Although innocently couched as a "disclosure" measure, the real purpose of HB 1102 appears to be to limit participation in the political process. Opponents of the bill maintain that groups as diverse as the Sierra Club, the NRA, the NAACP, and right-to-life organizations all would be hurt by the legislation, and that the two major political parties also would be adversely affected. By creating a different, less stringent standard for so-called "non-partisan" get-out-the-vote groups, HB 1102 could well encourage the proliferation of unregulated, single-issue "527" political organizations of the sort which sullied the recent 2004 Presidential election. Robust two-party campaigns are now becoming more and more common in Mississippi, and HB 1102 would represent an unfortunate regression in our state’s progress toward a full-fledged two-party system of government. Fortunately, given the history of Governor Barbour’s successful veto of similar legislation, the cautious approach generally favored by the Senate, and the strong floor vote of opposition in the House, it is virtually certain that HB 1102 has no chance of becoming law in its present form.

The House Tourism Committee heard a report this week that some 31 million tourists spent $6.1 billion while visiting Mississippi last year. These visitors generally are staying longer and spending more money than in the past, the report said. Also, more cities in the state are applying to become "certified retirement communities."

The House Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks Committee heard from state wildlife officials that an estimated 350,000 deer have been killed during the recent hunting season by some 200,000 hunters. Significantly, no incidences of chronic wasting disease have been reported with the state’s deer population. The duck hunting season, however, was characterized as "less than great," while some 40,000 turkeys were reported harvested during the fall turkey season.

The budget for Fiscal Year 2006 (beginning July 1, 2005) continued to draw much scrutiny this week with several groups gathering to hear reports from fiscal experts. The state faces one of its tightest budget years in history, and the debate over the budget undoubtedly will dominate much of remainder of the session. Other prominent issues before the Legislature include the much-needed reform of the massive Medicaid system; proposals to overhaul Mississippi’s juvenile training facilities; funding for the state’s 152 public school districts; requiring proof of insurance before obtaining a driver's license or car tag; consideration of requiring only a simple majority to pass school bond issues; possible authorization of toll roads; and requiring the use of helmets by children less than 16 while operating all-terrain vehicles.

Representative Greg Snowden (R–Meridian) maintains a legislative web site to aid constituents and other interested persons in obtaining information about state government. The web site address is www.gregsnowden.com. Rep. Snowden may be reached by e-mail at greg@gregsnowden.com, or by telephone at 601-693-5700 (Meridian office) or 601-527-5350 (cell phone – a local call from anywhere within Mississippi).