YP Daily Roundup 3/20/19

WDAM – Bill banning abortions when fetal heartbeat detected heads to Governor

CLARION LEDGER – Lawmakers expected to question fundraiser lottery board nominee held for state senator

Multiple lawmakers have privately expressed concerns about a fundraiser businessman Gerard Gibert held for state Sen. Michael Watson, R-Pascagoula, who is running for Secretary of State.

Gov. Phil Bryant appointed Gibert to the five-member lottery governing board in October. The Senate must confirm all nominees by the end of the legislative session. The Senate Finance Committee is scheduled to interview Gibert on Wednesday and then vote on his nomination.

Lottery board members are charged with launching and overseeing the game lawmakers say could generate more than $100 million by its second year of operation. The board positions are unpaid.

Both Gibert and Watson told the Clarion Ledger their connection will not have an improper influence on Wednesday’s vote…

…Last week, Gibert hosted a fundraiser at his Ridgeland home for Watson. Five other members of the Finance Committee — Sens. Chad McMahan, R-Guntown; Joel Carter, R-Gulfport; Neil Whaley, R-Potts Camp; Chris Massey, R-Nesbit; and David Parker, R-Olive Branch — also attended.

WTOK – Lawmakers pass bill requiring school shooter drills

Lawmakers gave final passage to a bill meant to make Mississippi schools safer from mass shootings.

The House voted 78-32 Tuesday to approve changes made by the Senate to House Bill 1283. The measure was held for the possibility of more debate, but is likely to head to Gov. Phil Bryant for his signature.

The plan would require safety inspections and twice-yearly active shooter drills at public schools. It would also create a threat-reporting mechanism monitored by three dedicated analysts at the state Department of Public Safety.

CLARION LEDGER – Efforts to reform felony voting rights restoration die in Mississippi Legislature

At least 18 House bills were filed this year that would have led to those convicted of nonviolent felony offenses having  voting rights restored after they served their sentence. None of the bills survived.

The last remaining bill, filed by House Election Committee Chairman Bill Denny, R-Jackson, would have created a joint legislative study committee to come up with recommendations for restoration of voting rights. It died last week.

“It’s a shame,” Sen. David Blount, D-Jackson, said of the efforts dying.

Espy, Tapper show each other the love

Thanks @jaketapper for saying that. But I thought @CNN didn’t do Fake News!? https://t.co/2IxllMhV0E

— Mike Espy (@MikeEspyMS) March 19, 2019

WTOK – Bill passes to cut suits against Mississippi property owners

A bill that would make it harder for people to sue Mississippi property owners for some injuries is headed to Gov. Phil Bryant for his signature or veto.

The state Senate on Tuesday voted 31-21 to concur with changes that the House made to Senate Bill 2901 .

The measure, known as the Landowners Protection Act, has been a top priority of business groups this year.

Hughes thanks Hosemann for efforts on autism

Though Delbert Hosemann is my opponent for Lt. Governor, we share a passion for the children and adults on the autism spectrum. I personally thank him and the Hosemann Family Foundation for what they do to help bring attention to autism and its proven therapy methods. pic.twitter.com/gcTVhpGdKr

— Jay Hughes (@Jay4Mississippi) March 19, 2019

WLOX – Mississippi company awarded $18.2 million contract to manufacture Army, Air Force uniforms