free market and places excluded local businesses at a disadvantage. DEAD
SPENDING TO JACKSON
SB 2893 - create a Capital Infrastructure Fund to assist Jackson in infrastructure improvements, DIED on calendar. DEAD
SPENDING TO MOVIE INDUSTRY
HB 711 - extends corporate welfare by continuing to redistribute taxpayer money to movie-makers; rebates up to $20M; DEAD.
STATE EMPLOYMENT
HB 974 - would exempt certain state agencies from rules, regulations and procedures of state Personnel Board for 3 years & allow agency heads to run departments more efficiently; save $13M in coming year; DEAD.
TAXATION WITHOUT REPRESENTATION
HB 699 – bill to authorize Dept. of Revenue Commissioner to disclose taxpayer info to Law Enforcement Officer and the U.S. without the need for a subpoena. DEAD in committee!!
TAXES
HB 480 - INTERNET SALES TAX -- This bill (1) increases taxes on Mississippians by requiring out of state retailers to collect sales tax, (2) is unconstitutional and (3) state government will grow. We should seek to decrease the tax burden on working Mississippians, not increase it. Much recent grassroots opposition and the Senate leadership decided to effectively KILL it. (The issue however is not dead but could come later from another bill and/or conference revision. Additionally, there is a problem because the Dept. of Revenue says they have authority to collect the tax anyway!!) DEAD.
TRANSPARENCY
HB 1127 – requires that minutes from a public body’s meeting be posted on their website within a certain time period following the meeting, thereby increasing transparency surrounding decisions that could come at a cost to citizens; DEAD
VACCINES
SB 2636 – Mississippi Parents for Vaccine Rights champions state and federal laws that advocate the basic human right of parents to be the final authority in their children's healthcare, particularly vaccinations. In a climate of increasing government control over healthcare, MPVR is focused on defending the freedom of informed voluntary consent for all. Supporting this issue are Robert Kennedy, Jr. and President Donald Trump. A rally was held at the Capitol on January 11. For more info, check out MS Healthcare Professionals for Informed Consent and MPVR. DEAD in committee.
ATTORNEY GENERAL
HB 555 - Establishes oversight provisions on outside counsel hired by Attorney General. It holds this office accountable and ensures that they are protecting the interests of the taxpayers of the state of Mississippi. Passed in House, but a Senate committee effectively killed the bill that would have restricted Attorney General Jim Hood’s authority to sue companies on behalf of the state.
DIVORCE
SB 2703 - Domestic violence as grounds for divorce. DEAD (see above SB 2680)
EDUCATION
HB 878 - On January 16, EdBuild, the consultant organization hired to reevaluate Mississippi’s education funding formula (MAEP), presented a full proposal to the House and Senate Education and Appropriations committees concerning the MAEP formula and education reform. DEAD in committee
HB 1227 –vests more authority in local districts to adopt their own teacher evaluation system. DEAD
HB 866 - limit school testing to three days or less; DEAD
ELECTIONS, VOTING
HB 228 - This bill allows for early voting in Mississippi elections, up to 14 days prior to Election Day, and limits absentee voting. This will expand the right to vote and give voters more options; DEAD.
HB 373 - would allow online registration for first-time voters; there are currently too many concerns about online hacking and other problems with elections to allow online registration for first-time voters.
GOVERNOR
SB 2567- to put Governor over Dept. of Mental Health – DIED ON CALENDAR (During the debate on SB2567 to move the Dept of Mental Health, Dept of Health and Dept of Rehabilitation Services under the Governor office Sen. McDaniel asked Chairman Clarke if the bill would save money and he said, "No, not a single cent". )
LAW ENFORCEMENT (Blue Lives Matter)
HB 640, HB 647, HB 747 and HB 754 — crime against law enforcement officers considered a hate crime. DEAD in committee.
LOTTERY
H.B. 136 creates a HOPE scholarship fund to provide tuition for all high school graduates who meet certain requirements at state-owned universities and community colleges. DEAD.
S.B. 2294 lottery revenue put into infrastructure projects. DEAD.
S.B. 2473 fund K-12 education and infrastructure. DEAD.
S.B. 2504 fund K-12 education, infrastructure and higher education capital improvements. DEAD.
REGULATIONS
HB 1265 – to ease the state’s regulatory burden on businesses; DIED on calendar.
HB 1112 - would require PEER to establish accountability review schedule of all state agencies and submit to PEER; DIED on calendar.
HB 1076 – reduces regulatory burdens and taxes in Mississippi’s Growth and Prosperity Districts to help spur economic growth. If passed, these areas will have greater economic freedom. DEAD.
HB 843 – protect the property rights of owners seeking to evict tenants. (Regulation). DEAD.
SB 2299 – provides for additional exemptions for occupational licensing laws work without burdensome regulations. DEAD.
HB 709 - Extends the authority of a public entity to borrow money and provide taxpayer-financed funds to special private projects. This activity distorts the free market and places excluded local businesses at a disadvantage. DEAD
SPENDING TO JACKSON
SB 2893 - create a Capital Infrastructure Fund to assist Jackson in infrastructure improvements, DIED on calendar. DEAD
SPENDING TO MOVIE INDUSTRY
HB 711 - extends corporate welfare by continuing to redistribute taxpayer money to movie-makers; rebates up to $20M; DEAD.
STATE EMPLOYMENT
HB 974 - would exempt certain state agencies from rules, regulations and procedures of state Personnel Board for 3 years & allow agency heads to run departments more efficiently; save $13M in coming year; DEAD.
TAXATION WITHOUT REPRESENTATION
HB 699 – bill to authorize Dept. of Revenue Commissioner to disclose taxpayer info to Law Enforcement Officer and the U.S. without the need for a subpoena. DEAD in committee!!
TAXES
HB 480 - INTERNET SALES TAX -- This bill (1) increases taxes on Mississippians by requiring out of state retailers to collect sales tax, (2) is unconstitutional and (3) state government will grow. We should seek to decrease the tax burden on working Mississippians, not increase it. Much recent grassroots opposition and the Senate leadership decided to effectively KILL it. (The issue however is not dead but could come later from another bill and/or conference revision. Additionally, there is a problem because the Dept. of Revenue says they have authority to collect the tax anyway!!) DEAD.
TRANSPARENCY
HB 1127 – requires that minutes from a public body’s meeting be posted on their website within a certain time period following the meeting, thereby increasing transparency surrounding decisions that could come at a cost to citizens; DEAD
VACCINES
SB 2636 – Mississippi Parents for Vaccine Rights champions state and federal laws that advocate the basic human right of parents to be the final authority in their children's healthcare, particularly vaccinations. In a climate of increasing government control over healthcare, MPVR is focused on defending the freedom of informed voluntary consent for all. Supporting this issue are Robert Kennedy, Jr. and President Donald Trump. A rally was held at the Capitol on January 11. For more info, check out MS Healthcare Professionals for Informed Consent and MPVR. DEAD in committee.
SPENDING MONEY WE DON'T HAVE -
DO THEY NEED A RAISE ?
March 3, 2017
DOES OUR PERS DIRECTOR NEED MORE SALARY THAN THE GOVERNOR - OR THE MS SUPT. OF EDUCATION …..?
HB 1301 – PERS Retirement system; make technical revisions to PERS, SLRP and Hwy Patrol and exempt executive director from salary cap; this bill passed House and Senate after much debate??!!
On Thursday this bill, HB 1301, was hotly debated in the Mississippi Senate. Senators approved this salary hike (well above the Governor's salary ($122,160) and the salary of Supt. of Education Carey Wright ($307,000) - while PERS - the State's retirement fund - is in jeopardy! Does the Legislature see any value in merit pay?
Read this article wherein the director says the PERS system is “ok” despite an uncertain future. The director also says “the fund was enjoying an estimated 8 percent rate of return so far this year after receiving only a 1.15 percent rate of return in fiscal 2016.”
We are the poorest state in the nation and yet we pay the top salary for an executive director! Do our folks really want to approve this salary hike? HB 1301 has passed both Houses; call your Legislator now and give them your opinion.
DOES OUR PERS DIRECTOR NEED MORE SALARY THAN THE GOVERNOR - OR THE MS SUPT. OF EDUCATION …..?
HB 1301 – PERS Retirement system; make technical revisions to PERS, SLRP and Hwy Patrol and exempt executive director from salary cap; this bill passed House and Senate after much debate??!!
On Thursday this bill, HB 1301, was hotly debated in the Mississippi Senate. Senators approved this salary hike (well above the Governor's salary ($122,160) and the salary of Supt. of Education Carey Wright ($307,000) - while PERS - the State's retirement fund - is in jeopardy! Does the Legislature see any value in merit pay?
Read this article wherein the director says the PERS system is “ok” despite an uncertain future. The director also says “the fund was enjoying an estimated 8 percent rate of return so far this year after receiving only a 1.15 percent rate of return in fiscal 2016.”
We are the poorest state in the nation and yet we pay the top salary for an executive director! Do our folks really want to approve this salary hike? HB 1301 has passed both Houses; call your Legislator now and give them your opinion.
SUMMARY -- Jan. 22 - FEB. 13, 2017
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
bills still alive
February 13, 2017
ARTICLE 5 Convention
HC 9 - U.S. Senator Tom Coburn visited Jackson on January 17 to encourage our lawmakers to pass this bill for applying to convene an Article 5 Convention with the other 49 States to rein in Federal spending.
ATTORNEY GENERAL
HB 555 - Establishes oversight provisions on outside counsel hired by Attorney General. It holds this office accountable and ensures that they are protecting the interests of the taxpayers of the state of Mississippi. PASSED in House
CIVIL ASSET FORFEITURE
HB 812 - bill further protects innocent property owners by ensuring that assets cannot be forfeited by law enforcement unless a warrant is obtained from a judge. it furthers transparency by establishing a reporting website for forfeitures completed in the state. The bill also prevents local departments from hiring outside counsel to complete forfeitures. This is a good step towards furthering due process and transparency in MS; PASSED by House.
CRIMINAL
HB 638 – Death penalty bill revises the methods by which death penalty can be carried out; PASSED by House.
DRUGS
HB 515 --enhance penalty for illegal sale of controlled substances within close proximity to drug or alcohol rehab facilities; bill set aside
EDUCATION
HB 599 - This bill grows the size of government by establishing a new Vocational education program, and allows the state to borrow up to $10 Million to fund the program. This grows the size and scope of government while putting the state further in debt; PASSED by House.
HB 565 and HB 567 – bills regarding compulsory school age; PASSED by House.
ELECTION REFORM, CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS
HB 479 - defines and outlines usage guidelines for campaign contributions by any elected official or candidate, and prohibits the personal use of campaign contributions and provides acceptable options for how to use leftover money at the conclusion of an elected official or candidate’s service or campaign. Enforcement of this legislation would be overseen by the Mississippi Ethics Commission. PASSED by House.
ELECTIONS, VOTING
HB 228 - This bill allows for early voting in Mississippi elections, up to 14 days prior to election day, and limits absentee voting. This will expand the right to vote and give voters more options; PASSED by House.
FREE MARKETS
HB 709 - Extends the authority of a public entity to borrow money and provide taxpayer-financed funds to special private projects. This activity distorts the free market and places excluded local businesses at a disadvantage. PASSED by House.
GOVERNMENT, INCREASE SIZE OF
HB 162 - bill increases the size of government by creating a new government-administrated trust fund that administers tax-deductible flexible spending accounts for disabled people. While tax-deductible accounts should be allowed, they should NOT be regulated and dictated by a newly created governmental board; PASSED by House.
GOVERNOR AUTHORITY
HB 1425 - to put Governor over licensing boards, held in House on motion to reconsider
HEALTHCARE
HB 928 - expands choice in marketplace by allowing small businesses to use Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs) which were banned under Obamacare but recently re-instituted by Congress. The bill in its current version does not accomplish this, but brings forward code sections for possible amendment; PASSED by House.
INFRASTRUCTURE & IMPROVEMENT, JACKSON
SB 2893 - create a Capital Infrastructure Fund to assist Jackson in infrastructure improvements, DIED on calendar
HB 1226 - Capitol Complex Improvement District bill, additional $20 million annually in sales tax revenue to Jackson for infrastructure improvements; PASSED House
MINORS
HB 1089 - Rivers McGraw Act - within 8 hours of arrest of someone under age of 21, law enforcement officers must make reasonable efforts to notify parents before releasing the minor; PASSED by House.
POLICE
HB 645 - Back the Badge Act - increases penalties for violent crimes committed against law enforcement officers, first responders and emergency medical technicians; PASSED by House.
REGULATORY
HB 450 extends state regulations on how individual businesses may conduct telephone solicitation calls in the state. The state should NOT place regulations on private businesses, and this is beyond the proper role of government; PASSED by House.
HB 883 - expands the freedom of regulated utilities to undertake certain business-related activities. The state should not be in the business of dictating how energy providers serve their customers, but this bill expands the freedom of current businesses to operate; PASSED by House.
HB 50 - increases regulations on businesses operating in the state by imposing licensing restrictions on vendors; the state should seek to decrease regulations on all businesses instead of increasing size of current regulatory footprint; PASSED by House.
HB 465 - bill extends the regulatory authority of board of funeral service; PASSED by House.
HB 464 - bill extends the regulatory authority of the board of cosmetology; PASSED by House.
HB 318 - increases size and scope of state government by creating a new grant program that redistributes taxpayer dollars to certain healthcare providers. The state should seek to decrease dependence on tax dollars and reduce the intrusiveness of government in healthcare. This bill merely exacerbates the problem of government intrusion in the healthcare industry; PASSED by House.
HB 399 - expands regulatory powers of banking commissioner to regulate, examine and oversee private financial entities; PASSED by House.
SANCTUARY CITIES, PROHIBIT
SB 2710 Prohibit sanctuary cities; motion to reconsider
SPENDING
HB 938 - place freeze on purchase of new vehicles and require state agencies to use the most efficient routes when traveling, to reduce state spending; PASSED in House.
HB 941 - raises amount of funds that can be withdrawn from Capital Expense Fund to repair state buildings from $2M to $5M during a single fiscal year; PASSED by House.
HB 1301 - bill makes technical amendments to PERS statute by removing old language and simplifying payment intervals; also exempts director of PERS from the salary cap applied to other statewide department heads. (Do we want to exempt certain agencies from this cap and allow department heads to make more than our governor?). PASSED by House.
SPENDING TO AIRPORT
HB 1333 - This bill extends a grant program that redistributes taxpayer money to airport services, as well as expands eligibility for the grants. The state should decrease spending and corporate welfare, this bill expands both. PASSED by House.
SPENDING TO CITIES
HB 1242 - creates a new grant program to redistribute taxpayer money from state to municipalities to assist in repairing water and sewer systems; PASSED by House.
SPENDING TO JACKSON
HB 1226 -creates an improvement district to make improvements to capitol complex in Jackson, funded from a diversion of existing tax revenue generated in district; PASSED in House.
SPENDING TO MOVIE INDUSTRY
HB 711 - extends corporate welfare by continuing to redistribute taxpayer money to movie-makers; PASSED by House.
STATE EMPLOYMENT
HB 974 - would exempt certain state agencies from rules, regulations and procedures of the state Personnel Board for 3 years; will allow agency heads to run their departments how they see fit and remove employees’ civil service protections; PASSED by House.
TAXES
HB 480 - INTERNET SALES TAX -- This bill increases taxes on Mississippians by requiring out of state retailers to collect sales tax. The state should seek to decrease the tax burden on working Mississippians, not increase it. PASSED in House.
HB 1332 - extends an income tax credit that reduces tax burden on certain cargo imports; (this is a step in right direction to decrease tax burden for everyone in state); PASSED by House.
HB 710 - extends authority of state to allocate federal tax credits, will decrease overall tax burden; PASSED in House.
HB 858 - deleted the provision allowing for bond proceeds to be used to help a private company (the state should not borrow money at taxpayer’s expense to benefit private companies). PASSED in House.
WELFARE REFORM
HB 1090 – implements reform to welfare – eligibility, asset tests, work requirements, etc.; see info; PASSED by House.
ARTICLE 5 Convention
HC 9 - U.S. Senator Tom Coburn visited Jackson on January 17 to encourage our lawmakers to pass this bill for applying to convene an Article 5 Convention with the other 49 States to rein in Federal spending.
ATTORNEY GENERAL
HB 555 - Establishes oversight provisions on outside counsel hired by Attorney General. It holds this office accountable and ensures that they are protecting the interests of the taxpayers of the state of Mississippi. PASSED in House
CIVIL ASSET FORFEITURE
HB 812 - bill further protects innocent property owners by ensuring that assets cannot be forfeited by law enforcement unless a warrant is obtained from a judge. it furthers transparency by establishing a reporting website for forfeitures completed in the state. The bill also prevents local departments from hiring outside counsel to complete forfeitures. This is a good step towards furthering due process and transparency in MS; PASSED by House.
CRIMINAL
HB 638 – Death penalty bill revises the methods by which death penalty can be carried out; PASSED by House.
DRUGS
HB 515 --enhance penalty for illegal sale of controlled substances within close proximity to drug or alcohol rehab facilities; bill set aside
EDUCATION
HB 599 - This bill grows the size of government by establishing a new Vocational education program, and allows the state to borrow up to $10 Million to fund the program. This grows the size and scope of government while putting the state further in debt; PASSED by House.
HB 565 and HB 567 – bills regarding compulsory school age; PASSED by House.
ELECTION REFORM, CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS
HB 479 - defines and outlines usage guidelines for campaign contributions by any elected official or candidate, and prohibits the personal use of campaign contributions and provides acceptable options for how to use leftover money at the conclusion of an elected official or candidate’s service or campaign. Enforcement of this legislation would be overseen by the Mississippi Ethics Commission. PASSED by House.
ELECTIONS, VOTING
HB 228 - This bill allows for early voting in Mississippi elections, up to 14 days prior to election day, and limits absentee voting. This will expand the right to vote and give voters more options; PASSED by House.
FREE MARKETS
HB 709 - Extends the authority of a public entity to borrow money and provide taxpayer-financed funds to special private projects. This activity distorts the free market and places excluded local businesses at a disadvantage. PASSED by House.
GOVERNMENT, INCREASE SIZE OF
HB 162 - bill increases the size of government by creating a new government-administrated trust fund that administers tax-deductible flexible spending accounts for disabled people. While tax-deductible accounts should be allowed, they should NOT be regulated and dictated by a newly created governmental board; PASSED by House.
GOVERNOR AUTHORITY
HB 1425 - to put Governor over licensing boards, held in House on motion to reconsider
HEALTHCARE
HB 928 - expands choice in marketplace by allowing small businesses to use Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs) which were banned under Obamacare but recently re-instituted by Congress. The bill in its current version does not accomplish this, but brings forward code sections for possible amendment; PASSED by House.
INFRASTRUCTURE & IMPROVEMENT, JACKSON
SB 2893 - create a Capital Infrastructure Fund to assist Jackson in infrastructure improvements, DIED on calendar
HB 1226 - Capitol Complex Improvement District bill, additional $20 million annually in sales tax revenue to Jackson for infrastructure improvements; PASSED House
MINORS
HB 1089 - Rivers McGraw Act - within 8 hours of arrest of someone under age of 21, law enforcement officers must make reasonable efforts to notify parents before releasing the minor; PASSED by House.
POLICE
HB 645 - Back the Badge Act - increases penalties for violent crimes committed against law enforcement officers, first responders and emergency medical technicians; PASSED by House.
REGULATORY
HB 450 extends state regulations on how individual businesses may conduct telephone solicitation calls in the state. The state should NOT place regulations on private businesses, and this is beyond the proper role of government; PASSED by House.
HB 883 - expands the freedom of regulated utilities to undertake certain business-related activities. The state should not be in the business of dictating how energy providers serve their customers, but this bill expands the freedom of current businesses to operate; PASSED by House.
HB 50 - increases regulations on businesses operating in the state by imposing licensing restrictions on vendors; the state should seek to decrease regulations on all businesses instead of increasing size of current regulatory footprint; PASSED by House.
HB 465 - bill extends the regulatory authority of board of funeral service; PASSED by House.
HB 464 - bill extends the regulatory authority of the board of cosmetology; PASSED by House.
HB 318 - increases size and scope of state government by creating a new grant program that redistributes taxpayer dollars to certain healthcare providers. The state should seek to decrease dependence on tax dollars and reduce the intrusiveness of government in healthcare. This bill merely exacerbates the problem of government intrusion in the healthcare industry; PASSED by House.
HB 399 - expands regulatory powers of banking commissioner to regulate, examine and oversee private financial entities; PASSED by House.
SANCTUARY CITIES, PROHIBIT
SB 2710 Prohibit sanctuary cities; motion to reconsider
SPENDING
HB 938 - place freeze on purchase of new vehicles and require state agencies to use the most efficient routes when traveling, to reduce state spending; PASSED in House.
HB 941 - raises amount of funds that can be withdrawn from Capital Expense Fund to repair state buildings from $2M to $5M during a single fiscal year; PASSED by House.
HB 1301 - bill makes technical amendments to PERS statute by removing old language and simplifying payment intervals; also exempts director of PERS from the salary cap applied to other statewide department heads. (Do we want to exempt certain agencies from this cap and allow department heads to make more than our governor?). PASSED by House.
SPENDING TO AIRPORT
HB 1333 - This bill extends a grant program that redistributes taxpayer money to airport services, as well as expands eligibility for the grants. The state should decrease spending and corporate welfare, this bill expands both. PASSED by House.
SPENDING TO CITIES
HB 1242 - creates a new grant program to redistribute taxpayer money from state to municipalities to assist in repairing water and sewer systems; PASSED by House.
SPENDING TO JACKSON
HB 1226 -creates an improvement district to make improvements to capitol complex in Jackson, funded from a diversion of existing tax revenue generated in district; PASSED in House.
SPENDING TO MOVIE INDUSTRY
HB 711 - extends corporate welfare by continuing to redistribute taxpayer money to movie-makers; PASSED by House.
STATE EMPLOYMENT
HB 974 - would exempt certain state agencies from rules, regulations and procedures of the state Personnel Board for 3 years; will allow agency heads to run their departments how they see fit and remove employees’ civil service protections; PASSED by House.
TAXES
HB 480 - INTERNET SALES TAX -- This bill increases taxes on Mississippians by requiring out of state retailers to collect sales tax. The state should seek to decrease the tax burden on working Mississippians, not increase it. PASSED in House.
HB 1332 - extends an income tax credit that reduces tax burden on certain cargo imports; (this is a step in right direction to decrease tax burden for everyone in state); PASSED by House.
HB 710 - extends authority of state to allocate federal tax credits, will decrease overall tax burden; PASSED in House.
HB 858 - deleted the provision allowing for bond proceeds to be used to help a private company (the state should not borrow money at taxpayer’s expense to benefit private companies). PASSED in House.
WELFARE REFORM
HB 1090 – implements reform to welfare – eligibility, asset tests, work requirements, etc.; see info; PASSED by House.
SUMMARY
BILLS DEAD
AS OF FEB. 13, 2017
Education
HB 878 - On January 16, EdBuild, the consultant organization hired to reevaluate Mississippi’s education funding formula (MAEP), presented a full proposal to the House and Senate Education and Appropriations committees concerning the MAEP formula and education reform. DEAD in committee
GOVERNOR
SB 2567- to put Governor over Dept. of Mental Health – DIED ON CALENDAR
LAW ENFORCEMENT (Blue Lives Matter)
HB 640, HB 647, HB 747 and HB 754 — crime against law enforcement officers considered a hate crime. DEAD in committee.
LOTTERY
H.B. 136, creates a HOPE scholarship fund to provide tuition for all high school graduates who meet certain requirements at state-owned universities and community colleges. DEAD.
S.B. 2294 lottery revenue put into infrastructure projects. DEAD.
S.B. 2473 fund K-12 education and infrastructure. DEAD.
S.B. 2504 fund K-12 education, infrastructure and higher education capital improvements. DEAD.
REGULATIONS
HB 1265 – to ease the state’s regulatory burden on businesses; DIED on calendar.
HB 1112 - would require PEER to establish accountability review schedule of all state agencies and submit to PEER; DIED on calendar.
TAXATION WITHOUT REPRESENTATION
HB 699 – bill to authorize Dept. of Revenue Commissioner to disclose taxpayer info to Law Enforcement Officer and the U.S. without the need for a subpoena. DEAD in committee!!
VACCINES
SB 2636 – Mississippi Parents for Vaccine Rights champions state and federal laws that advocate the basic human right of parents to be the final authority in their children's healthcare, particularly vaccinations. In a climate of increasing government control over healthcare, MPVR is focused on defending the freedom of informed voluntary consent for all. Supporting this issue are Robert Kennedy, Jr. and President Donald Trump. A rally was held at the Capitol on January 11. For more info, check out MS Healthcare Professionals for Informed Consent and MPVR. DEAD in committee.
HB 878 - On January 16, EdBuild, the consultant organization hired to reevaluate Mississippi’s education funding formula (MAEP), presented a full proposal to the House and Senate Education and Appropriations committees concerning the MAEP formula and education reform. DEAD in committee
GOVERNOR
SB 2567- to put Governor over Dept. of Mental Health – DIED ON CALENDAR
LAW ENFORCEMENT (Blue Lives Matter)
HB 640, HB 647, HB 747 and HB 754 — crime against law enforcement officers considered a hate crime. DEAD in committee.
LOTTERY
H.B. 136, creates a HOPE scholarship fund to provide tuition for all high school graduates who meet certain requirements at state-owned universities and community colleges. DEAD.
S.B. 2294 lottery revenue put into infrastructure projects. DEAD.
S.B. 2473 fund K-12 education and infrastructure. DEAD.
S.B. 2504 fund K-12 education, infrastructure and higher education capital improvements. DEAD.
REGULATIONS
HB 1265 – to ease the state’s regulatory burden on businesses; DIED on calendar.
HB 1112 - would require PEER to establish accountability review schedule of all state agencies and submit to PEER; DIED on calendar.
TAXATION WITHOUT REPRESENTATION
HB 699 – bill to authorize Dept. of Revenue Commissioner to disclose taxpayer info to Law Enforcement Officer and the U.S. without the need for a subpoena. DEAD in committee!!
VACCINES
SB 2636 – Mississippi Parents for Vaccine Rights champions state and federal laws that advocate the basic human right of parents to be the final authority in their children's healthcare, particularly vaccinations. In a climate of increasing government control over healthcare, MPVR is focused on defending the freedom of informed voluntary consent for all. Supporting this issue are Robert Kennedy, Jr. and President Donald Trump. A rally was held at the Capitol on January 11. For more info, check out MS Healthcare Professionals for Informed Consent and MPVR. DEAD in committee.
ACTION ALERT ABOUT SALES TAXES IN MISSISSIPPI !
The Clarion-Ledger is reporting an UNELECTED OFFICIAL making an EXECUTIVE DECISION AFTER NEGOTIATING with a PRIVATE COMPANY to start TAXING Mississippi consumers with NO LAW in place to collect sales tax! (Isn't this "illegal"?) The proposed law is in direct conflict with existing SCOTUS precedent, will take more money out of the private sector, and will open Mississippi businesses up to harmful regulations from other states. This proposed internet sales tax could result in hundreds of millions being taken out of our economy! Also see related article by Russ Latino of Americans for Prosperity.
This is TAXATION WITHOUT REPRESENTATION! Now how many of us remember our history that brought people to throw tea into the harbor because they had no representation in Parliament? Marshal Ramsay, you may have to dust off one of your cartoons! Do you find this as a symbol of an out-of-control Legislature?
The Internet Sales Tax bill (HB480) passed House Ways & Means and is on the House calendar. Would you consider calling your representative and asking he/she to vote "no"? 601-359-3770. Contact your Representatives and State Senators to protest. Find their contact information at this link.
This is TAXATION WITHOUT REPRESENTATION! Now how many of us remember our history that brought people to throw tea into the harbor because they had no representation in Parliament? Marshal Ramsay, you may have to dust off one of your cartoons! Do you find this as a symbol of an out-of-control Legislature?
The Internet Sales Tax bill (HB480) passed House Ways & Means and is on the House calendar. Would you consider calling your representative and asking he/she to vote "no"? 601-359-3770. Contact your Representatives and State Senators to protest. Find their contact information at this link.
SUMMARY -- January 3 – 21, 2017
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
The Mississippi State Legislature began its 2017 session on January 3. Newcomers who joined the 2017 House of Representatives as a result of special elections are: Abe Hudson (D-Shelby); Debra Gibbs (D-Jackson); Donnie Scoggin (R-Ellisville) and John Glen Corley (R-Lumberton). Below is a summary of some proposed bills and their status:
Accountability - Office of MS Attorney General
HB 555 - Establishes oversight provisions on outside counsel hired by the Attorney General. It holds this office accountable and ensures that they are protecting the interests of the taxpayers of the state of Mississippi. Failed by House 58-60.
Article 5 Convention
HC 9 - U.S. Senator Tom Coburn visited Jackson on January 17 to encourage our lawmakers to pass this bill for applying to convene an Article 5 Convention with the other 49 States to rein in Federal spending.
Blue Lives Matter
HB 640, HB 647, HB 747 and HB 754 — crime against law enforcement officers considered a hate crime
Campaign Contributions/Election Reform
HB 479 --defines and outlines usage guidelines for campaign contributions by any elected official or candidate, and prohibits the personal use of campaign contributions and provides acceptable options for how to use leftover money at the conclusion of an elected official or candidate’s service or campaign. Enforcement of this legislation would be overseen by the Mississippi Ethics Commission. Passed by House.
Civil Asset Forfeiture
HB 812 - The Civil Asset Forfeiture Task Force is headed by Chairman Rep. Mark Baker (R-Brandon). Their report failed in the findings by the Institute for Justice. In this bill, data would be maintained on a searchable website and report to the Bureau of Narcotics, and local district attorneys or this bureau would prosecute all forfeitures.
Education
HB 878 - On January 16, EdBuild, the consultant organization hired to reevaluate Mississippi’s education funding formula, presented a full proposal to the House and Senate Education and Appropriations committees concerning the MAEP formula and education reform. This is a bill with the relevant code sections that will allow debate to continue on what promises to be the Legislature’s most contentious issue this session. (from Steve Wilson of Watchdog.org)
Free Markets
HB 709 - Extends the authority of a public entity to borrow money and provide taxpayer-financed funds to special private projects. This activity distorts the free market and places excluded local businesses at a disadvantage. Passed by House.
Insurance
HB 319 - would require drivers to show proof of motor vehicle liability insurance to renew their registration. Passed by House.
State Lottery (proposed bills)
H.B. 136, creates a HOPE scholarship fund to provide tuition for all high school graduates who meet certain requirements at state-owned universities and community colleges
S.B. 2294 lottery revenue put into infrastructure projects
S.B. 2473 fund K-12 education and infrastructure
S.B. 2504 fund K-12 education, infrastructure and higher education capital improvements
Vaccine Rights by Parents
Mississippi Parents for Vaccine Rights (MPVR) champions state and federal laws that advocate the basic human right of parents to be the final authority in their children's healthcare, particularly vaccinations. In a climate of increasing government control over healthcare, MPVR is focused on defending the freedom of informed voluntary consent for all. Supporting this issue are Robert Kennedy, Jr. and President Donald Trump. A rally was held at the Capitol on January 11 and more on this issue will be published later - stay tuned. . . .
GOVERNOR delivers State of the State address --On January 17, the legislature convened in a joint session to hear Governor Phil Bryant’s State of the State Address. He pledged to stand against any increase in taxes, fees, or fines.
To view all of the bills that have been filed - click on the Legislative website here.
The year promises to be a special one for the state of Mississippi as we celebrate our 200th year of statehood. Many activities for the coming year bicentennial celebration are being planned and more info may be found here.
WATCH for updates posted by Representatives Steve Hopkins (@Hopkins4House7) and Dan Eubanks (@dan4staterep) on Mississippi 411 and subscribe to this YouTube channel for more info.
For discussion on these bills and other issues, go to our Facebook page here. Although those postings do not necessarily represent the opinion of the Mississippi Tea Party, we encourage civil discussion on matters within our State.
Accountability - Office of MS Attorney General
HB 555 - Establishes oversight provisions on outside counsel hired by the Attorney General. It holds this office accountable and ensures that they are protecting the interests of the taxpayers of the state of Mississippi. Failed by House 58-60.
Article 5 Convention
HC 9 - U.S. Senator Tom Coburn visited Jackson on January 17 to encourage our lawmakers to pass this bill for applying to convene an Article 5 Convention with the other 49 States to rein in Federal spending.
Blue Lives Matter
HB 640, HB 647, HB 747 and HB 754 — crime against law enforcement officers considered a hate crime
Campaign Contributions/Election Reform
HB 479 --defines and outlines usage guidelines for campaign contributions by any elected official or candidate, and prohibits the personal use of campaign contributions and provides acceptable options for how to use leftover money at the conclusion of an elected official or candidate’s service or campaign. Enforcement of this legislation would be overseen by the Mississippi Ethics Commission. Passed by House.
Civil Asset Forfeiture
HB 812 - The Civil Asset Forfeiture Task Force is headed by Chairman Rep. Mark Baker (R-Brandon). Their report failed in the findings by the Institute for Justice. In this bill, data would be maintained on a searchable website and report to the Bureau of Narcotics, and local district attorneys or this bureau would prosecute all forfeitures.
Education
HB 878 - On January 16, EdBuild, the consultant organization hired to reevaluate Mississippi’s education funding formula, presented a full proposal to the House and Senate Education and Appropriations committees concerning the MAEP formula and education reform. This is a bill with the relevant code sections that will allow debate to continue on what promises to be the Legislature’s most contentious issue this session. (from Steve Wilson of Watchdog.org)
Free Markets
HB 709 - Extends the authority of a public entity to borrow money and provide taxpayer-financed funds to special private projects. This activity distorts the free market and places excluded local businesses at a disadvantage. Passed by House.
Insurance
HB 319 - would require drivers to show proof of motor vehicle liability insurance to renew their registration. Passed by House.
State Lottery (proposed bills)
H.B. 136, creates a HOPE scholarship fund to provide tuition for all high school graduates who meet certain requirements at state-owned universities and community colleges
S.B. 2294 lottery revenue put into infrastructure projects
S.B. 2473 fund K-12 education and infrastructure
S.B. 2504 fund K-12 education, infrastructure and higher education capital improvements
Vaccine Rights by Parents
Mississippi Parents for Vaccine Rights (MPVR) champions state and federal laws that advocate the basic human right of parents to be the final authority in their children's healthcare, particularly vaccinations. In a climate of increasing government control over healthcare, MPVR is focused on defending the freedom of informed voluntary consent for all. Supporting this issue are Robert Kennedy, Jr. and President Donald Trump. A rally was held at the Capitol on January 11 and more on this issue will be published later - stay tuned. . . .
GOVERNOR delivers State of the State address --On January 17, the legislature convened in a joint session to hear Governor Phil Bryant’s State of the State Address. He pledged to stand against any increase in taxes, fees, or fines.
To view all of the bills that have been filed - click on the Legislative website here.
The year promises to be a special one for the state of Mississippi as we celebrate our 200th year of statehood. Many activities for the coming year bicentennial celebration are being planned and more info may be found here.
WATCH for updates posted by Representatives Steve Hopkins (@Hopkins4House7) and Dan Eubanks (@dan4staterep) on Mississippi 411 and subscribe to this YouTube channel for more info.
For discussion on these bills and other issues, go to our Facebook page here. Although those postings do not necessarily represent the opinion of the Mississippi Tea Party, we encourage civil discussion on matters within our State.
The Mississippi Tea Party actively supports legislation that pertains to...
- election campaign reform
- Article V Convention
- repeal Common Core education
- parental vaccine rights
- repeal Obamacare
GOVERNOR CALLS MISSISSIPPI
2016 SECOND EXTRAORDINARY SPECIAL SESSION
June 29, 2016
The MS Legislature was called into Special Session on Tuesday June 29, 2016 by Governor Phil Bryant. The purpose of the session was to meet a budget shortfall before the end of Fiscal Year 2016 on June 30, 2016. There are two distinct viewpoints guiding a legislator on how to vote in consideration of SB 2001 that considered funding the shortfall in Revenue for Fiscal Year 2016.
The State budget is required BY LAW to be balanced at the end of the Fiscal year. The "special session" was called to have a more accurate estimation of the real number needed for covering the shortfall. It was posited as $60 million. Therefore BY LAW that shortfall was required to be met by the Treasurer's office and the Legislature is required to provide the funds for any such deficiency. Caveat: by House Rules, it must be classified as a "general bill," NOT an appropriation bill. The correct designation in MS.gov for the "rainy day" fund is the "Cash-Stabilization Reserve Funds."
Commentaries on this issue should come from the citizenry and those who must put their names forward by voting on such a bill.
Governor Phil Bryant -
"It's regrettable that the grandstanding of the House Democrats cost taxpayers an additional $30,000. I am grateful to the leadership of the Senate and the House for doing their job and allowing me to do mine -- balance the state budget."
Representative Steve Hopkins -
“Well the vote is in, the Governor can now shore up the budget deficit for fiscal year 2016. Which depending on these last two days of the month could be around $60 million, hopefully we will finish strong and this will be unnecessary. I voted no on SB 2001 and I will use my good friend Senator Michael Watson’s words “I prefer cuts to agencies rather than dipping into our state’s savings.” . . . .I stand firm on this decision but this is my decision and is in no way an indictment on my colleagues who voted yes. . . . . More cuts are needs in agencies that are not absolutely crucial to the function of our state, it’s not our money it’s YOUR money.”
Senator Chris McDaniel -
Expressing his own views, see his statement on video taken on June 28 from the Senate gallery.
The MS Budget is no different than your household budget. You cannot spend money you do not have. You may have unexpected emergency expenditures, but you have to cover them somehow. So you take from a savings account, borrow from family, or take out your credit card. In decision making for these emergencies, setting priorities is essential.
If you have more questions about this new expenditure bill, or the MS Budget, this provides a prime opportunity for you to contact your State Representative and/or your State Senator. You may find them by visiting the MS Legislative website, or check out My Legislator on this page.
The MS Legislature was called into Special Session on Tuesday June 29, 2016 by Governor Phil Bryant. The purpose of the session was to meet a budget shortfall before the end of Fiscal Year 2016 on June 30, 2016. There are two distinct viewpoints guiding a legislator on how to vote in consideration of SB 2001 that considered funding the shortfall in Revenue for Fiscal Year 2016.
The State budget is required BY LAW to be balanced at the end of the Fiscal year. The "special session" was called to have a more accurate estimation of the real number needed for covering the shortfall. It was posited as $60 million. Therefore BY LAW that shortfall was required to be met by the Treasurer's office and the Legislature is required to provide the funds for any such deficiency. Caveat: by House Rules, it must be classified as a "general bill," NOT an appropriation bill. The correct designation in MS.gov for the "rainy day" fund is the "Cash-Stabilization Reserve Funds."
Commentaries on this issue should come from the citizenry and those who must put their names forward by voting on such a bill.
Governor Phil Bryant -
"It's regrettable that the grandstanding of the House Democrats cost taxpayers an additional $30,000. I am grateful to the leadership of the Senate and the House for doing their job and allowing me to do mine -- balance the state budget."
Representative Steve Hopkins -
“Well the vote is in, the Governor can now shore up the budget deficit for fiscal year 2016. Which depending on these last two days of the month could be around $60 million, hopefully we will finish strong and this will be unnecessary. I voted no on SB 2001 and I will use my good friend Senator Michael Watson’s words “I prefer cuts to agencies rather than dipping into our state’s savings.” . . . .I stand firm on this decision but this is my decision and is in no way an indictment on my colleagues who voted yes. . . . . More cuts are needs in agencies that are not absolutely crucial to the function of our state, it’s not our money it’s YOUR money.”
Senator Chris McDaniel -
Expressing his own views, see his statement on video taken on June 28 from the Senate gallery.
The MS Budget is no different than your household budget. You cannot spend money you do not have. You may have unexpected emergency expenditures, but you have to cover them somehow. So you take from a savings account, borrow from family, or take out your credit card. In decision making for these emergencies, setting priorities is essential.
If you have more questions about this new expenditure bill, or the MS Budget, this provides a prime opportunity for you to contact your State Representative and/or your State Senator. You may find them by visiting the MS Legislative website, or check out My Legislator on this page.
2016 mISSISSIPPI
LEGISLATIVE SUMMARY
This session was very challenging and many worked long hours to pass good conservative policy. Considering the economic forecast, the state was compelled to make budget cuts twice and invade the rainy day fund once. This overshadowed spending increases but not enough to curtail increased spending in tourism, film industry and museums.
Probably the best day of the session was a visit April 13 and Prayer Day by Rev. Franklin Graham in support of Decision America Tour 2016. Thousands of people rallied at the Capitol for one reason – to pray for our state and our country. It was encouraging to see so many Mississippians standing for their faith and joining together to ask God for His guidance and thank Him for His providence.
Probably the best day of the session was a visit April 13 and Prayer Day by Rev. Franklin Graham in support of Decision America Tour 2016. Thousands of people rallied at the Capitol for one reason – to pray for our state and our country. It was encouraging to see so many Mississippians standing for their faith and joining together to ask God for His guidance and thank Him for His providence.
BILLS THAT PASSED
2016 legislative session
April 28, 2016
ECONOMIC
The Taxpayer Pay Raise Act of 2016, SB 2858 gives Mississippians a pay raise by phasing in an income tax cut and eliminates the burdensome franchise tax that discourages job creation in our state. Sent to Governor.
HB 1381, Economic Freedom, prevents excessive regulations to ensure that companies like Uber will be able to conduct business in the state. Signed by Governor.
EDUCATION
APPOINTED SUPERINTENDENTS — SB 2438 All local school superintendents would be appointed after the current four-year term (after January 1, 2019), eliminating the election of superintendents in 55 districts. Sent to Governor.
CHARTER SCHOOLS -- SB 2161 would allow charter schools to draw students from outside the district where they are located. Signed by Governor.
CONSOLIDATION OF SCHOOL DISTRICTS
Holmes County and Durant, HB 926, sent to Governor.
Leflore County and Greenwood HB 987, administrative consolidation, sent to Governor.
Houston and Okolona, HB 991, require a study & sent to Governor.
Carroll County, Montgomery County and Winona, SB 2495, administrative consolidation, sent to Governor.
Lumberton and Lamar County, SB 2500, sent to Governor.
EDUCATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP -- HB 33 would allow any special needs child with an individual education plan in the past five years to be eligible for the educational scholarship account program. Signed by Governor.
ELECTION LAW, VOTING AND CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORM (PASSED)
ELECTION CONDUCT -- HB 866, Increase penalties (should be more severe & more prosecutorial consequence) against anyone charged with improper conduct of elections and tampering with ballot boxes. See articles regarding corruption and comments by Wyatt Emmerich. Signed by Governor. The entire package of “Election Law Reform” proposed by MS Secretary of State did not all pass. Some think there will be a “Special Session” to deal with more laws.
VOTER REGISTRATION ONLINE — HB 809, complete voter registration forms online. Signed by Governor.
FORFEITURE, CIVIL ASSET
HB 1410. This would create a “task force” to study Transparency and accountability for Civil Asset forfeiture. New poll shows Mississippi voters overwhelmingly oppose civil forfeiture. Sent to Governor.
GAMING
SB 2541 Fantasy Sports contests bill, does not constitute gaming in Mississippi law. Early on a lottery was included in the bill, but that was stripped late in the session. Sent to Governor.
GUNS
HB 786 - ARMED GUARDS IN CHURCH, the “Mississippi Church Protection Act,” would allow churches to form a security program and allow armed members to protect the church and its members; requires security program participants to have firearms permit and be trained. Signed by Governor.
HB 1523, RELIGIOUS OBJECTIONS — "Protecting Freedom of Conscience from Government Discrimination Act.” State officials, private business owners and others who provide services to the public would not be punished for acting on religious beliefs that marriage should only be between a man and a woman. Comments from Rep. Andy Gipson: “Folks, I'm calling out the press on this. The reporting on House Bill 1523 has been the most false, misinformed, biased liberal reporting I've seen in my entire legislative career. It makes you realize there must really be a strong agenda, and they are willing to bash Mississippi at any cost. The regular Mississippians I've talked with are on to the charade and false reports. So, why won't the press report on the multitude of all these other states' similar laws?” See fact sheet and summary. Signed by Governor, effective July 1.
SB 2313 removes a burdensome registration requirement for individuals who manufacture or use firearm silencers.
PUBLIC SAFETY
HB 107 helps bring equity to our criminal justice system by ensuring that individuals who are imprisoned for nonviolent crimes are not denied the opportunity for parole.
PRO-LIFE
HB 519 protects the unborn by prohibiting dismemberment abortions in the state.
SB 2238 prevents Medicaid from reimbursing institutions that perform abortions.
TERRORISM -- HB 578. Mississippi See Something, Say Something Act of 2016; enact (civil or criminal immunity for reporting). Signed by Governor.
TRANSPARENCY – Read about public records requests (FOIA), Sunshine Laws and more here.
TRANSPORTATION
JACKSON AIRPORT -- SB 2162 would create a new regional board for the Jackson Medgar Wiley Evers Municipal Airport. At present, the Jackson Municipal Airport Authority’s commission is appointed by the mayor of Jackson, which owns the airport and surrounding land. The governor would have the authority to appoint 8 of the 9 commissioners and they would have to possess aviation or business expertise. See article about funding. Sent to Governor.
TAXI SERVICES, …UBER – HB 1381, puts Insurance Department in charge of regulating so-called transportation network companies begins July 1. See article. Signed by Governor.
ECONOMIC
The Taxpayer Pay Raise Act of 2016, SB 2858 gives Mississippians a pay raise by phasing in an income tax cut and eliminates the burdensome franchise tax that discourages job creation in our state. Sent to Governor.
HB 1381, Economic Freedom, prevents excessive regulations to ensure that companies like Uber will be able to conduct business in the state. Signed by Governor.
EDUCATION
APPOINTED SUPERINTENDENTS — SB 2438 All local school superintendents would be appointed after the current four-year term (after January 1, 2019), eliminating the election of superintendents in 55 districts. Sent to Governor.
CHARTER SCHOOLS -- SB 2161 would allow charter schools to draw students from outside the district where they are located. Signed by Governor.
CONSOLIDATION OF SCHOOL DISTRICTS
Holmes County and Durant, HB 926, sent to Governor.
Leflore County and Greenwood HB 987, administrative consolidation, sent to Governor.
Houston and Okolona, HB 991, require a study & sent to Governor.
Carroll County, Montgomery County and Winona, SB 2495, administrative consolidation, sent to Governor.
Lumberton and Lamar County, SB 2500, sent to Governor.
EDUCATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP -- HB 33 would allow any special needs child with an individual education plan in the past five years to be eligible for the educational scholarship account program. Signed by Governor.
ELECTION LAW, VOTING AND CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORM (PASSED)
ELECTION CONDUCT -- HB 866, Increase penalties (should be more severe & more prosecutorial consequence) against anyone charged with improper conduct of elections and tampering with ballot boxes. See articles regarding corruption and comments by Wyatt Emmerich. Signed by Governor. The entire package of “Election Law Reform” proposed by MS Secretary of State did not all pass. Some think there will be a “Special Session” to deal with more laws.
VOTER REGISTRATION ONLINE — HB 809, complete voter registration forms online. Signed by Governor.
FORFEITURE, CIVIL ASSET
HB 1410. This would create a “task force” to study Transparency and accountability for Civil Asset forfeiture. New poll shows Mississippi voters overwhelmingly oppose civil forfeiture. Sent to Governor.
GAMING
SB 2541 Fantasy Sports contests bill, does not constitute gaming in Mississippi law. Early on a lottery was included in the bill, but that was stripped late in the session. Sent to Governor.
GUNS
HB 786 - ARMED GUARDS IN CHURCH, the “Mississippi Church Protection Act,” would allow churches to form a security program and allow armed members to protect the church and its members; requires security program participants to have firearms permit and be trained. Signed by Governor.
HB 1523, RELIGIOUS OBJECTIONS — "Protecting Freedom of Conscience from Government Discrimination Act.” State officials, private business owners and others who provide services to the public would not be punished for acting on religious beliefs that marriage should only be between a man and a woman. Comments from Rep. Andy Gipson: “Folks, I'm calling out the press on this. The reporting on House Bill 1523 has been the most false, misinformed, biased liberal reporting I've seen in my entire legislative career. It makes you realize there must really be a strong agenda, and they are willing to bash Mississippi at any cost. The regular Mississippians I've talked with are on to the charade and false reports. So, why won't the press report on the multitude of all these other states' similar laws?” See fact sheet and summary. Signed by Governor, effective July 1.
SB 2313 removes a burdensome registration requirement for individuals who manufacture or use firearm silencers.
PUBLIC SAFETY
HB 107 helps bring equity to our criminal justice system by ensuring that individuals who are imprisoned for nonviolent crimes are not denied the opportunity for parole.
PRO-LIFE
HB 519 protects the unborn by prohibiting dismemberment abortions in the state.
SB 2238 prevents Medicaid from reimbursing institutions that perform abortions.
TERRORISM -- HB 578. Mississippi See Something, Say Something Act of 2016; enact (civil or criminal immunity for reporting). Signed by Governor.
TRANSPARENCY – Read about public records requests (FOIA), Sunshine Laws and more here.
TRANSPORTATION
JACKSON AIRPORT -- SB 2162 would create a new regional board for the Jackson Medgar Wiley Evers Municipal Airport. At present, the Jackson Municipal Airport Authority’s commission is appointed by the mayor of Jackson, which owns the airport and surrounding land. The governor would have the authority to appoint 8 of the 9 commissioners and they would have to possess aviation or business expertise. See article about funding. Sent to Governor.
TAXI SERVICES, …UBER – HB 1381, puts Insurance Department in charge of regulating so-called transportation network companies begins July 1. See article. Signed by Governor.
BILLS that failed
2016 session
EDUCATION
CHARTER SCHOOLS
HB 1044 would allow students to cross district lines to attend another public school, with their former district providing the student’s new district with money for the student and the parents responsible for transportation to the new school. DEAD
PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY
SB 2413 Personal responsibility; requires implementation in middle and high school curriculum. The proposed language of this bill plays right into the agenda of the Human Rights Campaign and the LGBT agenda. Our federal government is driving this and it’s funded by grants from Obamacare. This bill presents a real danger to our children and to public education (read this article). (DEAD on calendar)
MAEP funding - the Senate proposed increase by $40M but it did not happen – because the budget process was decreased twice and the method was mainly complicated by a bleak outlook of economic growth.
ELECTION LAW, VOTING AND CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORM
EARLY VOTING — HB 796, Allows voting three weeks before an election. DEAD
CAMPAIGN FUNDS – SB 2674, Prohibit personal use. DIED IN COMMITTEE.
CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORM -- SB 2374 would force all statewide elected officials and candidates to itemize purchases from credit cards on their campaign finance statements. As the session wound down, this bill banning legislators and other politicians from spending campaign contributions for personal use was killed by the House after previously passing both branches. See article. So, rulemakers have no rules!
GUN CONTROL
HB 782 sets the foundation to reject and block federal gun control by agency rule or executive order. This was an urgently important bill because in the last year of the Obama Administration, POTUS wants a STRONG FOOTHOLD to confiscate all means of self-defense by way of firearms. DEAD
GUN RIGHTS
There are several gun rights bills that are extremely important. The Facebook page of Mississippi for Liberty does an incredible job of advocacy and keeping folks advised. Please go there for the latest on dead and alive bills.
HB 571. Firearms; clarify meaning of courthouse and courtroom for purpose of carrying. DEAD
HB 758 restricts boards, commissions and agencies from regulating firearms. DEAD
HEALTH
HB 938, Vaccinations, authorize exemptions for medical purposes. The Facebook page Mississippi Parents for Vaccine Rights and their website perform an incredible job of advocacy to keep the public informed. This bill attempted to compromise parents’ ability to make informed decisions for their children as well as give Child Protective Services another opportunity to do the same. (DIED 3-22-16 in Senate Committee)
HIGHWAYS -- a major push by the Mississippi Economic Council to get lawmakers to funnel $375 million a year to repair and maintain the state's aging four-lane highway system got favorable attention early on and suddenly faded into the background GAS TAX INCREASE -- SB 2921 died in Committee. See informative article from Mississippi Watchdog.org.
PARENTAL RIGHTS –
HB 4, Parental Involvement & Accountability. This is a BAD bill that DIED in Senate Education Committee.
SB 2824, termination of Parental Rights. DEAD.
REFUGEES
SB 2331, Refugee Absorptive Capacity Act, requirements for resettlement & related.
SANCTUARY CITIES
SB 2306, Sanctuary cities; prohibit, and require local cooperation with federal immigration control.
SUPREME COURT DISTRICTS
HB 868, Simpson County would move from the southern to the central Supreme Court district. DEAD.
CHARTER SCHOOLS
HB 1044 would allow students to cross district lines to attend another public school, with their former district providing the student’s new district with money for the student and the parents responsible for transportation to the new school. DEAD
PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY
SB 2413 Personal responsibility; requires implementation in middle and high school curriculum. The proposed language of this bill plays right into the agenda of the Human Rights Campaign and the LGBT agenda. Our federal government is driving this and it’s funded by grants from Obamacare. This bill presents a real danger to our children and to public education (read this article). (DEAD on calendar)
MAEP funding - the Senate proposed increase by $40M but it did not happen – because the budget process was decreased twice and the method was mainly complicated by a bleak outlook of economic growth.
ELECTION LAW, VOTING AND CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORM
EARLY VOTING — HB 796, Allows voting three weeks before an election. DEAD
CAMPAIGN FUNDS – SB 2674, Prohibit personal use. DIED IN COMMITTEE.
CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORM -- SB 2374 would force all statewide elected officials and candidates to itemize purchases from credit cards on their campaign finance statements. As the session wound down, this bill banning legislators and other politicians from spending campaign contributions for personal use was killed by the House after previously passing both branches. See article. So, rulemakers have no rules!
GUN CONTROL
HB 782 sets the foundation to reject and block federal gun control by agency rule or executive order. This was an urgently important bill because in the last year of the Obama Administration, POTUS wants a STRONG FOOTHOLD to confiscate all means of self-defense by way of firearms. DEAD
GUN RIGHTS
There are several gun rights bills that are extremely important. The Facebook page of Mississippi for Liberty does an incredible job of advocacy and keeping folks advised. Please go there for the latest on dead and alive bills.
HB 571. Firearms; clarify meaning of courthouse and courtroom for purpose of carrying. DEAD
HB 758 restricts boards, commissions and agencies from regulating firearms. DEAD
HEALTH
HB 938, Vaccinations, authorize exemptions for medical purposes. The Facebook page Mississippi Parents for Vaccine Rights and their website perform an incredible job of advocacy to keep the public informed. This bill attempted to compromise parents’ ability to make informed decisions for their children as well as give Child Protective Services another opportunity to do the same. (DIED 3-22-16 in Senate Committee)
HIGHWAYS -- a major push by the Mississippi Economic Council to get lawmakers to funnel $375 million a year to repair and maintain the state's aging four-lane highway system got favorable attention early on and suddenly faded into the background GAS TAX INCREASE -- SB 2921 died in Committee. See informative article from Mississippi Watchdog.org.
PARENTAL RIGHTS –
HB 4, Parental Involvement & Accountability. This is a BAD bill that DIED in Senate Education Committee.
SB 2824, termination of Parental Rights. DEAD.
REFUGEES
SB 2331, Refugee Absorptive Capacity Act, requirements for resettlement & related.
SANCTUARY CITIES
SB 2306, Sanctuary cities; prohibit, and require local cooperation with federal immigration control.
SUPREME COURT DISTRICTS
HB 868, Simpson County would move from the southern to the central Supreme Court district. DEAD.
House Bill 578 would protect those who "See Something"
and "Say Something"
From frivolous lawsuits
March 21, 2016
Representative Andy Gipson introduced an important bill in the Mississippi state legislature and ACT for America* is getting behind it. Further, we are asking for your help in moving it across the legislative finish line and into law.
The bill is HB578 - legislation that would immunize individuals who in good faith report suspected potential criminal or terrorist activity from unfounded lawsuits, thereby encouraging citizens who "see something" to "say something" and help law enforcement agencies protect us from crime and further terrorist attacks. The legislation would provide that individuals who report suspicious, potentially terrorist activity in good faith cannot be sued as a consequence.
When it comes to suspicious, potentially terrorist activity, Americans are encouraged to, "if you see something, say something." But before they do so, they have a right to know that they won't be sued for their efforts.
Unfortunately, this is exactly what is happening to passengers aboard a US Airways flight bound from Minneapolis to Arizona in November 2006 who alerted airline personnel to what they perceived to be suspicious activity on the part of six other passengers. For seeing something and then saying something to airline personnel, these passengers are being dragged into court.
Such lawsuits dissuade honest citizens from reporting suspicious, potentially terrorist activity. Even if such cases are ultimately dismissed, the expense and inconvenience of defending against them is a strong discouragement to those who might otherwise be willing to report suspicious activity.
This state level legislation is needed here in Mississippi because we have recent evidence of homegrown Jihadists here in our state. If someone notices suspicious activity in Mississippi, we all want them to properly report that activity to appropriate authorities.
What we don’t want to happen in Mississippi is what happened in San Bernardino, California last year when two Jihadists slaughtered 14 innocent civilians in a barbaric attack. It turned out that one of their neighbors noticed suspicious activity at their apartment but failed to report it out of fear of being labeled a bigot.
America can never allow that to happen again and now is the time for Mississippi to lead on this “See Something, Say Something” Law. Read more facts about the issue here.
This important bill has passed the House, but appears to be stalled in the Senate, where it has been assigned to the Judiciary "A" Committee. Here is the list of members of that committee:
Sean J. Tindell, Chairman; Sally Doty, Vice-Chairman
Members: Juan Barnett; Barbara Blackmon; Jenifer B. Branning; Eugene S. Clarke; Dennis DeBar, Jr.; Joey Fillingane; Hillman Terome Frazier; W. Briggs Hopson III; Dean Kirby; Chad McMahan; David Parker; Derrick T. Simmons; Angela Turner
Please call and email the members of the Committee immediately and respectfully, but firmly, request that HB578 be supported. It is vital that Lieutenant Governor Tate Reeves know that there is widespread, deep support for this bill. You can contact him using the following:
Phone: (601) 359-3200
Email: ltgov@senate.ms.gov
ACTION ITEM
Today, please take a moment to call and e-mail Lieutenant Governor Tate Reeves and ask him to do everything he can to support HB578. In your own words, please respectfully relay the following:
Dear Lieutenant Governor Reeves,
I urge you to support HB578, in order to protect those who in good faith report suspicious activity to appropriate authorities. This bill is of the utmost importance to me. Thank you for your leadership on this vital matter.
Sincerely,
(Your name and city)
*ACT for America is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit, non partisan organization that educates and empowers citizens to help play a role in enhancing our nation’s public safety. Today, ACT has 280,000 members and 875 chapters nationwide including chapters in 11 countries around the world as far as Australia, South Africa and Israel.
Representative Andy Gipson introduced an important bill in the Mississippi state legislature and ACT for America* is getting behind it. Further, we are asking for your help in moving it across the legislative finish line and into law.
The bill is HB578 - legislation that would immunize individuals who in good faith report suspected potential criminal or terrorist activity from unfounded lawsuits, thereby encouraging citizens who "see something" to "say something" and help law enforcement agencies protect us from crime and further terrorist attacks. The legislation would provide that individuals who report suspicious, potentially terrorist activity in good faith cannot be sued as a consequence.
When it comes to suspicious, potentially terrorist activity, Americans are encouraged to, "if you see something, say something." But before they do so, they have a right to know that they won't be sued for their efforts.
Unfortunately, this is exactly what is happening to passengers aboard a US Airways flight bound from Minneapolis to Arizona in November 2006 who alerted airline personnel to what they perceived to be suspicious activity on the part of six other passengers. For seeing something and then saying something to airline personnel, these passengers are being dragged into court.
Such lawsuits dissuade honest citizens from reporting suspicious, potentially terrorist activity. Even if such cases are ultimately dismissed, the expense and inconvenience of defending against them is a strong discouragement to those who might otherwise be willing to report suspicious activity.
This state level legislation is needed here in Mississippi because we have recent evidence of homegrown Jihadists here in our state. If someone notices suspicious activity in Mississippi, we all want them to properly report that activity to appropriate authorities.
What we don’t want to happen in Mississippi is what happened in San Bernardino, California last year when two Jihadists slaughtered 14 innocent civilians in a barbaric attack. It turned out that one of their neighbors noticed suspicious activity at their apartment but failed to report it out of fear of being labeled a bigot.
America can never allow that to happen again and now is the time for Mississippi to lead on this “See Something, Say Something” Law. Read more facts about the issue here.
This important bill has passed the House, but appears to be stalled in the Senate, where it has been assigned to the Judiciary "A" Committee. Here is the list of members of that committee:
Sean J. Tindell, Chairman; Sally Doty, Vice-Chairman
Members: Juan Barnett; Barbara Blackmon; Jenifer B. Branning; Eugene S. Clarke; Dennis DeBar, Jr.; Joey Fillingane; Hillman Terome Frazier; W. Briggs Hopson III; Dean Kirby; Chad McMahan; David Parker; Derrick T. Simmons; Angela Turner
Please call and email the members of the Committee immediately and respectfully, but firmly, request that HB578 be supported. It is vital that Lieutenant Governor Tate Reeves know that there is widespread, deep support for this bill. You can contact him using the following:
Phone: (601) 359-3200
Email: ltgov@senate.ms.gov
ACTION ITEM
Today, please take a moment to call and e-mail Lieutenant Governor Tate Reeves and ask him to do everything he can to support HB578. In your own words, please respectfully relay the following:
Dear Lieutenant Governor Reeves,
I urge you to support HB578, in order to protect those who in good faith report suspicious activity to appropriate authorities. This bill is of the utmost importance to me. Thank you for your leadership on this vital matter.
Sincerely,
(Your name and city)
*ACT for America is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit, non partisan organization that educates and empowers citizens to help play a role in enhancing our nation’s public safety. Today, ACT has 280,000 members and 875 chapters nationwide including chapters in 11 countries around the world as far as Australia, South Africa and Israel.
BILLS STILL ALIVE
APRIL 1, 2016
April 1, 2016
BAIL AGENTS — SB 2664, additional state regulations of bail bond companies.
EDUCATION
We gladly defer and recommend the organization EmpowerMS which monitors and updates all education issues in Mississippi. We also note the following bills below:
APPOINTED SUPERINTENDENTS — SB 2438 All local school superintendents would be appointed after the current four-year term (after January 1, 2019), eliminating the election of superintendents in 55 districts. Sent to Governor.
CHARTER SCHOOLS -- SB 2161 would allow charter schools to draw students from outside the district where they are located. Currently in House education committee.
CONSOLIDATION OF SCHOOL DISTRICTS
Holmes County and Durant, HB 926
Leflore County and Greenwood HB 987
Houston and Okolona, HB 991
Carroll County, Montgomery County and Winona, SB 2495
Lumberton and Lamar County, SB 2500
EDUCATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP -- HB 33 would allow any special needs child with an individual education plan in the past five years to be eligible for the educational scholarship account program.
FUNDING FOR EDUCATION
See article regarding MAEP funding wherein Senate proposes increase by $40M.
ELECTION LAW, VOTING AND CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORM
ELECTION CONDUCT -- HB 866, Increase penalties against anyone charged with improper conduct of elections and tampering with ballot boxes. (Penalty should be more severe; also need prosecutorial authority with more consequence.)
Read articles regarding corruption and comments by Wyatt Emmerich,
CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORM -- SB 2374 would force all statewide elected officials and candidates to itemize purchases from credit cards on their campaign finance statements.
Read article in Clarion-Ledger series regarding campaign finance reform.
VOTER REGISTRATION ONLINE — HB 809, complete voter registration forms online. (Concurred by both Houses)
FORFEITURE, CIVIL ASSET
HB 1410. Please call your senate and house members and ask them to support Transparency and accountability for Civil Asset forfeiture.
GUN CONTROL
HB 786 ARMED GUARDS IN CHURCH, the “Mississippi Church Protection Act,” would allow churches to form a security program and allow armed members to protect the church and its members; requires security program participants to have firearms permit and be trained. On House calendar, to concur.
RELIGIOUS OBJECTIONS — HB 1523, "Protecting Freedom of Conscience from Government Discrimination Act.” State officials, private business owners and others who provide services to the public would not be punished for acting on religious beliefs that marriage should only be between a man and a woman. STATUS UPDATE 4/5/16, 12:20 pm: THE GOVERNOR HAS SIGNED THIS BILL INTO LAW.
SANCTUARY CITIES – SB 2306, Sanctuary cities; prohibit, and require local cooperation with federal immigration control.
TERRORISM -- HB 578. Mississippi See Something, Say Something Act of 2016; enact (civil or criminal immunity for reporting). Act for America wants this bill to be passed.
TAX INCREASE -- SB 2921 is the only surviving bill that could raise gasoline taxes for highways. See informative article here from Mississippi Watchdog.org. See relevant dead bills below.
TRANSPARENCY – Read about public records requests (FOIA) and more here.
TRANSPORTATION
JACKSON AIRPORT -- SB 2162 would create a new regional board for the Jackson Medgar Wiley Evers Municipal Airport. At present, the Jackson Municipal Airport Authority’s commission is appointed by the mayor of Jackson, which owns the airport and surrounding land. The governor would have the authority to appoint 8 of the 9 commissioners and they would have to possess aviation or business expertise. Back to Senate to concur; then to GOVERNOR.
See article about funding.
BAIL AGENTS — SB 2664, additional state regulations of bail bond companies.
EDUCATION
We gladly defer and recommend the organization EmpowerMS which monitors and updates all education issues in Mississippi. We also note the following bills below:
APPOINTED SUPERINTENDENTS — SB 2438 All local school superintendents would be appointed after the current four-year term (after January 1, 2019), eliminating the election of superintendents in 55 districts. Sent to Governor.
CHARTER SCHOOLS -- SB 2161 would allow charter schools to draw students from outside the district where they are located. Currently in House education committee.
CONSOLIDATION OF SCHOOL DISTRICTS
Holmes County and Durant, HB 926
Leflore County and Greenwood HB 987
Houston and Okolona, HB 991
Carroll County, Montgomery County and Winona, SB 2495
Lumberton and Lamar County, SB 2500
EDUCATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP -- HB 33 would allow any special needs child with an individual education plan in the past five years to be eligible for the educational scholarship account program.
FUNDING FOR EDUCATION
See article regarding MAEP funding wherein Senate proposes increase by $40M.
ELECTION LAW, VOTING AND CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORM
ELECTION CONDUCT -- HB 866, Increase penalties against anyone charged with improper conduct of elections and tampering with ballot boxes. (Penalty should be more severe; also need prosecutorial authority with more consequence.)
Read articles regarding corruption and comments by Wyatt Emmerich,
CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORM -- SB 2374 would force all statewide elected officials and candidates to itemize purchases from credit cards on their campaign finance statements.
Read article in Clarion-Ledger series regarding campaign finance reform.
VOTER REGISTRATION ONLINE — HB 809, complete voter registration forms online. (Concurred by both Houses)
FORFEITURE, CIVIL ASSET
HB 1410. Please call your senate and house members and ask them to support Transparency and accountability for Civil Asset forfeiture.
GUN CONTROL
HB 786 ARMED GUARDS IN CHURCH, the “Mississippi Church Protection Act,” would allow churches to form a security program and allow armed members to protect the church and its members; requires security program participants to have firearms permit and be trained. On House calendar, to concur.
RELIGIOUS OBJECTIONS — HB 1523, "Protecting Freedom of Conscience from Government Discrimination Act.” State officials, private business owners and others who provide services to the public would not be punished for acting on religious beliefs that marriage should only be between a man and a woman. STATUS UPDATE 4/5/16, 12:20 pm: THE GOVERNOR HAS SIGNED THIS BILL INTO LAW.
SANCTUARY CITIES – SB 2306, Sanctuary cities; prohibit, and require local cooperation with federal immigration control.
TERRORISM -- HB 578. Mississippi See Something, Say Something Act of 2016; enact (civil or criminal immunity for reporting). Act for America wants this bill to be passed.
TAX INCREASE -- SB 2921 is the only surviving bill that could raise gasoline taxes for highways. See informative article here from Mississippi Watchdog.org. See relevant dead bills below.
TRANSPARENCY – Read about public records requests (FOIA) and more here.
TRANSPORTATION
JACKSON AIRPORT -- SB 2162 would create a new regional board for the Jackson Medgar Wiley Evers Municipal Airport. At present, the Jackson Municipal Airport Authority’s commission is appointed by the mayor of Jackson, which owns the airport and surrounding land. The governor would have the authority to appoint 8 of the 9 commissioners and they would have to possess aviation or business expertise. Back to Senate to concur; then to GOVERNOR.
See article about funding.
BILLS DEAD
APRIL 1, 2016
April 1, 2016
EDUCATION
CHARTER SCHOOLS
HB 1044 would allow students to cross district lines to attend another public school, with their former district providing the student’s new district with money for the student and the parents responsible for transportation to the new school. DEAD
PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY - SB 2413 Personal responsibility; require implementation in middle and high school curriculum. The proposed language of this bill plays right into the agenda of the Human Rights Campaign and the LGBT agenda. Our federal government is driving this and it’s funded by grants from Obamacare. This bill presents a real danger to our children and to public education (read this article). (DEAD on calendar)
SCHOOL DISTRICT CONSOLIDATION
Chickasaw County, SB 2497
Holmes County, SB 2494
ELECTION LAW, VOTING AND CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORM
EARLY VOTING — HB 796, Allows voting three weeks before an election. DEAD
CAMPAIGN FUNDS – SB 2674, Prohibit personal use. DIED IN COMMITTEE.
GUN CONTROL
HB 782 sets the foundation to reject and block federal gun control by agency rule or executive order. The bill must pass in the Senate Judiciary A Committee by Tuesday March 22. This is an urgently important bill because in the last year of the Obama Administration, POTUS wants a STRONG FOOTHOLD to confiscate all means of self-defense by way of firearms. DEAD
GUN RIGHTS
There are several gun rights bills that are extremely important. The Facebook page of Mississippi for Liberty does an incredible job of advocacy and keeping folks advised. Please go there for the latest on dead and alive bills.
HB 571. Firearms; clarify meaning of courthouse and courtroom for purpose of carrying. DEAD
HB 758 restricts boards, commissions and agencies from regulating firearms. DEAD
HEALTH
HB 938, Vaccinations, authorize exemptions for medical purposes. The Facebook page Mississippi Parents for Vaccine Rights does an incredible job of advocacy and keeping the people informed. Please go there for the latest. This is another bill attempting to compromise parents’ ability to make informed decisions for their children as well as give Child Protective Services another opportunity to do the same. (DIED 3-22-16 in Senate Committee)
PARENTAL RIGHTS –
HB 4, Parental Involvement & Accountability. This is a BAD bill which DIED in Senate Education Committee.
SB 2824, termination of Parental Rights. DEAD.
SUPREME COURT DISTRICTS — HB 868, Simpson County would move from the southern to the central Supreme Court district. DEAD.
TAXES - GAS TAX INCREASE - SB 2859 called for an eight percent increase in the state gas tax, as well as increases in vehicle registration and other user fees. This bill and also HB 1681and 1694 all died in committee. The only bill still alive is SB 2921. See informative article and another.
TRANSPORTATION
Regulations -- SB 2815 statewide regulations for networked ride providers (such as Uber and Lyft) and supersede any municipal ordinances (such as Jackson’s). DEAD
EDUCATION
CHARTER SCHOOLS
HB 1044 would allow students to cross district lines to attend another public school, with their former district providing the student’s new district with money for the student and the parents responsible for transportation to the new school. DEAD
PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY - SB 2413 Personal responsibility; require implementation in middle and high school curriculum. The proposed language of this bill plays right into the agenda of the Human Rights Campaign and the LGBT agenda. Our federal government is driving this and it’s funded by grants from Obamacare. This bill presents a real danger to our children and to public education (read this article). (DEAD on calendar)
SCHOOL DISTRICT CONSOLIDATION
Chickasaw County, SB 2497
Holmes County, SB 2494
ELECTION LAW, VOTING AND CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORM
EARLY VOTING — HB 796, Allows voting three weeks before an election. DEAD
CAMPAIGN FUNDS – SB 2674, Prohibit personal use. DIED IN COMMITTEE.
GUN CONTROL
HB 782 sets the foundation to reject and block federal gun control by agency rule or executive order. The bill must pass in the Senate Judiciary A Committee by Tuesday March 22. This is an urgently important bill because in the last year of the Obama Administration, POTUS wants a STRONG FOOTHOLD to confiscate all means of self-defense by way of firearms. DEAD
GUN RIGHTS
There are several gun rights bills that are extremely important. The Facebook page of Mississippi for Liberty does an incredible job of advocacy and keeping folks advised. Please go there for the latest on dead and alive bills.
HB 571. Firearms; clarify meaning of courthouse and courtroom for purpose of carrying. DEAD
HB 758 restricts boards, commissions and agencies from regulating firearms. DEAD
HEALTH
HB 938, Vaccinations, authorize exemptions for medical purposes. The Facebook page Mississippi Parents for Vaccine Rights does an incredible job of advocacy and keeping the people informed. Please go there for the latest. This is another bill attempting to compromise parents’ ability to make informed decisions for their children as well as give Child Protective Services another opportunity to do the same. (DIED 3-22-16 in Senate Committee)
PARENTAL RIGHTS –
HB 4, Parental Involvement & Accountability. This is a BAD bill which DIED in Senate Education Committee.
SB 2824, termination of Parental Rights. DEAD.
SUPREME COURT DISTRICTS — HB 868, Simpson County would move from the southern to the central Supreme Court district. DEAD.
TAXES - GAS TAX INCREASE - SB 2859 called for an eight percent increase in the state gas tax, as well as increases in vehicle registration and other user fees. This bill and also HB 1681and 1694 all died in committee. The only bill still alive is SB 2921. See informative article and another.
TRANSPORTATION
Regulations -- SB 2815 statewide regulations for networked ride providers (such as Uber and Lyft) and supersede any municipal ordinances (such as Jackson’s). DEAD
MISSISSIPPI
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
MARCH 18, 2016
As we have seen, the Federal Government is working hard to grab our liberties from us by any means possible. The Mississippi Legislature is considering a number of bills which say unequivocally that if it is not enumerated in the Articles of the U.S. Constitution (belonging to the purview of the Federal Government), they have no authority to pass laws, regulations, or executive orders that infringe upon our liberties. The powers of the States are preserved by reserving them (all other powers not enumerated) to the States.
The Founders were smart enough to write the Bill of Rights to assist in preserving individual and State's rights. Today we see the Feds and the POTUS writing laws, issuing executive orders, and agencies writing regulations to subvert those long-held tenets of the American Republic.
Areas of vast concern are:
1. Education
2. Election Reform
3. Firearms with regard to the Second Amendment
4. Land and property confiscation, Forfeiture – Civil and Criminal
5. Transparency in Government
6. Convention of States
7. Illegal Refugees
8. Budget
The Mississippi Legislature continues to process bills and is currently focusing on many budget bills. We hereby submit info about the particular dead and surviving bills, and will send action alerts to motivate the Mississippi Legislature to stand against the Federal Government. We believe that the education of our children should be left to us who should be overseeing them, and we want our property rights secured. The next deadlines are today and March 22.
See ALIVE and DEAD bills below.
The Founders were smart enough to write the Bill of Rights to assist in preserving individual and State's rights. Today we see the Feds and the POTUS writing laws, issuing executive orders, and agencies writing regulations to subvert those long-held tenets of the American Republic.
Areas of vast concern are:
1. Education
2. Election Reform
3. Firearms with regard to the Second Amendment
4. Land and property confiscation, Forfeiture – Civil and Criminal
5. Transparency in Government
6. Convention of States
7. Illegal Refugees
8. Budget
The Mississippi Legislature continues to process bills and is currently focusing on many budget bills. We hereby submit info about the particular dead and surviving bills, and will send action alerts to motivate the Mississippi Legislature to stand against the Federal Government. We believe that the education of our children should be left to us who should be overseeing them, and we want our property rights secured. The next deadlines are today and March 22.
See ALIVE and DEAD bills below.
BILLS STILL ALIVE
March 18, 2016
BAIL AGENTS — SB 2664, additional state regulations of bail bond companies.
EDUCATION
We gladly defer and recommend the organization EmpowerMS which monitors and updates all education issues in Mississippi. We also note the following education bills below:
APPOINTED SUPERINTENDENTS — SB 2438 All local school superintendents would be appointed after the current four-year term (after January 1, 2019), eliminating the election of superintendents in 55 districts.
CHARTER SCHOOLS
HB 1044 would allow students to cross district lines to attend another public school, with their former district providing the student’s new district with money for the student and the parents responsible for transportation to the new school. Currently in Senate education committee.
SB 2161 would allow charter schools to draw students from outside the district where they are located. Currently in House education committee.
CONSOLIDATION OF SCHOOL DISTRICTS
Holmes County and Durant, HB 926
Leflore County and Greenwood HB 987
Chickasaw County, Houston and Okolona, HB 991 and SB 2497
Carroll County, Montgomery County and Winona, SB 2495
Lumberton and Lamar County, SB 2500
EDUCATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP -- HB 33 would allow any special needs child with an individual education plan in the past five years to be eligible for the educational scholarship account program.
FUNDING FOR EDUCATION
See article regarding MAEP funding wherein Senate proposes increase by $40M.
ELECTION LAW, VOTING AND CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORM
EARLY VOTING — HB 796, Allows voting three weeks before an election.
ELECTION CONDUCT --
HB 866, Increase penalties against anyone charged with improper conduct of elections and tampering with ballot boxes. (Penalty should be more severe; also need prosecutorial authority with more consequence.)
Read articles regarding corruption and comments by Wyatt Emmerich,
CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORM
SB 2374 would force all statewide elected officials and candidates to itemize purchases from credit cards on their campaign finance statements.
Read article in Clarion-Ledger series regarding campaign finance reform.
VOTER REGISTRATION ONLINE — HB 809, complete voter registration forms online. (House passed 118-2; currently in Senate elections committee.)
FORFEITURE, CIVIL ASSET
HB 1410. Please call your senate and house members and ask them to support Transparency and accountability for Civil Asset forfeiture.
GUN RIGHTS
There are several gun rights bills that are extremely important. The Facebook page of Mississippi for Liberty does an incredible job of advocacy and keeping folks advised. Please go there for the latest on dead and alive bills. Here are a few that should be noted:
HB 571. Firearms; clarify meaning of courthouse and courtroom for purpose of carrying.
HB 758 restricts boards, commissions and agencies from regulating firearms.
GUN CONTROL
HB 782 sets the foundation to reject and block federal gun control by agency rule or executive order. The bill must pass in the Senate Judiciary A Committee by Tuesday March 22. This is an urgently important bill because in the last year of the Obama Administration, POTUS wants a STRONG FOOTHOLD to confiscate all means of self-defense by way of firearms.
HB 786 ARMED GUARDS IN CHURCH, the “Mississippi Church Protection Act,” would allow churches to form a security program and allow armed members to protect the church and its members; requires security program participants to have firearms permit and be trained. Pro-gun legislation (HB 786) containing Constitutional Carry language has passed (3/21/16) the Senate Judiciary Committee, as amended, and Bloomberg's anti-gun cronies are looking for every avenue of compromise to water down and kill the bill. Please call all your Senators and ask them to pass it.
PARENTAL RIGHTS – HB 4, Parental Involvement & Accountability. A similar bill SB 2824 from Senate died. This is a BAD bill that is currently in Senate Education Committee. Please call Senators and tell them to OPPOSE it.
RELIGIOUS OBJECTIONS — HB 1523, "Protecting Freedom of Conscience from Government Discrimination Act.” State officials, private business owners and others who provide services to the public would not be punished for acting on religious beliefs that marriage should only be between a man and a woman.
SUPREME COURT DISTRICTS — HB 868, Simpson County would move from the southern to the central Supreme Court district.
TERRORISM -- HB 578. Mississippi See Something, Say Something Act of 2016; enact (civil or criminal immunity for reporting). Act for America wants this bill to be passed.
TAX INCREASE -- SB 2921 is the only surviving bill that could raise gasoline taxes for highways. See informative article here from Mississippi Watchdog.org. See relevant dead bills below.
TRANSPARENCY – It is Sunshine Week…. Read about public records requests (FOIA) and more here.
TRANSPORTATION
JACKSON AIRPORT -- SB 2162 would create a new regional board for the Jackson Medgar Wiley Evers Municipal Airport. At present, the Jackson Municipal Airport Authority’s commission is appointed by the mayor of Jackson, which owns the airport and surrounding land. The governor would have the authority to appoint 8 of the 9 commissioners and they would have to possess aviation or business expertise.
Regulations -- SB 2815 statewide regulations for networked ride providers (such as Uber and Lyft) and supersede any municipal ordinances (such as Jackson’s).
See article about funding.
EDUCATION
We gladly defer and recommend the organization EmpowerMS which monitors and updates all education issues in Mississippi. We also note the following education bills below:
APPOINTED SUPERINTENDENTS — SB 2438 All local school superintendents would be appointed after the current four-year term (after January 1, 2019), eliminating the election of superintendents in 55 districts.
CHARTER SCHOOLS
HB 1044 would allow students to cross district lines to attend another public school, with their former district providing the student’s new district with money for the student and the parents responsible for transportation to the new school. Currently in Senate education committee.
SB 2161 would allow charter schools to draw students from outside the district where they are located. Currently in House education committee.
CONSOLIDATION OF SCHOOL DISTRICTS
Holmes County and Durant, HB 926
Leflore County and Greenwood HB 987
Chickasaw County, Houston and Okolona, HB 991 and SB 2497
Carroll County, Montgomery County and Winona, SB 2495
Lumberton and Lamar County, SB 2500
EDUCATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP -- HB 33 would allow any special needs child with an individual education plan in the past five years to be eligible for the educational scholarship account program.
FUNDING FOR EDUCATION
See article regarding MAEP funding wherein Senate proposes increase by $40M.
ELECTION LAW, VOTING AND CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORM
EARLY VOTING — HB 796, Allows voting three weeks before an election.
ELECTION CONDUCT --
HB 866, Increase penalties against anyone charged with improper conduct of elections and tampering with ballot boxes. (Penalty should be more severe; also need prosecutorial authority with more consequence.)
Read articles regarding corruption and comments by Wyatt Emmerich,
CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORM
SB 2374 would force all statewide elected officials and candidates to itemize purchases from credit cards on their campaign finance statements.
Read article in Clarion-Ledger series regarding campaign finance reform.
VOTER REGISTRATION ONLINE — HB 809, complete voter registration forms online. (House passed 118-2; currently in Senate elections committee.)
FORFEITURE, CIVIL ASSET
HB 1410. Please call your senate and house members and ask them to support Transparency and accountability for Civil Asset forfeiture.
GUN RIGHTS
There are several gun rights bills that are extremely important. The Facebook page of Mississippi for Liberty does an incredible job of advocacy and keeping folks advised. Please go there for the latest on dead and alive bills. Here are a few that should be noted:
HB 571. Firearms; clarify meaning of courthouse and courtroom for purpose of carrying.
HB 758 restricts boards, commissions and agencies from regulating firearms.
GUN CONTROL
HB 782 sets the foundation to reject and block federal gun control by agency rule or executive order. The bill must pass in the Senate Judiciary A Committee by Tuesday March 22. This is an urgently important bill because in the last year of the Obama Administration, POTUS wants a STRONG FOOTHOLD to confiscate all means of self-defense by way of firearms.
HB 786 ARMED GUARDS IN CHURCH, the “Mississippi Church Protection Act,” would allow churches to form a security program and allow armed members to protect the church and its members; requires security program participants to have firearms permit and be trained. Pro-gun legislation (HB 786) containing Constitutional Carry language has passed (3/21/16) the Senate Judiciary Committee, as amended, and Bloomberg's anti-gun cronies are looking for every avenue of compromise to water down and kill the bill. Please call all your Senators and ask them to pass it.
PARENTAL RIGHTS – HB 4, Parental Involvement & Accountability. A similar bill SB 2824 from Senate died. This is a BAD bill that is currently in Senate Education Committee. Please call Senators and tell them to OPPOSE it.
RELIGIOUS OBJECTIONS — HB 1523, "Protecting Freedom of Conscience from Government Discrimination Act.” State officials, private business owners and others who provide services to the public would not be punished for acting on religious beliefs that marriage should only be between a man and a woman.
SUPREME COURT DISTRICTS — HB 868, Simpson County would move from the southern to the central Supreme Court district.
TERRORISM -- HB 578. Mississippi See Something, Say Something Act of 2016; enact (civil or criminal immunity for reporting). Act for America wants this bill to be passed.
TAX INCREASE -- SB 2921 is the only surviving bill that could raise gasoline taxes for highways. See informative article here from Mississippi Watchdog.org. See relevant dead bills below.
TRANSPARENCY – It is Sunshine Week…. Read about public records requests (FOIA) and more here.
TRANSPORTATION
JACKSON AIRPORT -- SB 2162 would create a new regional board for the Jackson Medgar Wiley Evers Municipal Airport. At present, the Jackson Municipal Airport Authority’s commission is appointed by the mayor of Jackson, which owns the airport and surrounding land. The governor would have the authority to appoint 8 of the 9 commissioners and they would have to possess aviation or business expertise.
Regulations -- SB 2815 statewide regulations for networked ride providers (such as Uber and Lyft) and supersede any municipal ordinances (such as Jackson’s).
See article about funding.
BILLS DEAD MARCH 18, 2016
EDUCATION - SCHOOL DISTRICT CONSOLIDATION
Holmes County, SB 2494.
EDUCATION - SB 2413 Personal responsibility; require implementation in middle and high school curriculum. The proposed language of this bill plays right into the agenda of the Human Rights Campaign and the LGBT agenda. Our federal government is driving this and it’s funded by grants from Obamacare. This bill presents a real danger to our children and to public education (read this article). (Dead on calendar)
PARENTAL RIGHTS – SB 2824, termination of.
TAXES - GAS TAX INCREASE - SB 2859 called for an eight percent increase in the state gas tax, as well as increases in vehicle registration and other user fees. This bill and also HB 1681and 1694 all died in committee. The only bill still alive is SB 2921. See informative article and another.
HEALTH
HB 938, Vaccinations, authorize exemptions for medical purposes. The Facebook page Mississippi Parents for Vaccine Rights does an incredible job of advocacy and keeping the people informed. Please go there for the latest. This is another bill attempting to compromise parents’ ability to make informed decisions for their children as well as give Child Protective Services another opportunity to do the same. (Update 3-21-16, DIED in Senate Committee)
Holmes County, SB 2494.
EDUCATION - SB 2413 Personal responsibility; require implementation in middle and high school curriculum. The proposed language of this bill plays right into the agenda of the Human Rights Campaign and the LGBT agenda. Our federal government is driving this and it’s funded by grants from Obamacare. This bill presents a real danger to our children and to public education (read this article). (Dead on calendar)
PARENTAL RIGHTS – SB 2824, termination of.
TAXES - GAS TAX INCREASE - SB 2859 called for an eight percent increase in the state gas tax, as well as increases in vehicle registration and other user fees. This bill and also HB 1681and 1694 all died in committee. The only bill still alive is SB 2921. See informative article and another.
HEALTH
HB 938, Vaccinations, authorize exemptions for medical purposes. The Facebook page Mississippi Parents for Vaccine Rights does an incredible job of advocacy and keeping the people informed. Please go there for the latest. This is another bill attempting to compromise parents’ ability to make informed decisions for their children as well as give Child Protective Services another opportunity to do the same. (Update 3-21-16, DIED in Senate Committee)
BILLS STILL ALIVE
February 24, 2016
EDUCATION
CHARTER SCHOOLS — Charter schools, operated by nonprofit groups separate from other public schools, could accept students from other school districts.
HB 1044 would allow students to cross district lines to attend another public school, with their former district providing the student’s new district with money for the student and the parents responsible for transportation to the new school.
SB 2161 would allow charter schools to draw students from outside the district where they are located.
APPOINTED SUPERINTENDENTS — SB 2438 All school superintendents would be appointed after the current four-year term, eliminating the election of superintendents in 55 districts.
SCHOOL DISTRICT CONSOLIDATIONS — Several bills would require consolidation of school districts.
Holmes County and Durant, HB 926
Leflore County and Greenwood HB 987
Chickasaw County, Houston and Okolona, HB 991 and SB 2497
Carroll County, Montgomery County and Winona, SB 2495
Lumberton and Lamar County, SB 2500
EDUCATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP -- HB 33 would allow any child with an individual education plan in the past five years to be eligible for the educational scholarship account program. The program now allows only those with a more recent individual plan to participate.
LGBT AGENDA - SB2413 Personal responsibility education; require implementation in middle and high school curriculum. The proposed language of this bill plays right into the agenda of the Human Rights Campaign and the LGBT agenda. Our federal government is driving this and it’s funded by grants from Obamacare. This bill presents a real danger to our children and to public education (read this article). This proposed bill is currently in the Senate Education Committee. Please contact those members and your state senator to voice your concerns.
VOTING AND ELECTIONS
Election law reform
EARLY VOTING — HB 796, Allows voting three weeks before an election.
ONLINE VOTER REGISTRATION — HB 809, complete voter registration forms online.
ELECTION CONDUCT — HB 866, Increase penalties against anyone charged with improper conduct of elections and tampering with ballot boxes.
CAMPAIGN FINANCE — SB 2374 would force all statewide elected officials and candidates to itemize purchases from credit cards on their campaign finance statements.
GUN RIGHTS
RESTRICT REGULATION OF FIREARMS - HB 758 restricts boards, commissions and agencies from regulating firearms.
ARMED GUARDS IN CHURCH — HB 786 the “Mississippi Church Protection Act,” would allow churches to form a security program and allow armed members to protect the church and its members; requires security program participants to have firearms permit and be trained.
HEALTH
Nurse Practitioners -- SB 2025 Certified nurse practitioners; no physician supervision required if over 3,600 hours of clinical practice; further amendment to include a 75-mile tether instead of 15-mile.
Vaccinations -- HB 938 authorize exemptions for medical purposes.
TRANSPORTATION
JACKSON AIRPORT -- SB 2162 would create a new regional board for the Jackson Medgar Wiley Evers Municipal Airport. At present, the Jackson Municipal Airport Authority’s commission is appointed by the mayor of Jackson, which owns the airport and surrounding land. The governor would have the authority to appoint 8 of the 9 commissioners and they would have to possess aviation or business expertise.
OTHER
BAIL AGENTS — SB 2664, additional state regulations of bail bond companies.
Regulations -- SB 2815 statewide regulations for networked ride providers (such as Uber and Lyft) and supersede any municipal ordinances (such as Jackson’s).
SUPREME COURT DISTRICTS — HB 868, Simpson County would move from the southern to the central Supreme Court district.
RELIGIOUS OBJECTIONS — HB 1523, "Protecting Freedom of Conscience from Government Discrimination Act.” State officials, private business owners and others who provide services to the public would not be punished for acting on religious beliefs that marriage should only be between a man and a woman.
WELFARE REFORM – SB 1116, Medicaid & Human Services Fraud Control Act; create.
CHARTER SCHOOLS — Charter schools, operated by nonprofit groups separate from other public schools, could accept students from other school districts.
HB 1044 would allow students to cross district lines to attend another public school, with their former district providing the student’s new district with money for the student and the parents responsible for transportation to the new school.
SB 2161 would allow charter schools to draw students from outside the district where they are located.
APPOINTED SUPERINTENDENTS — SB 2438 All school superintendents would be appointed after the current four-year term, eliminating the election of superintendents in 55 districts.
SCHOOL DISTRICT CONSOLIDATIONS — Several bills would require consolidation of school districts.
Holmes County and Durant, HB 926
Leflore County and Greenwood HB 987
Chickasaw County, Houston and Okolona, HB 991 and SB 2497
Carroll County, Montgomery County and Winona, SB 2495
Lumberton and Lamar County, SB 2500
EDUCATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP -- HB 33 would allow any child with an individual education plan in the past five years to be eligible for the educational scholarship account program. The program now allows only those with a more recent individual plan to participate.
LGBT AGENDA - SB2413 Personal responsibility education; require implementation in middle and high school curriculum. The proposed language of this bill plays right into the agenda of the Human Rights Campaign and the LGBT agenda. Our federal government is driving this and it’s funded by grants from Obamacare. This bill presents a real danger to our children and to public education (read this article). This proposed bill is currently in the Senate Education Committee. Please contact those members and your state senator to voice your concerns.
VOTING AND ELECTIONS
Election law reform
EARLY VOTING — HB 796, Allows voting three weeks before an election.
ONLINE VOTER REGISTRATION — HB 809, complete voter registration forms online.
ELECTION CONDUCT — HB 866, Increase penalties against anyone charged with improper conduct of elections and tampering with ballot boxes.
CAMPAIGN FINANCE — SB 2374 would force all statewide elected officials and candidates to itemize purchases from credit cards on their campaign finance statements.
GUN RIGHTS
RESTRICT REGULATION OF FIREARMS - HB 758 restricts boards, commissions and agencies from regulating firearms.
ARMED GUARDS IN CHURCH — HB 786 the “Mississippi Church Protection Act,” would allow churches to form a security program and allow armed members to protect the church and its members; requires security program participants to have firearms permit and be trained.
HEALTH
Nurse Practitioners -- SB 2025 Certified nurse practitioners; no physician supervision required if over 3,600 hours of clinical practice; further amendment to include a 75-mile tether instead of 15-mile.
Vaccinations -- HB 938 authorize exemptions for medical purposes.
TRANSPORTATION
JACKSON AIRPORT -- SB 2162 would create a new regional board for the Jackson Medgar Wiley Evers Municipal Airport. At present, the Jackson Municipal Airport Authority’s commission is appointed by the mayor of Jackson, which owns the airport and surrounding land. The governor would have the authority to appoint 8 of the 9 commissioners and they would have to possess aviation or business expertise.
OTHER
BAIL AGENTS — SB 2664, additional state regulations of bail bond companies.
Regulations -- SB 2815 statewide regulations for networked ride providers (such as Uber and Lyft) and supersede any municipal ordinances (such as Jackson’s).
SUPREME COURT DISTRICTS — HB 868, Simpson County would move from the southern to the central Supreme Court district.
RELIGIOUS OBJECTIONS — HB 1523, "Protecting Freedom of Conscience from Government Discrimination Act.” State officials, private business owners and others who provide services to the public would not be punished for acting on religious beliefs that marriage should only be between a man and a woman.
WELFARE REFORM – SB 1116, Medicaid & Human Services Fraud Control Act; create.
DEAD BILLS
February 24, 2016
ABORTION — HB 590, ban a commonly used second-trimester abortion procedure, dilation and evacuation; courts have already blocked similar laws that KS and OK enacted in 2015.
ALCOHOL
BEER SALES BY BREWERIES — HB 846, and SB 2744 . Breweries could have sold beer on premises, and brewpubs could have sold beer for people to take home.
WINE IN GROCERY STORES — HB 841 and SB 2821. Grocery stores could have sold wine, or alternately the state would have studied the possibility of such sales.
CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS
CAMPAIGN FINANCE — HB 685 restrict use of campaign contributions by elected officials for personal expenses.
EDUCATION
ASSISTANT TEACHERS -- HB 247 increase base salary of Assistant teachers by $2,500
CREATIONISM — HB 50 Teachers would have had a broad discussion with students about scientific topics that might cause “debate and disputation,” such as evolution, the chemical origins of life, climate change and human cloning.
EDUCATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM — HB 943, which is now limited to parents of children with special needs — would be expanded to 1% of the state’s estimated public school enrollment. Children with special needs would receive priority for the available slots in the program, then children from low-income households and finally other children. The amount of the scholarship for special needs students would remain at $6,500. When the Appropriations meeting was cancelled due to severe weather, the bill DIED.
FUNDING -- SB 2452 requires school districts to devote 75% of their funds toward instruction.
LUNCH MONEY — HB 1064 allows schools to use collection agencies to seek overdue lunch money if a student owes more than $15, does not apply to students who qualify for free or reduced lunches.
SOCIAL STUDIES CURRICULUM - HB 978, Teaching U.S. exceptionalism in schools.
OTHER
ANIMAL ABUSE — SB 2174 Penalties would have been strengthened for the abuse of cats and dogs.
ALCOHOL
BEER SALES BY BREWERIES — HB 846, and SB 2744 . Breweries could have sold beer on premises, and brewpubs could have sold beer for people to take home.
WINE IN GROCERY STORES — HB 841 and SB 2821. Grocery stores could have sold wine, or alternately the state would have studied the possibility of such sales.
CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS
CAMPAIGN FINANCE — HB 685 restrict use of campaign contributions by elected officials for personal expenses.
EDUCATION
ASSISTANT TEACHERS -- HB 247 increase base salary of Assistant teachers by $2,500
CREATIONISM — HB 50 Teachers would have had a broad discussion with students about scientific topics that might cause “debate and disputation,” such as evolution, the chemical origins of life, climate change and human cloning.
EDUCATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM — HB 943, which is now limited to parents of children with special needs — would be expanded to 1% of the state’s estimated public school enrollment. Children with special needs would receive priority for the available slots in the program, then children from low-income households and finally other children. The amount of the scholarship for special needs students would remain at $6,500. When the Appropriations meeting was cancelled due to severe weather, the bill DIED.
FUNDING -- SB 2452 requires school districts to devote 75% of their funds toward instruction.
LUNCH MONEY — HB 1064 allows schools to use collection agencies to seek overdue lunch money if a student owes more than $15, does not apply to students who qualify for free or reduced lunches.
SOCIAL STUDIES CURRICULUM - HB 978, Teaching U.S. exceptionalism in schools.
OTHER
ANIMAL ABUSE — SB 2174 Penalties would have been strengthened for the abuse of cats and dogs.
HOW A BILL BECOMES A LAW
NEW MEMBERS OF MISSISSIPPI
hOUSE AND SENATE
Sixteen House members and 5 Senate members chose not to run again. In addition to those not running for reelection, after redistricting, 5 new districts were drawn for the House, and 1 additional district was drawn for the Senate.
Legislative Districts Map
Legislative Districts Map
New Mississippi lawmakers bring broad experience by Emily Pettus
Experience from other elected offices
Previous legislative experience
Familiar faces at the Capitol.
Worked in public service jobs.
Business owners.
Experience from other elected offices
- Rep.-elect Carl Mickens — who defeated longtime Rep. Reecy Dickson, another Democrat from Macon — is a five-term Noxubee County circuit clerk.
- Democratic Sen.-elect Juan Barnett has been Heidelberg mayor for 14 years. He succeeds Sen. Haskins Montgomery, D-Bay Springs, who didn’t seek a third term.
- Republican Sen.-elect Chad McMahan is a Guntown alderman; he defeated Sen. Nancy Collins, R-Tupelo, who has served five years.
- Democratic Rep.-elect Jay Hughes is an Oxford alderman; he defeated one-term Rep. Brad Mayo, R-Oxford.
- Republican Rep.-elect Rob Roberson of Starkville is a former alderman. He will represent a new district created when legislative maps were redrawn in 2012 and a House seat shifted over into the Golden Triangle because of population growth.
Previous legislative experience
- Roberson won a 1998 special election to fill a House seat, serving until 2004.
- Sen.-elect Dennis DeBar, R-Leakesville, is moving over from the House, where he served one term. He defeated one-term Sen. Philip Gandy of Waynesboro in the GOP primary.
- Sen.-elect Barbara Blackmon, D-Canton, is returning to the seat she held 11 years, from 1993 to 2004. She was the Democratic nominee for lieutenant governor in 2003, losing to Republican incumbent Amy Tuck. During the party primary this year, Blackmon defeated two-term Sen. Kenny Wayne Jones of Canton.
- Former Sen. Bob Dearing, D-Natchez, might return to the seat he held 32 years. In the Nov. 3 general election, Dearing defeated Republican Sen. Melanie Sojourner of Natchez, who unseated him four years ago. Sojourner has asked to re-examine ballot boxes, and she could ask the Senate to seat her rather than Dearing if she can persuade members the election was not conducted fairly.
Familiar faces at the Capitol.
- Rep.-elect Jarvis Dortch, D-Raymond, has worked as an attorney for Mississippi Health Advocacy Program, which has pushed for Medicaid expansion. Dortch defeated one-term Rep. Brad Oberhousen, D-Jackson.
- Rep.-elect Kathy Sykes, D-Jackson, has logged many hours at the Capitol as a civil rights activist. She succeeds Rep. Jim Evans, D-Jackson, who didn’t seek a seventh term.
- Rep.-elect Cory Wilson, R-Madison, is an attorney who has worked for Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann and Treasurer Lynn Fitch. He was elected from a new district created because of growth in Jackson’s northern suburbs.
Worked in public service jobs.
- Rep.-elect Jeff Hale, R-Nesbit, has had a long career as a firefighter. He was elected to a new district created because of growth in DeSoto County.
- Rep.-elect Ashley Henley, R-Walls, has taught gifted classes in DeSoto County schools and history at Northwest Community College. She defeated one-term Rep. Pat Nelson, R-Southaven.
Business owners.
- Rep.-elect Joel Bomgar, R-Madison, is founder and CEO of a tech company that bears his name. He succeeds Rep. Rita Martinson, R-Madison, who didn’t seek a seventh term.
- Sen.-elect Kevin Blackwell, R-Southaven, who was elected from a new district, owns two medical companies and a wine store.
- Rep.-elect Robert Foster, R-Hernando, who was elected from a new district, is an owner of Cedar Hill Farm in DeSoto County, an agribusiness used for weddings, paintball and other purposes. It’s also a cut-your-own Christmas tree farm.
issues facing 2016 legislators
EDUCATION REFORM
STATE FLAG CONTROVERSY – which will decide? State law remain, or citizens vote or Legislature make law
SAME SEX MARRIAGE – legalized by SCOTUS; state House Judiciary Chairman Andy Gipson says, “We will be researching what options there are . . . .”
Public Corruption – MS most corrupt state
Prison system – corruption
Gun debates – mass shootings
Refugees, Syrian – Gov. Bryant speaks
Immigration, Illegal
Highways & Infrastructure – push to raise taxes $375M, video; study by MS Economic Council
- School Choice
- Initiative 42 – on ballot in November, defeated, parents DO want more control over their schools
- Common Core – alternative education standards line up almost verbatim with Common Core; name change only
- K-12 education
- Higher Education
STATE FLAG CONTROVERSY – which will decide? State law remain, or citizens vote or Legislature make law
SAME SEX MARRIAGE – legalized by SCOTUS; state House Judiciary Chairman Andy Gipson says, “We will be researching what options there are . . . .”
Public Corruption – MS most corrupt state
Prison system – corruption
Gun debates – mass shootings
Refugees, Syrian – Gov. Bryant speaks
Immigration, Illegal
Highways & Infrastructure – push to raise taxes $375M, video; study by MS Economic Council
2018 Mississippi Legislative Session - noon January 2, 2018 - April 1, 2018
2018 Legislative Deadlines
2018 - Find a Bill
or Find a Bill
2017 Mississippi Legislative Session - noon Jan. 3, 2017 -
April 2, 2017
2017 Legislative Deadlines
2017 - Find a Bill
2016 Mississippi Legislative Session - noon January 5, 2016 – Sunday, April 24, 2016.
2016 Mississippi Legislative Session Summary
2015 Mississippi Legislative Session Summary
How Does a Bill Become a Law
Maps, Legislative, State, County
Mississippi Code
My Legislator
My Legislator, Find My
My Legislator - How Do They VOTE
Mississippi Legislature
Mississippi Legislature House Committees
Mississippi Legislature Senate Committees
Mississippi Legislative History Project (to search bills)
Mississippi Legislature WEBCASTS
Mississippi Legislature, Videos of
Mississippi Legislators Voting Record
National Conference of State Legislators
Rules, Mississippi House
Rules, Mississippi Senate
2018 Legislative Deadlines
2018 - Find a Bill
or Find a Bill
2017 Mississippi Legislative Session - noon Jan. 3, 2017 -
April 2, 2017
2017 Legislative Deadlines
2017 - Find a Bill
2016 Mississippi Legislative Session - noon January 5, 2016 – Sunday, April 24, 2016.
2016 Mississippi Legislative Session Summary
2015 Mississippi Legislative Session Summary
How Does a Bill Become a Law
Maps, Legislative, State, County
Mississippi Code
My Legislator
My Legislator, Find My
My Legislator - How Do They VOTE
Mississippi Legislature
Mississippi Legislature House Committees
Mississippi Legislature Senate Committees
Mississippi Legislative History Project (to search bills)
Mississippi Legislature WEBCASTS
Mississippi Legislature, Videos of
Mississippi Legislators Voting Record
National Conference of State Legislators
Rules, Mississippi House
Rules, Mississippi Senate
Mississippi 2016 Legislative Roster
The Electric Power Associations of Mississippi presents the 2016 Legislative Roster as a tribute to Mississippi’s elected officials, who serve for the benefit of all Mississippians. A FREE, interactive 2016 legislative app for Mississippi.
The easy-to-use mobile app provides information on Mississippi's state and federal elected officials. Look for "Mississippi Legislative Roster" in the Apple App Store. An Android version is also available. The app will be updated throughout the legislative session. We note that the SMART PHONE APP is available by following this link. This application gives encyclopedic information on the legislature, legislative deadlines. District maps, terms of office, judiciary terms, responsibility of members, US congressional delegation, and contact information for all officials. Click here for more info.
The popular roster is also available in these formats:
2016 Legislative Roster - online website
2016 Legislative Roster - digital
2016 Legislative Roster - .pdf
The 2015 editions remain available.
2015 Legislative Roster - digital
2015 Legislative Roster - .pdf
The easy-to-use mobile app provides information on Mississippi's state and federal elected officials. Look for "Mississippi Legislative Roster" in the Apple App Store. An Android version is also available. The app will be updated throughout the legislative session. We note that the SMART PHONE APP is available by following this link. This application gives encyclopedic information on the legislature, legislative deadlines. District maps, terms of office, judiciary terms, responsibility of members, US congressional delegation, and contact information for all officials. Click here for more info.
The popular roster is also available in these formats:
2016 Legislative Roster - online website
2016 Legislative Roster - digital
2016 Legislative Roster - .pdf
The 2015 editions remain available.
2015 Legislative Roster - digital
2015 Legislative Roster - .pdf
OUR INITIATIVES
Accountability (state contracts)
American Laws for American Courts
Convention of States
Education Reform (oppose Common Core, budgeting, school choice)
Election Law Reform
Immigration Reform
Oppose Obamacare
Property Rights, Taxation
State Powers (limit federal powers)
Tax Reform
Term Limits
Accountability (state contracts)
American Laws for American Courts
Convention of States
Education Reform (oppose Common Core, budgeting, school choice)
Election Law Reform
Immigration Reform
Oppose Obamacare
Property Rights, Taxation
State Powers (limit federal powers)
Tax Reform
Term Limits
transparency mississippi
WHERE IS THE ETHICS?
BECOME A LEGISLATIVE WATCHDOG
USE THE TOOLS & REFERENCES HERE,
AND HOLD YOUR LEGISLATORS ACCOUNTABLE !
