Blog

16 January

House Floor Votes 1/16/17 – 1/19/17

bomgar   |   Uncategorized

*Note: This page will be continuously updated as votes are taken and posted. By clicking on the bill number, you can view the full text of the bill, current status, and vote totals. Vote totals are preliminary and may differ from the final totals. To view the vote by party, copy and paste the names from the vote totals pdf here.

 

Tuesday January 17, 2017

 

  • HB 687: The House considered this bill, which allows public universities to submit debts to the Department of Revenue to collect as a set off against an individual’s income tax return. This bill allows public universities to collect debts owed to them from income tax refunds to individuals who have not paid. This change would expand the scope and intrusiveness of government to cover a function which could be better provided by the private sector (collections). I voted No, the measure passed 103-14.

 

  • HB 709:  This bill extends the authority of a public entity to borrow money and provide taxpayer-financed funds to special private projects. This activity distorts the free market and places excluded local businesses at a disadvantage. I voted No, the measure passed 113-5.

 

Wednesday January 18, 2017

 

 

  • HCRs: 13, 14, 16, 17, 19, 21, 23, 24. The House considered each of these resolutions in a block. These deal with congratulating, commending, memorializing, or expressing condolences to various Mississippians. I voted Yes, the measures passed 121-0. 

 

  • HB 698: This bill changes the purposes for which bond proceeds may be used for two municipalities. It changes Terry’s purposes from historic preservation to building a community center and Saltillo’s purposes from lighting sports fields to traffic signals. If money isn’t used for the current purposes, the money will be used to repay the bonds. This money would be better spent paying off debt instead of funding new projects. I voted No, the measure passed 107-8.

 

  • HB 528: This bill decreases the regulatory burden on fertilizer distributors by changing their reporting requirements from quarterly to annually. This bill will decrease the scope and intrusiveness of government in this particular industry. I voted Yes, the measure passed 121-0.

 

  • HB 555: This bill establishes oversight provisions on outside counsel hired by the Attorney General. It holds this office accountable and ensures that they are protecting the interests of the taxpayers of the state of Mississippi.  I voted Yes, the measure failed 58-60.

 

  • HB 51: This bill removes the prohibition on city governments citing individuals for parking in restricted areas unless the restriction is indicated by signage. This bill would punish individuals who might not be aware of the restrictions. I voted No, the measure passed 110-6.

 

  • HB 246: This bill changes the current law which requires an individual to decrease their speed when approaching an intersection, by allowing drivers to travel at a safe and reasonable speed. This furthers the interests of public safety while expanding individual freedom. I voted Yes, the measure passed 85-33.

 

Thursday January 19, 2017

 

  • HB 488: This bill makes changes to a compact that allows licensed nurses in Mississippi to seek reciprocity with licensing requirements in other states. Although licensing requirements act as barrier to entry in these professions, this measure expands the ability of currently licensed nurses to practice their profession. I voted Yes, the measure passed 118-0.

 

  • HB 309: This bill establishes an interstate compact for licensed physical therapists. It allows therapists in Mississippi to use their existing license to seek reciprocity in other states. Although licensing requirements act as barriers to entry, this measure will expand the ability to practice for those who are currently licensed.  I voted Yes, the measure passed 118-0.

 

  • HB 422: This bill allows the Office of Physician Workforce to recruit additional medical training programs in Mississippi and makes the funding requirement voluntary. It deletes the provision requiring that they procure grants for these programs. I voted Yes, the measure passed 118-0.

 

  • HB 456: This bill extends the term of the Infant Mortality Task Force, an unpaid voluntary task force that makes recommendations on how to solve the infant mortality problem. I voted Yes, the measure passed 118-0.

 

  • HB 460: This bill extends the law which allows medical examiner and pathologists to bill for their services when conducted with the government. I voted Yes, the measure passed 117-0.

 

  • HB 463: This bill extends the law authorizing the Department of Health to operate. Many of the functions of the department should be handled by the private sector. I voted No, the measure passed 115-3.

 

  • HB 478: This bill establishes licensing requirements for post-acute residential brain injury rehab facilities. Licensing requirements are detrimental to business development and serve to deter new entrants to the market. However, the discussion on this bill indicated that these facilities are currently not allowed to operate in the state, and this measure would expand personal freedom by expanding their ability to operate, where there is none today. I voted Yes, the measure passed 116-0.

 

  • HB 493: This bill establishes an interstate compact for licensed EMS personnel. It allows EMS personnel in Mississippi to use their existing license to seek reciprocity in other states. Although licensing requirements act as barriers to entry, this measure will expand the ability to practice for those who are currently licensed.  I voted Yes, the measure passed 117-0.

 

  • HB 494: This bill expands government by adding a new responsibility to the state Department of Health. It charges them with establishing a maternal mortality review committee, which will grow their responsibility, and thereby increase their need for staff and taxpayer funding. I voted No, the measure passed 116-2.

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