MISSISSIPPI HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
HIGHLIGHTS OF 2001 LEGISLATIVE SESSION - A YEAR END SUMMARY

The FY '02 budget is based on a projected 3.7 percent growth in state revenues over the previous (FY 2001) fiscal year. Some observers (notably including Governor Ronnie Musgrove) contend that this estimate is much too optimistic, as actual revenues in FY '01 fell well below previous estimates established by state budgetary leaders last year.  Indeed, by April 1, when the legislative session ended, actual revenues for FY 2001 were growing at a rate of only about 2.0%, which translated to a  collection shortfall of about $140 million.  Significantly, if actual revenues for 2002 do not exceed 5.0%, the Legislature will have no obligation to fund the next stage of the multi-year teacher pay raise program adopted last year, the price tag of which will be about $65 million more in FY 2003 than for FY 2002.

One of the first acts by the 2001 Legislature was to set April 17 as the date for citizens to choose between the current (1894) state flag and a proposed new (William Winter commission) design for that banner. The Legislature also officially adopted the current state coat of arms.

One new member joined the House of Representatives in January - John W. Hines, a Greenville Democrat, who won a special election to fill the unexpired term of Rep. Jimmy Thornton, also a Democrat, who died in late 2000. At session's end, there were 86 Democrats, 33 Republicans and 3 Independents comprising the Mississippi House of Representatives. This included 106 men and 16 women; 87 whites and 35 African-Americans.  Some 42 members of the House (both Democrats and Republicans) are members of the Mississippi Legislative Conservative Coalition.

The Legislature during the session honored two of Mississippi's most cherished natives, Sela Ward of Meridian and Morgan Freeman of Charleston, both of whom have enjoyed stellar acting careers in Hollywood. Ward is also active in the support of abused and neglected children, while Freeman has chosen public education as an endeavor to promote when spending time in his home state. The Legislature also honored Delta State University's football team that won the NCAA Division 2 national championship in December 2000.

Like most sessions of the Legislature, a handful of issues dominated the headlines. More than 3,000 bills were introduced during the session, but less than one-third will become law between July 1, 2001, and January 1, 2002. The Legislature is expected to return to the Capitol for at least one special session later in the year to redraw the lines for Mississippi's four congressional seats. Legislative redistricting is another matter that must be handled promptly in the future.

Here's a snapshot view of some of the higher profile issues:

K-12 PUBLIC EDUCATION

Teacher pay. 

Despite fears that a 5-percent budget growth "trigger" would delay the first step in the 5-year plan, the Legislature determined to include about $25 million in the FY '02 budget for the state's 30,000 K-12 public school teachers. Under the long-range plan, the average salary of the state's 30,000 public school teachers would eventually be increased to $41,020 -- the projected region average when the plan is fully implemented. That amounts to a 30 percent raise over the six years. The Southeastern average presently is $37,072, while the Mississippi average is $31,913. The national average is $41,575.  Unfortunately, the price tag for the second year of the teacher pay plan (for FY 2003) will amount to some $65 million more than the expenditure for FY 2002.  Unless the state's revenues pick up substantially, there remains a serious question of whether the state will have the resources to fund the teacher pay plan without having to gut other vital state programs and agencies. The planned teacher pay raise will build incrementally toward the Southeastern average. Beginning teachers with an 'A' certificate would be paid $30,000 annually under the plan, compared to $23,040 now. Teachers with 25 years of experience and who have an 'AAAA' certificate would be paid $55,250, compared to $43,290 now. Assistant teachers now paid $9,115 annually would make $12,000 annually when fully implemented. The teacher pay plan, when initially passed during the 2000 session, was tied to a bill that seeks to ensure accountability in public schools and classrooms.  As with the pay plan itself, the jury is still out as to how successful the accountability aspect of the legislation ultimately will be.

School Safety.

The Mississippi School Safety Act of 2001, SB 2239, gives teachers more control over what happens in their own classrooms. It allows teachers to send a child from the room if that child is seriously disruptive more than twice. The bill mandates that parents get involved when their child is chronically disruptive by requiring parents to participate with principals and teachers to create a remedial discipline plan for troublesome students. The bill will also allow parents to attend class with their children instead of having them suspended. Also, school districts are required to adopt safety plans and the state Department of Education is required to develop a School Safety Center to help local districts with training and crisis intervention.

Conflict Resolution.

SB 2390 directs the State Board of Education to develop a list of conflict resolution and peer mediation materials and models that address responsible decision-making, the causes and effects of school violence and harassment, cultural diversity and nonviolent methods for resolving conflict, including peer mediation. The list will be available to local school administrative units and school buildings by the beginning of the 2002-03 school year. In developing this list, the board will emphasize materials, models and curricula that currently are being used in Mississippi and that the board determines to be effective.  

School Prayer.

House Bill 51 allows children a moment of quiet reflection at the beginning of each school day which they can use to pray if they so desire.  Supporters of the bill noted, however, that the bill requires only a moment of reflection, and is not a "school prayer" bill.  This same bill requires the official motto of the United States, "In God We Trust," to be displayed in each school classroom, cafeteria and auditorium in the state.  This national motto already is displayed on American currency and coinage.  Private organizations have pledged to defray all costs of the production and framing of the motto posters required for each classroom in the state.

Honorary Diplomas. 

HB 396 provides that a local school district may award an honorary high school diploma to veterans of World War II and the Korean War who were unable to complete their education due to their military service.

Vocational Education. 

HB 52 allows local school boards to implement a vocational apprenticeship program in high schools. Participating students will be required to meet the graduation requirements of the State Board of Education. The student may be awarded up to eight units that apply to local graduation requirements.

Occupational Diplomas.

SB 2578 authorizes a Mississippi Occupational Diploma for students having a disability as defined by a federal rule. Starting in the 2002-03 school year, any such student will be afforded a chance to qualify for an occupational diploma.

Teacher Reemployment. 

HB 527 provides that the non-renewal of licensed education employees must be based upon valid educational reasons or non-compliance with school district personnel policies.  Opponents of the measure correctly noted that the tenor of the legislation marks a sharp departure from Mississippi's traditional "employment at will" doctrine of employer-employee relations.

Teacher Prosecution.

HB 134 provides that before an arrest warrant is issued against any licensed teacher for an alleged criminal act while in the performance of duty, a probable cause hearing must be held before a circuit court judge. 

Students' Voting.

HB 955 enhances the opportunity for high school students to vote. Each fall and spring registrars will furnish all public schools with mail-in voter registration forms.

Retired Teachers.

HB 1182 authorizes retired employees to be employed and work full-time for up to one-half of the required number of days for the position, or work for up to one-half a day each day for the total number of days required for the position. The retiree may receive up to one-half of the salary for the position they are filling.

JROTC. 

HB 1448 encourages state support for the Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps. Subject to funding, the State Department of Education will contract with the State Military Department for a coordinator of JROTC programs. A study of the programs will be conducted later this year.

Sex Offender Registration. 

SB 2986 will require that criminal background checks and child abuse registry checks be obtained on any individuals applying for employment as a licensed or non-licensed employee.

School of the Arts.

SB 3158 provides $7 million in bonds for Phase II construction, furnishing and equipping of the Mississippi School of the Arts in Brookhaven.

School Funding.

The state will spend $2.312 billion for K-12 public education programs, which includes general funds, federal funds and special funds, or almost 26 percent of all appropriations. (Higher education spending will account for 16.8 percent of all appropriations.)  Education appropriations of all areas comprise some 58% of the state's general fund budget.

HIGHER EDUCATION

Funding. 

The Legislature appropriated $1.5 billion in state general funds, federal funds and special funds for the operation of the state university and two-year college systems. Further, the Legislature provides $15 million in bonds for new facilities to comply with the proposed Ayers case settlement. For University of Mississippi Medical Center the Legislature provided $2 million for the new Acute Care Tower, and $2.2 million to maintain accreditation requirements for the School of Veterinary Medicine at Mississippi State University. Almost $40 million in general funds was planned for operations of the Mississippi Cooperative Extension Service and the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Experiment Station.

Bonds for Improvements. 

SB 3158 provides almost $72 million in bonds for improvements and repairs and renovations to buildings and facilities at university and two-year campuses and branches.

Student Aid programs. 

SB 3076 added $751,345 in additional funds for FY 2001 for various tuition loans and grants programs. SB 3103 provides $27.8 million in state general funds for the same programs during FY 2002. SB 3055 provides $1 million in additional funds for FY 2001 for Critical Needs Teacher Scholarships.

TAX MATTERS

Homestead Exemption. 

HB 1565 increases the amount that can be claimed by property owners for the homestead tax exemption. Many counties are undergoing property reappraisal and the values of their homes and property are being driven up as a result, costing them more in local property taxes. The increased exemption will particularly save money for senior citizens and disabled citizens, but the new law actually increases the exemption for all property taxpayers. The bill provides that local governments will not suffer any loss of revenues they had before reappraisal.

Storage of Goods. 

HB 987 will exempt from sales taxation goods that are stored in Mississippi warehouses awaiting shipment to another state. The law will particularly help DeSoto County in its effort to lure warehousing facilities that otherwise might locate in adjacent Tennessee.  The bill also presents real potential for other distribution centers bordering sister states, such as those located in or planned for Lauderdale County.

Corporate Taxes. 

HB 1695 would close so-called loopholes in corporate income taxes paid by large out-of-state and multinational corporations. The "loopholes" are said by bill proponents to have been costing the state millions of dollars each year.  Opponents of the bill stressed that the measure well may have the unintended effect of actually being a disincentive for economic development and an impediment to capital investment.  

Income Taxes. 

SB 3150 provides that the state collect a 3 percent income tax on casino winnings. The state had been relying on out-of-state casino patrons who won money at casinos to file a return on their prizes. Under the law, the tax will be collected from the patron's winnings and forwarded to the state.

TRANSPORTATION

State Department of Transportation. 

This state agency came under heavy scrutiny even before the session began as a study committee of the House of Representatives and a legislative watchdog agency looked into its finances and operations. The study group recommended that future transportation commissioners be appointed rather than elected, but that provision failed to win ultimate approval. However, many of the other study committee suggestions are included in MDOT's appropriation bill. It requires the agency to furnish to lawmakers numerous reports on its activities and on each individual project involving new construction, reconstruction or highway rehabilitation. With few exceptions, all future work must be in segments of 10 miles or more to provide maximum efficiency of expenditures.

County Roads.

SB 2318 established the Local Road System Program and will go a long way toward helping counties construct, reconstruct or pave many roads under their jurisdiction. The bill allows counties to use up to 25 percent of their State Aid road money on roads that are not under the State Aid program. The State Aid program is designed to help counties maintain and construct roads that connect communities with each other and to the state highway system. The Local System Road Program will allow some of that money to be spent on smaller, more rural roads that have less than 400 vehicles per day on them. The money may only be used if all the bridges in the county are up to standard or under contract to be upgraded. This bill gives counties more flexibility in spending road money.  The Legislature also funded $20 million for the State Aid-Local Bridge Replacement Fund to help local governments upgrade or replace deficient bridges.

Multi-Modal Transportation. 

SB 2527 creates the multi-modal transportation improvement fund for the improvements of airports, ports, railroads and transit systems in Mississippi. It forms committees for each mode of transportation to receive and approve applications for such funds and provides that a certain percentage of the money in such fund shall be allocated to each mode of transportation.

BUSINESS AND AGRICULTURE

Cotton Farming. 

SB 2730 extends the Boll Weevil Eradication Program to 10 years and mandates tighter controls on the program.

Minority Farms.

HB 1352 increases by $5 million the amount that can be loaned through the Minority Economic Development Loan Program through the Emerging Crops Fund.

Willful Crop Destruction. 

SB 2970 says that anyone who willfully and knowingly damages or destroys any field crop product that is grown for personal or commercial purposes, or for testing or research purposes in the context of a product development program in conjunction or coordination with a private or public research facility, will be liable for twice the value of the crop damaged or destroyed.

Rail Lines. 

The Legislature provided $40 million in bonds through HB 1630 for the purchase and upgrade of a rail line between Hattiesburg and the State Port at Gulfport. The act is designed to enhance the port which is already among the top three facilities in the Southeast. A study will determine the feasibility of the acquisition before it is completed.

UCC Filings. 

SB 2626 revises state law to federal law on the Uniform Commercial Code, which governs commercial transactions. The laws help give lenders and borrowers the necessary security to transact business.

Workforce Training. 

The Legislature provided about $13 million in funds to be channeled through the two-year college system.

CRIME, COURTS AND PRISONS

Prison Sentences.

  Mississippi's crime rates continue to decline.  However, with correctional costs rising in recent years and predictions that the state's prison population could top 20,000 in the near future, the 2001 Legislature for the first time relaxed part of the so-called "85-percent law" or "truth in sentencing" law that was passed in the mid-1990s. The law provided that all felony offenders must serve at least 85 percent of their sentence before being eligible for parole. Under SB 3028, a first-time offender convicted of a nonviolent crime after January 1, 2000, may be eligible for parole if the offender meets certain requirements. If a first offender is convicted of a drug or driving under the influence felony, the offender must complete a drug and alcohol rehabilitation program prior to parole or the offender may be required to complete a post-release drug and alcohol program as a condition of parole. "Non-violent crime" means a felony other than homicide, robbery, manslaughter, sex crimes, arson, burglary of an occupied dwelling, aggravated assault, kidnapping, felonious abuse of vulnerable adults, felonies with enhanced penalties, and the sale or manufacture of a controlled substance under the Uniform Controlled Substances Law.  Despite the best intentions of the new "relaxed" provisions, judges and prosecutors who testified before legislative committees noted that in reality there are very few "non-violent, first-time offenders" incarcerated in Mississippi, and that the new law may have very little practical effect.  The great majority of such "first offenders" receive probation, and are sent to prison only after they break probation. Also, HB 1358 provides educational and work programs for inmates to earn time off their sentences, while HB 1481 allows more inmates to be included in the Intensive Supervision Program, which also helps prisoners work toward an earlier release.

Crimes against the Elderly. 

SB 2112 provides for enhanced penalties for crimes against the elderly. The penalty for any felony or misdemeanor for a crime of violence or the crime of burglary or breaking and entering the dwelling will be enhanced if committed against any victim 65 years of age or older. In order to impose an enhanced penalty the jury must find that the defendant perceived, knew or had reasonable grounds to know or perceive that the victim was 65 or older.  

Impersonation. 

SB 2598 makes it a crime to impersonate an officer or employee of a state agency, with misdemeanor penalties not more than $500 or not more than six months in jail, or both. Assault on Officers.  HB 133 makes it a law to cause bodily injury to a law enforcement officer or emergency medical personnel who is acting within the scope of his duty and office, whether the injury is intentional or unintentional. The crime, which already included assault on firefighters, calls for a fine not more than $1,000 or jail time of not more than 10 years in prison, or both.

ELECTIONS AND VOTING

Election Safety Net.

HB 1220 sets up a procedure to ensure primary elections will go forward when a local party committee fails in its duty to properly operate a voting precinct.  In recent years there have been several scandalous situations where voters could not cast a vote in the party primary of their choice because of the dereliction of  local Democratic Party executive committees.  The new bill creates an Election Integrity Assurance Committee, composed of state party officials from each congressional district, whose job is to ensure that each city and county party executive committee carries out its responsibilities such as having the polls open and close on time and having ballots in place for the voting. 

A Study Commission on the Mississippi Judicial System was created to examine how judges are selected and to recommend whether the current system of electing members of the judiciary should be continued, or a system of appointment or a combined system of appointment and election should be implemented. The commission also will study the current laws governing judicial campaign advertising and contributions to judicial campaigns and make specific recommendations for improvements that will promote integrity and confidence in the judicial system.

Appeals Court Districts. 

HB 697 clarifies that judges for the State Court of Appeals will continue to be elected from the current five congressional districts, despite the fact that beginning in 2002, the state will have only four congressional districts.

Help in Voting. 

SB 2522 says if a voting applicant is unable to read or write, due to a disability or otherwise, he or she will not be required to personally complete the application in writing and execute the oath. In such cases, the registrar or deputy registrar will read the application and oath and record the answers.

PUBLIC HEALTH / MENTAL HEALTH

Prescription Drugs.

HB 1238 seeks a federal waiver to help citizens who would eligible under Medicaid to be in a nursing home, but who live in a non-institutional setting, to be reimbursed if they regularly spend more than half their monthly income on prescription or over-the-counter drugs.

Children's Health Insurance. 

HB 444 extends the Children's Health Insurance Program indefinitely and adds some dental benefits to the coverage. The program may exclude any health care providers who do not agree to hold the families of recipients harmless for charges in excess of plan payments for covered benefits.

Adolescent Treatment. 

HB 767 establishes an adolescent psychiatric residential treatment facility in Lauderdale County that must give priority to more than 100 patients who otherwise would have to go outside Mississippi for care.  This bill represents an extension and expansion of the care already provided at the Laurelwood Center on Highway 39 North in Meridian.

Vulnerable Adults. 

SB 2501 provides additional protection for seniors and disabled people by using a number of new ways to protect them. First, criminal background checks with fingerprinting will be required for all new employees of nursing homes. Also, reports of alleged abuse will be investigated by the Department of Human Services, which will maintain a round-the-clock register of abuse reports. When DHS has reasonable cause to believe abuse is occurring, the local district attorney and the attorney general will be contacted.  Anyone convicted of neglecting or allowing harm to be caused to a vulnerable adult will be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000, imprisonment of no more than one year in the county jail or both. Financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000, imprisonment of not more than one year or both. Anyone who inflicts physical pain or injury upon a vulnerable adult will be guilty of felony abuse and/or battery, punishable by up to 20 years in prison.

Persons With Disabilities. 

HB 929 dictates that a plan is developed to propose services to persons with disabilities in the most integrated setting that is appropriate. A report will be made to the 2002 Legislature. The plan will include an estimate of the number of people who need such services and a funding plan. The plan's goal is to have in place by 2011 available community services for everyone with disabilities where recommended.

Newborn Testing. 

SB 2210 adds congenital adrenal hyperplasia as part of newborn screening programs, while HB 986 says attending physicians must provide parents information about additional tests.  Some physicians raised concerns about the bill's new counseling mandate, fearing that it may constitute a "malpractice trap" for the unwary.

Possession of Newborns.

HB 169 requires emergency medical service providers to take possession of a child who is 72 hours old or younger if the child is voluntarily delivered to the provider by the child's parent and the parent did not express an intent to return for the child. The bill provides for an affirmative defense to the crime of child abandonment.

Prevention for Adults. 

HB 1053 sets up the Mississippi Council on Obesity Prevention, while HB 759 creates the Mississippi Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Task Force. Personal Care Homes.  HB allows residents of personal care homes to continue residence if the family and the personal care home agree, regardless of the level of care needed.

Tobacco Trust Fund Expenditures. 

The Legislature appropriated spending of $69.6 million in interest funds from the Trust Fund for FY '02. The fund's principal amount now stands at about $600 million and only the interest monies it generates is expended. Of the $69.6 million, $31.8 million will go to programs within the State Division of Medicaid, $14.1 million in the Department of Health, $17.4 in the Department of Mental Health and $4.2 million in the Department of Rehabilitation Services, with lesser amounts going to several other state agencies.

Mental Health Facilities. 

Funding for FY >02 includes $4.8 million for the new Juvenile Rehabilitation Center for the Severely Emotionally Disturbed in Gulfport; $6.6 million for seven new Crisis Centers around the state; $2 million for the Community Regional Mental Health Centers; $2 million for the Home and Community-Based Waiver program; and $2.2 million for two new 10-bed intermediate care facilities for the mentally retarded.

Meals on Wheels.

The Legislature provided $250,000 to the Department of Human Services for the Home Delivered Meals program for Mississippians over the age of 60 unable to prepare meals for themselves.

INSURANCE

Mental Health Insurance. 

HB 667 requires all health insurance plans regulated by the state to offer mental health coverage, except for policies which only provide coverage for specified diseases and other limited benefit health insurance policies and negotiated labor contracts.  

Pre-Need Burial and Funeral.  

SB 2457 regulates any person, firm, partnership, association or corporation engaged in the sale of pre-need contracts. All pre-need contracts must be on forms registered with the Secretary of State, and must indicate the names and addresses of the buyer, contract provider and seller. The contracts must indicate all merchandise and services covered by the contract and the total cost of all merchandise covered by the contract. The contract shall list all cash advance items covered by the contract and the total cost for all cash advance items covered by the contract. Another bill, HB 645, allows the commissioner of insurance to place a burial association in receivership if the association fails to comply with certain licensing provisions.

Rural Fire Trucks. 

HB 720 authorizes the Department of Insurance to accept applications from local governments for the Rural Fire Truck Acquisition Program's fifth round. However, no funding was set aside as yet for the fifth round. The Legislature provided about $3 million to complete rounds 3 and 4.  The Rural Fire Truck Acquisition Program has proved to be extremely popular and useful, and the fifth round is expected to be funded in the future when the budgetary situation improves.

Insurance Agents. 

HB 642 removes the prohibition against non-residents from owning an interest in a Mississippi insurance agency.  The removal of this restriction was required for consistency with the rules of other states as recently mandated by Congress.

MILITARY AND VETERANS

Memorial Road. 

SB 2511 dictates that the portion of Mississippi Highway 25 beginning at the Hinds/Rankin County line and extending northeasterly to the Leake/Winston County line will be known and designated as "Military Order of the Purple Heart Drive" to honor Mississippians who have received the medal following wounds received in combat.

National Guard. 

HB 622 authorizes the issuance of $1.65 million in bonds to help construct a new National Guard Armory in Oxford.

OUTDOORS AND WILDLIFE

License Fee Wars.  

A major initiative between the states of Mississippi and Louisiana on the issue of hunting and fishing licenses was agreed upon in the session's final week, ending a "license fee" war that had lasted for almost a year. Under the agreement, Louisiana agreed to reduce its annual non-resident saltwater fishing license from $100 to $90 and its 3-day non-resident saltwater license from $70 to $55. It will also establish a $20 one-day non-resident saltwater license. Louisiana also will create a new license scheme for "mother ship type charter boat operations."  In turn, Mississippi agreed to lower its all-game hunting license for Louisiana residents from $425 to $300 and its archery/primitive weapon license for Louisiana residents from $100 to $75.  However, a week after the 2001 session ended, a report surfaced that some Louisiana officials were voicing objections to the agreement.

SB 2442 designates a portion of the Tangipahoa River in Southwest Mississippi as a state scenic stream, providing certain protections for the waterway. Conservation Officers.  SB 2980 revises the qualifications for the positions formerly known as game wardens. It says that no person can be appointed after July 1, 2001, unless he or she is at least 21 years of age. Requirements include passing the required examination by correctly answering at least 70 percent of the questions on the examination, completing 64 semester hours at an accredited community college or university, having an associate degree from an accredited community college, passing the Law Enforcement Academy and/or having at least five years experience in law enforcement. Each applicant must also attend and complete an appropriate curriculum in the field of law enforcement at the Mississippi Law Enforcement Officers' Training Academy or other training.

Safety. 

SB 2659 makes it mandatory that everyone on a personal watercraft wears a personal flotation device.

JUVENILE JUSTICE

Gangs. 

SB 2895 considers any building or facility used by gangs a "nuisance" and provides that any firearm or ammunition in the possession of a member of a criminal street gang may be seized by any law enforcement agency on probable cause that it is to be used in illegal activity.

Amer-I-Can Program. 

HB 1109 directs the Department of Human Services to establish a pilot program to be known as the "Amer-I-Can Program" for youths who have been committed to Columbia or Oakley Training Schools. The objectives of this program are to develop greater self-esteem, assume responsible attitudes and experience a restructuring of habits and conditioning processes; to develop an appreciation of family members and an understanding of the role family structure has in achieving successful living; to develop a prowess in problem solving and decision making that will eliminate many of the difficulties that were encountered in past experiences; to develop skills in money management and financial stability; to develop communication skills; and to acquire employment seeking and retention skills.

MISSISSIPPI DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

The Legislature provided $8 million to enhance advertising and tourism programs vital to the economic development of the state. Lawmakers also provided $200,000 to defray expenses related to ensuring that Mississippi military bases remain open.  The state's seven active duty installations and auxiliary sites employ more than 31,000 military and civilian personnel at an annual payroll of $1.1 billion. The largest is Keesler Air Force Base on the Coast with 15,674 employees of both types and an annual payroll of $467.1 million. HB 1342 designates the MDA as the sole administrator of workforce training programs for which the state is the prime sponsor. HB 1648 increases the amount of bonds from $64.2 million to $72.3 million that may be issued under the Mississippi Major Economic Impact Act.

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

SB 2666 formally designates Meridian instead of Jackson as the site for the state's new Southern Arts and Entertainment Center.  Although there is no funding in this year's legislation, the passage of SB 2666 marks the end of a sometimes spirited battle between the Queen City and the Capital City for the location of this important new undertaking.

MISCELLANEOUS

 HB 175 allows someone to draw full unemployment compensation even if they are also drawing Social Security benefits; HB 238 creates an account to defray the costs of closing or upgrading rail grade crossings; HB 822 provides immunity to physicians providing care at church-operated medical clinics; HB 1063 enhances the state's Local Government Historic Preservation Law; HB 1119 helped sponsor the Majesty of Spain art exhibition in Jackson; HB 1351 clarifies that local governments are not required to store vehicles impounded under DUI laws; SB 2411 tightens regulation on the check-cashing industry; HB 692 exempts most swimming pools, sprinkler systems, drinking fountains and other equipment from a law requiring "backflow preventer" devices; HB 1276 authorizes drug testing, treatment and counseling for juvenile offenders; SB 2312 tightens regulation on sports agents representing student-athletes; and SB 2772 provides penalties for the generation of waste materials from sites where controlled substances are manufactured.

For further information about any of the legislation mentioned above, or about any other measure before the House of Representatives during the 2001 session, contact Mr. Mac Gordon at the House Information Office, 601-359-3323.

The text and history of any bill may be accessed and read online by following the "Bill Tracking" link at www.gregsnowden.com.

To contact House members, call the Capitol at 601-359-3770. 
State government's Internet address is http://www.ls.state.ms.us
Representative Snowden's cell number (no long distance to Jackson) is 527-5350
Greg  Snowden's e-mail address is greg@gregsnowden.com

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