Some bills in line for tweaks

The Clarion-Ledger, 4/3/8

Some lawmakers want to clarify an illegal immigration law signed recently by Gov. Haley Barbour. Others want tougher penalties for violent assaults tied to identity theft.

These are just a few of the issues that remain unresolved in the final weeks of the legislative session. Other measures that need work include bills that would change casino laws, allow more prisons to be built around the state and permit utility companies to seek incremental rate hikes. Funding solutions for Medicaid and education haven’t been agreed upon, either.

House and Senate leaders will negotiate their differences in the next 2 1/2 weeks, then send the bills to Barbour’s desk. The session is scheduled to end April 19.