From Your Capitol – February 23, 2020

The activity at the capitol increased considerably during the seventh week of this years session as all bills to be considered have been submitted and assigned to a committee. Committee chairmen and vice-chairmen were busy reviewing the bills assigned to their committee and legislators were busy building support for their ideas.

Prisons have been a major consideration this legislative session. Interim Commissioner Tommy Taylor briefed committee members on the issues the Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC) is facing and some of the ways they are addressing these problems. One solution Commissioner Taylor informed the committee of was the closing of Unit 29 at the state prison in Parchman, MS. This unit has been allowed by past administrations to deteriorate to a point that the commissioner believes it is impossible to return it to an acceptable standard for use.

House Bill 851 was discussed both in committee and before the House this week. The bill adds an additional member appointed by the governor to the Corrections and Criminal Justice Oversight Task Force. The new member will act as an advocate for offenders and families who have been directly affected by the criminal justice system. The bill passed and has been transmitted to the Senate.

Interstate Compact on Second Amendment Sanctuary

Many have asked about HB 753 – Interstate Compact on Second Amendment Sanctuary. I presented this bill to the Interstate Cooperation Committee this past week but was unable to get the votes to send the bill to the House floor for consideration. Chairman Tracy Arnold, the primary author of the bill, tabled the bill to give us more time to gather support. The compact is widely supported by Republicans but not by Democrats. Without the support of some of the Democrat members of the committee the bill will not move forward.

Worst Bill (so far) of this Session

HB 1017 allowed the city of Bruce to divert funds provided by the state, intended for Repairs, resurfacing and other improvements to roads in the City of Bruce to be used for the construction of walking and bicycle trails. I hope the people who live in Bruce are satisfied that their roads are in perfect condition, because apparently the legislature and their local officials prefer to build walking trails instead of fixing roads. If anyone ever ask why I vote against increased taxes for roads and bridges, this is why. Even when the state provides the money to fix roads and bridges, irresponsible politicians use that money for other purposes. This should make everyone in the state of Mississippi angry.

My Bills for the 2020 Legislative Session

Please contact me with your thoughts, your questions, and your ideas.

Dana