2/11/19 - 2/15/19 Weekly Session Recap

The House met as a whole throughout the week to discuss general bills that made it out of committee and onto the calendar. Thursday, Feb. 14 was the deadline for representatives to discuss these general bills. Any bills not discussed in session by this deadline died on the calendar. The bills that were considered this week dealt with a variety of topics.

One of the most debated bills from this week was House Bill 732. I was a co-author of this bill and voted yes. The bill prohibits an abortion of a fetus once a heartbeat is detected, except if the mother’s life or health is in danger. A heartbeat is usually detected around the sixth week of a pregnancy, which would make this law, if enacted, one of the earliest abortion bans in the country. Proponents of the bill said that this would be a victory for the pro-life movement and the unborn in Mississippi. Opponents argued that the bill put harsh restrictions on women and their right to choose. It was also said that bills similar to this one have been struck down by courts around the United States, so there would be an added expense of court costs. After debate that lasted over an hour, HB 732 passed 81-36.

House Bill 1205 also caused much debate on the House floor. If enacted into law, the act provides that a public agency cannot request or release personal information to an entity organized under Section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code. Most of these organizations are considered nonprofits, many of which are churches. Proponents of the bill said this protected donors from disclosing their personal information, while opponents argued that it would lead to a lack of transparency. However, in light of the bullying, firing, and boycott of donors who have supported certain non-profits which oppose progressive agenda initiatives, some protections are needed. The bill passed 69-47. I was a co-author of this bill and voted yes.

The House Judiciary A Committee introduced House Bill 1289, or the Law Enforcement Identity Protection Act. The act would prohibit the public release of officers’ identities who are involved in fatalities until the investigation is complete. Supporters said that the bill would protect police officers and their families from scrutiny by the media and the public. Those opposed to the bill complained that media outlets usually report the identities of officers, and that investigations can sometimes take years to finish. After much debate, a compromise was struck and an amendments was added that the involved officers names must be released within 180 days, regardless of the status of the investigation or legal outcome. The bill passed 86-30 and will now be considered by the Senate. I voted yes.

House Concurrent Resolution 47 proposes an amendment to the Mississippi Constitution of 1890 that would ensure rights to victims throughout the criminal and juvenile justice systems. According to the proposed amendment, crime victims would be notified of all proceedings involving their perpetrator. Opponents of the legislation said that the proposed amendment did not address hate crimes in the state, while supporters said the legislation does address all crimes. The concurrent resolution passed the House 84-33 and will now be considered by the Senate. If passed by the senate, it will go before the voters in Mississippi next year. I voted yes.

Several bills passed the House with unanimous support including one that would allow school districts to use vans instead of buses for small groups (HB 1400), a bill to expand penalties for felony abuse of a vulnerable person (HB 1075) and one that would terminate the rights of a parent when the child is conceived as a result of rape or assault (HB 130). I voted yes on all three bills.

It was an honor having Governor Bryant accept my invitation to come and lead the devotion for the Capitol Prayer Group which I lead. It was also a real blessing having my wife, son and mother down for a couple days to enjoy the rodeo and prayer group meeting, as well as being host to four pages/nephews (two which paged for me, and two for Senator Blackwell).

With the Dixie National Rodeo in the Jackson area

this week, many visitors flocked to the Capitol. Miss Rodeo America Taylor McNair of Learned, previously Miss Rodeo Mississippi, was recognized by the House and Senate for her new national title.

Other visitors at the Capitol this week included the Mississippi Department of Health for their annual “Mental Health Day at the Capitol,” the Mississippi Egg Marketing Board, the Mississippi Court Reporters Association and the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources.