Floor deadline for general bills is here. What does not get taken up on the floor by midnight tonight will die.
These bills have passed so far:
HB 541 – This is the House’s gang bill, similar to the one the Senate passed earlier this week. The bill sparked quite a bit of debate on the floor with concern over profiling against fraternities and sororities. Rep. Gipson assured those opposed that the bill would only target individuals engaging in criminal activity.
HB 898 – The House version of a Medicaid Tech bill was amended and passed on Thursday. The committee substitute was presented with a repealer on several provisions with the Medicaid program. Long story short, the goal was to keep the bill alive to iron out the kinks.
HB 1083 – This bill sparked quite the conversation, Representative Young waved a gun around on the floor as he argued against this bill, that gives a lawmaker a right to actually do that. The bill was passed yesterday but tabled on a motion to reconsider.
HB 1238 – A bill that The Attorney General has been very outspoken in opposition of passed in the house, but not after heated and passionate debate. Several Democratic members argued that this bill was merely a way to take a stab at the AG’s office and it’s success, however Rep. baker argued that the AG has overstepped his power and this bill is meant to protect the people. The bill passed in a close vote of 57-52.
SB 2051 – This bill would authorize excess state funds to be invested into bonds issues or assumed by the State of Israel. The bill was amended and passed with the amendment.
SB 2934 – They’ve tried for years now, to increase the penalties for people who harm dogs or use them for dog fighting. This year might be the one that gets it through. This bill would increase the penalties for individuals who subject tongs to fighting.
HB 80 – This bill would prohibit vehicles from driving in the left lane on the highway unless under certain conditions. This isn’t the first time a bill like this has been pushed, now we just have to wait and see if the Senate is receptive. The center, or left lane, is supposed to be exclusively for passing or turning traffic.
HB 1083 – One bill causing quite a stir among lawmakers was HB 1083. The bill would allow for enhanced concealed carry holders to file suit against an agency if they are not allowed to carry their firearm in a public place. The bill was held on a motion to reconsider.
HB 1438 – The Sexual Assault Response for Student Act authored by Rep. Cockerham would create a standard for universities, community colleges, and junior colleges when it comes to handling sexual assault and domestic violence incidents on campus. The bill passed.
HB 1198 – A healthcare bill that would require insurance companies to provide infertility coverage. The bill would not cover state employees as is, which caused some concern among lawmakers. However, the vice-chairman of the Insurance committee assured representatives that it was a goal to eventually provide that coverage for public and private sectors.
HB 1512 – The discussion for BP Oil settlement funds was ended in the House yesterday after this bill was passed. The bill will deposit half of any funds that are not required to be placed in the Gulf Coast Restoration fund into the other ten special funds, all in equal amounts. The remaining one-half will be deposited into the other ten special funds based the proportion that that population needs.
SB 2091 – Should EMT’s be authorized to transport police dogs who are injured in the line of duty? This bill would allow for them to make that decision in the event no individuals are injured or need medical assistance. The bill passed in the House.
SB 2278 – Right now Mississippi has pretty strict laws on to who and where wine can be shipped. this bill would allow for the direct shipment of certain wines to retailers. The bill passed.
SB 2455 – In an effort to help cities restore infasturcture this bill would divert an additional amount of sales taxes to cities to fund infrastructure needs. The bill passed by majority.
SB 2868 – One of the bigger bills of the day was the gang bill that would outline harsher punishments for individuals who try to lure minors into gang activity. Sen. Wiggins explained that the bill would give lawmakers the tools to track down these individuals and arrest them.
HB 804 – This bill outlines the process to be taken if a voter shows up to vote in a district, but is not recognized in the system. They would be allowed to cast and affidavit ballot. That information would then be returned to the circuit clerks office and the individual has five days to show proof of identification.
HB 1080 – It caused quite a stir on social media, the “Mississippi Urine Trouble Act.” This act prohibits the sale or distribution of urine to alter someones chemical test, like a drug test. The bill outlines penalties for participating.
HB 1390 – If you’re a deer hunter you might want to pay attention to this new legislation. It would create a mandatory harvesting program in order to collect data. The process is described as simple and can even be done digitally.
SB 2555 – The bill would create the “Kevin Butler Act.” It would allow for the Mississippi Transportation Commission to take payment from contractors to enforce traffic laws in in some work zones. The bill was held on a motion to reconsider.
SB 2675 – This bill could potentially move the Child Protective Services back towards the control of DHS (a split made last year). The bill clarifies procedures for CPS. The bill was passed.
SB 2836 – The Mississippi Medicaid program bill was passed on the Senate floor. Authored by Republican Sen. Wiggins, the bill sparked quite a bit of debate from Democrats who say expansion needs to happen, even though this bill does not mention anything about expanding the program. It now heads to the House for consideration.
HB 526 – This bill would create the Mississippi Workforce Development Study Committee. The committee will review curriculum in K-12 schools that is made to promote workforce development and prepare students for joining the workforce directly after graduation. This bill has been passed and transmitted to the Senate.
HB 1215 – Medicaid, one of this year’s most hot button topics. This bill would extend the repealer on provisions that levy assessments on some health care facilities in order for more funding to go to the Medicaid program. The bill was passed in the House and then held on a motion to reconsider.
HB 1350 – This bill authored by Rep. Cockerham would simply ensure that the already established reduced rate for the levy and assessment of severance taxes on the initial oil and natural gas produced from horizontally drilled wells would continue. The bill has been passed in the House and transmitted to the Senate.
HB 1510 – This is one of the more recently controversial bills. It was presented on the floor on Friday and sparked quite the debate. The bill would prohibit abortions from being performed after 15 weeks (some exceptions apply). Mississippi already prevents abortions after 20 weeks. Rep. Andy Gipson says 15 is a more accurate gestational age.
SB 2588 – Alcohol laws across the state have come up over the past two years, whether it is allowing it in dry counties, or giving folks more options for places with “resort status.” This bill would allow local government to modify boundaries of leisure and recreation district.
SB 2618 – In the same fashion, this bill would allow for the revision of the term “Qualified Resort Area” under local option alcoholic beverage control law. The bill was passed in the Senate.
SB 2930 – This bill would create the Mississippi Travel and Tourism Council. This bill would outline the council’s duties and membership. It was passed in the House.
Stay up to date on Legislative action on the Daily Action Report.
Sarah Ulmer
