Blog

*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.

 

Monday January 30, 2017

 

• HB 144: This bill ensures that the Department of Revenue will be held liable for any liens that are filed in error, and they must reimburse taxpayers for any expense incurred by the error. This ensures that the department is held accountable and responsible for any errors.  I voted Yes, the measure passed 120-0.

 

• HB 686: This bill expands taxpayer rights by allowing taxpayers to file for a revision of their tax return within 3 years of filing. I voted Yes, the measure passed 118-0.

 

• HB 710: This bill extends the authority of the state to allocate federal tax credits. The state should work to reduce the tax burden for all Mississippians, not just those investing in these special projects. However, this measure does decrease the overall tax burden. I voted Yes, the measure passed 120-1.

 

• HB 858: This bill deleted the provision allowing for bond proceeds to be used to help a private company. The state should not borrow money at taxpayer’s expense to benefit private corporations. I voted Yes, the measure passed 115-4.

 

• HB 859: This bill authorizes MDA to dispose of property in their possession. The state should seek to decrease its footprint by disposing of such property. I voted Yes, the measure passed 109-8. 

 

Tuesday January 31, 2017

 

• The House considered a motion to suspend the rules, bypass the committee process, and bring out  HB 1080. This bill is called the “Equal Pay Act” and it places new regulations on employers in the state, dictating how they may compensate their employees. The information about a purported “pay gap” offered in support of this bill is based on misinformation. Once normalized for occupation types, this “gap” almost completely disappears. I voted No, the measure failed 47-72

 

Wednesday February 1, 2017

 

• HB 938: This bill attempts to curb spending by placing a freeze on the purchase of new vehicles and requiring state agencies to use the most efficient routes when traveling. This bill is a step towards reducing state spending. I voted Yes, the measure passed 115-5.

 

• HB 941: This bill brings forward a number of code sections relating to the state budget, but only makes two changes. It raises the amount of funds that can be withdrawn from the Capital Expense Fund to repair state buildings, from $2M to $5M during a single fiscal year. I voted No, the measure passed 113-8.

 

• HB 978: This bill makes amendments to the deferred compensation law for state and local government employees. The bill appears to offer increased plan flexibility by allowing for Roth investment accounts. I voted Yes, the measure passed 120-1.

 

• HB 1301: This bill makes a number of technical amendments to the PERS statute by removing old language and simplifying payment intervals. It also exempts the director of PERS from the salary cap applied to other statewide department heads. It’s inappropriate to exempt certain agencies from this cap and allow department heads to make more than our governor. I voted No, the measure passed 117-4.

 

• HB 1225: This bill authorizes the Secretary of State to donate land to the National Park Service. The state should seek to decrease its land holdings. I voted Yes, the measure passed 120-0.

 

• HB 1226: This bill creates an improvement district to make improvements to the capitol complex in Jackson, funded from a diversion of existing tax revenue generated in the district. I voted Yes, the measure passed 99-22.

 

• HB 1328: This bill increases government spending by setting forth a new salary scale for ABC officers. This will cost the taxpayers over $150,000. I voted No, the measure passed 116-5.

 

• HB 480: This bill increases taxes on Mississippians by requiring out of state retailers to collect sales tax. The state should seek to decrease the tax burden on working Mississippians, not increase it. I raised a point of order to require a 3/5 vote on this bill since it has the effect of raising taxes. The Chair ruled against the point of order, arguing that this is not a new tax. I spoke against the bill to voice concern about raising taxes on Mississippians. I voted No on the bill, the measure passed 78-39.

 

• HB 928: This bill expands choice in the marketplace by allowing small businesses to use Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs) which were banned under Obamacare but recently re-instituted by Congress. The bill in its current version does not accomplish this, but brings forward code sections for possible amendment. I voted Yes, the measure passed 117-2.

 

• HB 1320: This bill expands leisure and recreation districts, which provide more freedom to localities by exempting areas from alcohol regulations. I voted Yes, the measure passed 87-29.

 

• HB 411: This bill expands qualified resort areas, which provide more freedom to localities by exempting areas from alcohol regulations. I voted Yes, the measure passed 78-42.

 

• HB 1315: This bill expands the freedom of businesses to operate by allowing bridal boutiques to serve champagne. I voted Yes, the measure passed 82-33.

 

• HB 1319: This bill expands qualified resort areas, which provide more freedom to localities by exempting areas from alcohol regulations. I voted Yes, the measure passed 85-35.

 

• HB 1322: This bill expands freedom for businesses by allowing breweries to sell their products on-site. I voted Yes, the measure passed 93-23.

 

• HB 1447: This bill expands qualified resort areas, which provide more freedom to localities by exempting areas from alcohol regulations. I voted Yes, the measure passed 86-34.

 

 

• HB 1308: This bill limits the amount of taxpayer money that may be sent to public improvement districts, shortens the terms for members of the districts, and changes notice requirements for public meetings of the district. I voted Yes, the measure passed 115-4.

 

• HB 1333: This bill extends a grant program that redistributes taxpayer money to airport services, as well as expands eligibility for the grants. The state should decrease spending and corporate welfare, this bill expands both. I voted No, the measure passed 113-7.

 

• HB 711: This bill extends corporate welfare by continuing to redistribute taxpayer money to movie-makers. I voted No, the measure passed 107-15.

 

• HB 1332: This bill extends an income tax credit that reduces the tax burden on certain cargo imports. The state should seek to decrease the tax burden for everyone in the state, and this is a step in that direction. I voted Yes, the measure passed 120-1.

 

• HB 1451: This bill increases fees charged to Mississippians for a marriage certificate, from $10 to $50. The state should seek to decrease fees charged to citizens. I voted No, the measure failed 69-47.

 

• HB 1331: This bill amends the way that property is appraised at the state port to more accurately reflect the true value of the property. I voted Yes, the measure passed 121-1.

 

• HB 812: This bill further protects innocent property owners by ensuring that assets cannot be forfeited by law enforcement unless a warrant is obtained from a judge. Further, it furthers transparency by establishing a reporting site for forfeitures completed in the state. The bill also prevents local departments from hiring outside counsel to complete forfeitures. This is a good step towards furthering due process and transparency in the state. I voted Yes, the measure passed 116-3.

 

• HB 643: This bill imposes additional fees on individuals who are charged with a crime by requiring those who are accused of a misdemeanor to compensate the state for investigative services. Offenders are currently subject to a litany of fees and fines which make it difficult for impoverished low-level offenders to reenter society as a productive taxpayer. This bill would further exacerbate that problem, further reducing the capabilities of Mississippi’s workforce. I voted No, the measure passed 89-31.

 

• HB 515: This bill adds an additional facility to the list of places triggering enhanced sentences for drug penalties. This measure places additional punitive sentences on those dealing with drug addictions, who are most in need of treatment. Instead of treatment, this bill would subject these individuals to even more time in prison. I voted No, the measure passed 75-43.

 

• HB 50: This bill increases regulations on businesses operating in the state by imposing licensing restrictions on vendors. The state should seek to decrease regulations on all businesses instead of increasing the size of the current regulatory footprint. I voted No, the measure passed 77-42.

 

• HB 827: This bill undermines the rehabilitative framework of Technical Violation Centers by allowing the MS Department of Corrections to send technical parole violators back to general population instead of receiving treatment and programming. While this recommendation was part of the 585 oversight task force report, the data in the report does not support this policy change. The TVCs could be better improved by giving offenders an incentive to participate there instead of sending them back to incarceration. I voted No, the measure passed 112-8.

 

• HB 829: This bill makes technical corrections to this parole statute to ensure that violent offenders who are not parole eligible are not able to exploit this provision and earn release early. I voted Yes, the measure passed 118-2.

 

• HB 71: This bill makes a small change to the language governing when contracts can be considered approved by the review board. Currently, if no objection is stated 30 days after submission, it is considered approved. This bill changes “30 days” to “the meeting in the month following the submission of the contract.” This could result in a longer time period in some instances, and shorter in other, but will allow the board to more efficiently make decisions in line with their meeting times. I voted Yes, the measure passed 95-20.

 

• HB 342: This bill carves out an exemption to contract reviews for contracts entered into by the Fair Commission for entertainers. The purpose of the contract review board is to review these contracts and ensure that taxpayers are being protected. Carving out additional exemptions to the law could make it easier to secure entertainers at the expense of transparency and accountability. I voted No, the measure passed 111-8.

 

• HB 361: Currently, all state vehicles are required to have markings indicated they are owned by the state, and several agencies are exempted from this requirement. This bill would add the Ethics Commission to the list of exempted agencies. This bill inhibits transparency and accountability by exempting the commission from these requirements. The bill was amended on the floor to include the Department of Marine Resources to this exception as well. I voted No, the measure passed 101-20.

 

• HB 423: This bill requires all state agencies that provide children’s services and programs to report all programs they operate, along with funding received, and children served. This increases transparency in government and will help lawmakers cut waste and protect taxpayer dollars. I voted Yes, the measure passed 120-1.

 

• HB 228: This bill allows for early voting in Mississippi elections, up to 14 days prior to election day, and limits absentee voting. This will expand the right to vote and give voters more options. I voted Yes, the measure passed 113-8.

 

Thursday February 2, 2017

 

• The House voted on a motion to table the motion to reconsider HB 480, the internet sales tax. This motion would allow the bill to progress to the Senate. I voted No, the motion failed 45-66. 

 

• HB 1451: The House reconsidered this bill, which increases fees charged to Mississippians for a marriage certificate, from $10 to $50. The state should seek to decrease fees charged to citizens. I voted No, the measure passed 82-29.

 

• HB 887: This bill makes a number of changes to special funds, amending some to send monies to the general fund, and exempting others from this requirement. I voted Yes, the measure passed 84-31.

 

• HB 974: This bill exempts a number of state agencies from Personnel Board requirements for a limited time period. It also requires agencies to submit reports to the legislature about salary increases for employees. This will increase transparency and efficiency by giving agency directors more latitude in hiring and firing employees. I voted Yes, the measure passed 68-55.

 

• HB 669: This bill extends civil liability to doctors serving the legislature as ‘doctor of the day,’ and protects physicians serving publicly in this capacity. I voted Yes, the measure passed 109-4.

 

• HB 1062: This bill mirrors the federal law that provides National Guard members up to two weeks of a leave of absence. I voted Yes, the measure passed 121-0.

 

• HB 976: This bill simply designates March 29th as Vietnam Veteran’s Day. I voted Yes, the measure passed 120-0.

 

• HB 390: This bill exempts some smaller cities to from the requirements to publish their annual budget to match the number required for cities to incorporate. I voted Yes, the measure passed 118-3.

 

• HB 906: This bill allows a state agency to charge higher fees on individuals who are using state property. The state should seek to decrease fees and fines billed to citizens of the state, not increase them. I voted No, the measure passed 112-3.

 

• HB 1125: This bill allows the state to contract out to a nonprofit corporation the operation of a state-owned facility. The state should not operate or own facilities like these that are better handled by the private sector. While this bill still allows for state ownership of the facility, it outsources many of the responsibilities of operating the center. I voted Yes, the measure passed 119-1.

 

• HB 1288: This bill makes technical revisions to provisions allowing the Departments of Corrections and Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks to lease land for private purposes. It simplifies the requirements for leasing and the timeframe, increasing the likelihood that these resources will be put into productive use by the private sector. I voted No, the measure passed 121-0.

 

• HB 574: This bill allows the state department of Agriculture to lease naming rights to their properties to private entities. This will increase the role of government in operating these properties, and providing advertising space to private entities. I voted No, the measure passed 113-8.

 

• HB 1014: This bill repeals existing regulations on how timber can be harvested. The state should not regulate business activity between consenting private entities, and this bill repeals one of these regulations. I voted Yes, the measure passed 114-0.

 

• HB 395: This bill allows a particular interest group to pay for special license plates. I voted Yes, the measure passed 118-0.

 

• HB 426: This bill allows a particular interest group to pay for special license plates. I voted Yes, the measure passed 119-0.

 

• HB 691, HB 694, HB 695, HB 708 The House considered these bills in a block to allow particular interest groups to pay for special license plates. I voted Yes, the measures passed 119-0.

 

• HB 162: This bill increases the size of government by creating a new government-administrated trust fund that administers tax-deductible flexible spending accounts for disabled people. While tax-deductible accounts should be allowed, they shouldn’t be regulated and dictated by a newly created governmental board. I voted No, the measure passed 87-33. 

 

• HB 25: This bill requires MDOT to install rumble strips along all new highways. This will inevitably add to the cost of constructing new roadways and require more taxpayer funding for road construction. I voted No, the measure passed 118-2.

 

• HB 383: This bill requires the Department of Public Safety to produce a waiver for Commercial Driver’s License testing for those who have completed equivalent military skills tests. This will expand access to commercial driver’s licenses for members of the military. I voted Yes, the measure passed 120-0.

 

• HB 940: This bill expands the duties of the Department of Finance and Administration, by revising the definition of construction to include the purchase of furniture. I voted Yes, the measure passed 121-0.

 

• HB 520: This bill extends the term of which community college can borrow money, from 15 years to 30 years. The state should seek to decrease borrowing and save taxpayer money, not seek to extend the term of borrowing and increase its indebtedness. I voted No, the measure passed 120-1.

 

• HB 919: This bill allows Delta State to lease a golf course to a private entity. The state should seek to decrease its holdings and move property to productive private uses. I voted Yes, the measure passed 117-1.

 

• HB 450: This bill extends state regulations on how individual businesses may conduct telephone solicitation calls in the state. The state shouldn’t place regulations on private businesses, and this is beyond the proper role of government. I voted No, the measure passed 117-1.

 

• HB 865: This bill extends a regulatory requirement on how individuals must mark towers on private property. This bill is outside the scope of the proper role of government. I voted No, the measure passed 120-1.

 

• HB 883: This bill expands the freedom of regulated utilities to undertake certain business-related activities. The state should not be in the business of dictating how energy providers serve their customers, but this bill expands the freedom of current businesses to operate. I voted Yes, the measure passed 119-0.

 

• HB 649: This bill creates a working group of state agency directors to examine the type of data they maintain with the goal of recommending changes that improve accessibility and transparency, as well as reducing inefficient and unworkable data systems. I voted Yes, the measure passed 122-0.

 

• HB 999: This bill expands the duties and scope of ITS to develop cyber security protocols for state agencies. This will expand the scope of government. I voted No, the measure passed 121-1.

 

• HB 455: This bill extends state regulations on how nuisance animals may be hunted in the state. This is outside the proper role of government. I voted No, the measure passed 120-2.

 

• HB 1021: This bill simply makes technical corrections to the statute by updating the terminology to reflect the agency that is actually in charge of enforcing this statute. I voted Yes, the measure passed 120-0.

 

• HB 514: This bill vastly expands the police powers of MDOT officers to enforce laws within work zones. It also expands their authority to police general offenses and any other order promulgated by the Department of Transportation. I voted No, the measure passed 117-4.

 

• HB 599: This bill grows the size of government by establishing a new education program, and allows the state to borrow up to $10 Million to fund the program. This grows the size and scope of government while putting the state further in debt. I voted No, the measure passed 115-3.

 

• HB 457: This bill extends licensing requirements and bureaucratic regulations on assisted living facilities operating in the state. The government should not place regulations on the operation of these private enterprises, and this bill extends existing regulations. I voted No, the measure passed 118-4.

 

• HB 492: This bill expands the regulatory scope of the Department of Health by adding new requirements for their oversight of nursing facilities. I voted No, the measure passed 121-1.

 

• HB 465: This bill extends the regulatory authority of the board of funeral service. The state should not regulate the operation of private enterprise. Extending this regulation protects established businesses, makes it more difficult to entrepreneurs to operate, drives up the cost of service, and wastes taxpayer dollars on an illegitimate function of government. I voted No, the measure passed 113-1.

 

• HB 464: This bill extends the regulatory authority of the board of cosmetology. The state should not regulate how cosmetologists operate their businesses. Extending this regulation protects established businesses, makes it more difficult to entrepreneurs to operate, drives up the cost of service, and wastes taxpayer dollars on an illegitimate function of government. I have received seveveral complaints from my district about this board, and it has a real negative impact on people’s lives. I spoke against the bill and voted No, the measure passed 83-35.

 

 

• HB 489: This bill creates mental health courts which are a helpful diversion from the criminal justice system for individuals with mental health issues. Incarceration is currently the only tool used by the state in many situations, and it is often unhelpful. This will help decrease the strain on our criminal justice system and direct needy individuals to treatment instead of incarceration. Like drug courts, it can also help save the state money. I voted Yes, the measure passed 120-0.

 

• HB 318: This bill increases the size and scope of state government by creating a new grant program that redistributes taxpayer dollars to certain healthcare providers. The state should seek to decrease dependence on tax dollars and reduce the intrusiveness of government in healthcare. This bill merely exacerbates the problem of government intrusion in the healthcare industry. I voted No, the measure passed 113-8.

 

• HB 1013: This bill simply makes a number of technical amendments to the child welfare statutes to reflect the new name of the agency as Child Protection Services. It makes no substantive changes to the statute. I voted Yes, the measure passed 119-0.

 

• HB 891: This bill would allow local areas more autonomy in determining where highway signs may be placed. I voted Yes, the measure passed 122-0.

 

• HB 907, HB 1015, HB 1018: The House considered several bills which rename highways in the state to honor individuals. I voted Yes, the measures passed 121-0.

 

• HB 1088: This bill renames a certain portion of highway in Lowndes County to honor a Mississippian.  I voted Yes, the measure passed 122-0.

 

• HB 1452: This bill modernizes the statute governing local tax collectors by allowing them to accept digital signatures for privilege licenses. I voted Yes, the measure passed 122-0.

 

• HB 807: This bill increases individual freedom by allowing brokers to sell property that can’t be equitably divided. I voted Yes, the measure passed 122-0.

 

• HB 1066: This bill eliminates graduated sanctions for stealing crab traps and replaces them with one penalty – a fine of $2,000 – $5,000 and up to 90 days in jail. The current penalty for a first offense is a fine from $500 – $1,000, and for the third offense $2,000 to $4,000. I voted No, the measure passed 109-8.

 

• HB 399: This bill expands the regulatory powers of the banking commissioner to regulate and oversee private financial entities.  I voted No, the measure passed 114-4.

 

• HB 1002: This bill increases regulatory penalties for those who do not comply with state securities regulations.  I voted No, the measure passed 117-1.

 

 

• HB 1454: This bill completely eliminates the repealer on a forestry tax. This will prevent future review of the bill to renew the repeal date. The tax is imposed upon forest acreage to fund the State Forestry Commission. I voted No, the measure passed 111-8.

 

• HB 1242: This bill creates a new grant program to redistribute taxpayer money from the state to municipalities to assist in repairing water and sewer systems. I voted No, the measure passed 120-2.

 

Friday February 3, 2017

 

• HB 572: The House reconsidered an amended version of this bill, which allows the Department of Finance and Administration to sell state-owned property, which will further decrease the size of the state government. I voted Yes, the measure passed 118-0.

 

• HCRs 15, 39, 48, 51, 52: The House considered these resolutions as a block vote. They are ceremonial resolutions that commend or congratulate Mississippians. I voted Yes, the measures passed 122-0.

 

• SCRs 518, 542, 543, 552, 553, 554, 555, 556, 557, 558, 559, 560, 562, 568, 570, 572, 573, 574, 575, 576, 577, 578, 579, 580, 581, 582, 583, 584, 586, 587: The House considered these resolutions as a block vote. They are ceremonial resolutions that commend or congratulate Mississippians. I voted Yes, the measures passed 116-0.

 

• HB 1459: This bill allows a county board of supervisors to extend the lease for a healthcare facility. I voted Yes, the measure passed 120-0.

 

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