YP – Second committee deadline pushes through major legislation, leaves some to die
Tuesday marked the second committee deadline for the Mississippi Legislature. After a long break due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the members were back at the Capitol to move bills through the process. Bills that were not passed through committee today died.
See what survived and what died.
YP – Can the state flag be changed this session?
At this point in the 2020 Session lawmakers would have to suspend the rules in order to consider a new resolution to change the state flag. That would require a two-thirds vote of the members.
Lawmakers would then have the option to vote for an outright change of the flag design or put the question on the November ballot.
At press time, according to the House docket room there has not been a motion filed in order to bring forth the legislation.
WLOX – ‘This is a divisive issue’: Republican senator calls for vote on state flag
The Mississippi Senate has taken action on HCR 69, amending it following its initial unanimous approval in the House. The resolution will allow for the Legislature to have an open-ended session in order to address any issues that could arise around COVID-19…
…A strike all was added as an amendment, revising the rules concerning coming back to the Capitol. Members would not be able to meet more than six days over the span of the remainder of the 2020 calendar year. The Senate also only allowed for the 2020 session to be extended until midnight of October 10th, unless an early date is necessary, if it does not comply with the six-day rule.
YP – Second piece in human trafficking policy reform clears Senate committee
A human trafficking bill championed by Speaker of the House Philip Gunn survived the Senate on committee deadline day Tuesday.
HB 1559 was designed to directly address the service gap for minors who are victims of human trafficking. At this time, no specific facility is dedicated to helping minors who are trafficking victims.
#MSSen: Espy chats with Abrams
.@StaceyAbrams is a prolific author, leader, advocate, and daughter of Mississippi. A couple of weeks ago, at our grassroots donor event, I had the chance to speak with Stacey about growing up in Gulfport and the key lessons her parents taught her. pic.twitter.com/RTG158epHE
— Mike Espy (@MikeEspyMS) June 10, 2020
YP – Senate Judiciary Committee could advance Cory Wilson’s 5th Circuit confirmation Thursday
The U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary is scheduled to meet this Thursday to consider the nomination of Mississippi’s Cory Wilson for a lifetime judicial appointment on the United States Fifth Circuit.
Wilson’s nomination, unlike previous Fifth Circuit nominees, has been largely ignored by Mississippi media outlets. However, nationally his confirmation journey has gained attention as he has been forced to square off with more liberal members of the U.S. Senate in committee hearings defending his record.
WJTV – AG Lynn Fitch refuses to answer questions about certain decisions she makes in public office
In an emailed statement her office said:
“As a general rule, General Fitch intends to refrain from seeking media coverage on individual prosecutions in an effort to de-sensationalize this very serious process for the individuals involved. We are happy to respond to specific questions to the extent that it is possible and permissible.“…
…The lead prosecutor who worked under the case under former Attorney General Jim Hood disputes that decision. According to Stanley Alexander, a grand jury said there was enough evidence.
“I don’t have a comment regarding her dropping the case. I was surprised that the case was dropped and that obviously if the grand jury indicted the case, they felt that there was sufficient evidence to go forward,” said Alexander.
YP – Wicker supports Yazoo pumps proposal
Senator @SenatorWicker Supports Yazoo Pumps Proposal #mssen READ MORE>>https://t.co/t162sC8h7j
— Magnolia Tribune (@magnoliatribune) June 9, 2020
YP – Hyde-Smith cosponsors Rural Hospital Closure Relief Act
.@SenHydeSmith cosponsors Rural Hospital Closure Relief Acthttps://t.co/Xk7zvVVB2E
— Magnolia Tribune (@magnoliatribune) June 9, 2020
WDAM – Lumberton residents upset with alderman after social media posts
Some Lumberton residents voiced their concerns about Ward 3 Alderman Johnathan Griffith during Tuesday night’s board meeting.
“He’s a bad deal for the whole city,” said Lumberton resident Bobby Ducote. “He likes to dog our police department. He likes to dog all our citizens. He’s out of control.”…
…In another post residents were angry over, Griffith ended a criticism of President Donald Trump with “Sounds about white.”
Wicker, Hyde-Smith congratulate new Air Force Chief of Staff
Congratulations to Gen. Charles Brown on his confirmation as the 22nd Chief of Staff for the @usairforce. I am confident he will serve our nation with distinction. https://t.co/BWzyxsgoqO
— Senator Roger Wicker (@SenatorWicker) June 9, 2020
Honored to have cast my vote to confirm General Brown as the 22nd Chief of Staff of the @usairforce . I look forward to working with him to support our airmen at @81trwKeeslerAFB @Columbus_AFB and around the globe. https://t.co/vpcBvHVeFj
— U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (@SenHydeSmith) June 9, 2020