Utility, casino bills go to gov.

The Clarion-Ledger, 4/17/8

Utility companies eventually could charge customers more to pay for new power plants, public officials would have to abide by stricter ethics laws and casinos could be banned from building in certain counties under bills sent to Gov. Haley Barbour on Wednesday.

Only a few bills are left on the legislative calendar this year. But both chambers voted Wednesday evening to extend on paper the 2008 session until midnight April 23 so they can meet required deadlines for approving revenue and spending bills. Lawmakers still are expecting to go home Friday.

When lawmakers return today, a bill that could eventually allow 15 counties to build regional jails is among those expected to be taken up.