Governor Phil Bryant has vetoed his first bill of the year. On Monday, House Bill 576, was vetoed instead of signed and going into law.
Governor @PhilBryantMS has issued his first veto of the 2019 regular session. HB 576 #msleg https://t.co/YspSbwl4EI
— MS Statewatch (@MSStatewatch) March 18, 2019
“Currently there are 9 non-elected members of the State and School Employees Health Insurance Management Board. The bill allows the State Superintendent of Education, who is on the board, to appoint a designee to attend board meetings in her place. This would thwart the intent of having counter parts of the highest level of government making vital decisions on public employees health insurance,” said Governor Phil Bryant in his veto message.
Only the board seats held by elected officials allow that individual to appoint a designee to serve in their place, as is customary. However, under this legislation only the State Superintendent of Public Education would be allowed to appoint someone to serve in her place.
The bill was authored by Representatives Bennett and Sykes. It passed without opposition in both houses.