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. You can view upcoming votes, along with my explanation, on my House Calendar page here.

 

Tuesday, January 30, 2018

 

• HB 185: This bill allows Lamar County to transfer money from their local sanitation fund to the county’s general fund to meet other budgetary needs. I voted Yes, the measure passed 108-0. 

 

• HB 186: This bill allows a county to transfer taxpayer dollars directly to a private entity. I voted No, the measure passed 105-2.

 

• HB 1520: This bill would allow for an increase of the tax burden on citizens of Richland. I voted No, the measure passed 95-7.

 

• HB 1525: This bill expands the size of government by establishing a new public entity that will transfer taxpayer dollars to private entities. I voted No, the measure passed 106-2.

 

• HB 1533: This bill allows a local county to lease property for use by the National Guard. I voted Yes, the measure passed 118-0. 

 

Wednesday, January 31, 2018

 

• HB 788: This bill allows an economic development agency to renegotiate the terms of a loan to a municipality. I voted Yes, the measure passed 114-2.

 

• HB 963: This bill increases the scope and intrusiveness of government by allowing universities to take tax refunds from individuals who owe past debts. The proper role for the state is to refund individuals their money and allow the universities to pursue collection like other businesses. I voted No, the measure passed 83-26.

 

• HB 1045: This bill allows counties to contribute a portion of any insurance rebates they receive to burn care facilities. Currently, they are required to be spent on fire protection. I voted Yes, the measure passed 114-2.

 

• HB 1138: This bill gives the state more flexibility to restructure the state’s debt. I voted Yes, the measure passed 115-2.

 

• HB 192: This bill expands freedom by allowing for unopened containers of alcohol to be transported across highways in areas that have placed restrictions on the sale of alcohol locally. I voted Yes, the measure passed 91-19.

 

• HB 415: This bill expands freedom by allowing a particular resort area to sell alcoholic beverages. The state should seek to undo these regulations whenever possible. I voted Yes, the measure passed 86-26.

 

• HB 534: This bill decreases the scope of government by allowing Meridian to establish exemptions to regulations on alcohol. The state should seek to decrease these regulations whenever possible. I voted Yes, the measure passed 82-26.

 

• HB 995: This bill expands freedom by allowing distillers to sell products at their location. While it regulates how and when they may sell these products, the bill expands freedom by allowing an activity that is currently prohibited by the government. I voted Yes, the measure passed 87-24.

 

• HB 1029: This bill expands the scope and intrusiveness of government by allowing the Department of Revenue to act as a collection agency. It allows the state to take money from taxpayers’ tax refunds and send it to cities if the individuals have outstanding debt there. Acting as a collection agency is outside the proper role of the state government. I voted No, the measure passed 86-26.

 

• HB 1077: This bill expands freedom by allowing a particular resort area to sell alcoholic beverages. The state should seek to undo these regulations whenever possible. I voted Yes, the measure passed 88-27.

 

• HB 1166: This bill expands the size of government by giving local government more options to send taxpayer dollars directly to private corporations. I voted No, the measure passed 113-3.

 

• HB 175: This bill reduces the tax burden for companies that hire individuals who were convicted of a nonviolent offense. The state should seek to increase employability among these individuals and decrease the aggregate tax burden for everyone. I voted Yes, the measure passed 109-5.

 

• HB 693: This bill gives local governments more authority to appeal tax assessments if individuals disagree with assessed values. This will help protect property owners. I voted Yes, the measure passed 117-0.

 

• HB 812: This bill tightens the state’s tax laws requiring certain contractors to acquire a certificate. This regulation will lead to increased taxation of citizens, and it will grow the size and scope of government. I voted No, the measure passed 104-9.

 

• HB 1136: This bill provides the state more flexibility to spend bond proceeds on other purposes related to the museum for which the money was borrowed. The state should seek to reduce its bond indebtedness. I voted No, the measure passed 112-5.

 

• HB 1355: This bill updates the definition of bonds that the state treasurer is allowed to hold to secure state funds. It clarifies the term “investment quality” to reflect bonds that may be purchased on the open market. I voted Yes, the measure passed 114-2.

 

• HB 747: This bill gives the state Treasurer more flexibility to invest excess state funds in bonds. This bill allows them to invest in bonds guaranteed by Israel, as long as they are highly rated. I voted Yes, the measure passed 113-2.

 

• HB 840: This bill expands the scope of government and makes it more difficult for businesses applying for alcohol permits to receive them. It places restrictions on which ships may apply for permits. This is an anti-competitive measure that will limit competition in the free market. I voted No, the measure passed 83-29.

 

• HB 1215: This bill shortens the time that companies have to file for tax purposes and also limits the time of an extension that may be allowed. I voted No, the measure passed 114-2.

 

• HB 1461: This bill states that if a property was illegally exempted from taxation, then the taxpayer is liable only for the taxes owed and not subject to penalties and interest because of the error. I voted Yes, the measure passed 111-0.

 

• HB 387: This bill implements recommendations of the re-entry council to help promote employment among those who have had an interaction with the criminal justice system. This bill will increase employment opportunities and provide significant cost savings to the state. I voted Yes, the measure passed 115-0.

 

• HB 323: This bill places a new mandate on insurance companies by requiring them to issue discounts to certain policyholders. Government insurance mandates drive up costs of coverage. Individuals and insurance companies should be able to negotiate the terms of policies themselves. I voted No, the measure passed 111-2.

 

• HB 326: This bill gives counties the authority to purchase insurance and tags for property acquired by local fire departments through a Firefighter Property Program. I voted Yes, the measure passed 117-0.

 

• HB 665: This bill expands the role and intrusiveness of government by granting new powers to the Department of Agriculture to inspect privately owned farms, in conjunction with the federal Food and Drug Administration. It also gives the commissioner an open-ended authority to write new regulations restricting the operation of private businesses. I voted No, the measure passed 111-4.

 

• HB 815: This bill reduces the role of government by giving insurers more authority in determining how to pay claims. Specifically, it allows them to account for depreciation. I voted Yes, the measure passed 112-2.

 

• HB 887: This bill expands the role of government by extending a program operated by the Department of Insurance to study how to mitigate damage from hurricanes. While this is a worthwhile endeavor for private enterprise, it’s not the proper role of government. I voted No, the measure passed 117-1.

 

• HB 1024: This bill reenacts a provision requiring drivers to have liability insurance coverage and gives the Department of Insurance the ability to enforce this law with regulations. These regulations are outside the proper scope of government. Individuals make a choice to drive and bear the responsibility of insuring against potential losses from those decisions. I voted No, the measure passed 89-21.

 

• HB 155: This bill renames a state building to honor Mr. William Lowe (Bill) Waller, Sr. I voted Yes, the measure passed 117-0.

 

• HB 594: This bill allows the state to transfer a piece of property in Jackson to the city government, where it can be more effectively used. I voted Yes, the measure passed 110-2.

 

• HB 735: This bill allows the state to more quickly dispose of tax-forfeited land by removing the 30-day waiting requirement for the application. I voted Yes, the measure passed 112-5.

 

• HB 736: This bill aims to reduce the cost of operating state government by requiring that existing office space is considered before agencies decide to lease space not owned by the government. The state currently owns properties that are vacant, and this bill could help reduce costs. I voted Yes, the measure passed 116-0.

 

• HB 766: This bill grows the size of government by allowing the state to purchase more property in downtown Jackson for potential use by the State Fair Commission. I voted Yes, the measure passed 111-3.

 

• HB 767: This bill reduces the size of government by allowing the Department of Mental Health to sell a property currently owned by the state. I voted Yes, the measure passed 117-0.

 

• HB 164: This bill expands local autonomy by allowing the President of a local board to declare an emergency. Currently, only the board or mayor can issue this declaration. I voted Yes, the measure passed 118-0.

 

• HB 1047: This bill increases the maximum clothing allowance for Sheriff’s employees from $400 annually to $700. I voted Yes, the measure passed 116-0.

 

• HB 938: This bill consolidates and reduces regulations on correspondence courses by removing the regulatory authority from the Secretary of State and Department of Education and placing it all under the College Accreditation Commission. This should make the regulatory process easier and simpler for providers of correspondence courses in the state. I voted Yes, the measure passed 117-0.

 

• HB 1133: This bill creates yet another government program. While the stated purpose of the bill to promote tourism to our state is a good one, it’s something that is better done by the private sector. This creates a new board which will seek government appropriations of taxpayer dollars. I voted No, the measure passed 114-3.

 

• HB 1177: This bill creates civil penalties for submitting a false claim to a state agency. The intent of the bill is to deter and punish individuals and companies from submitting claims for payment to state agencies that are not truthful. It allows the state to pursue 3x damages as well as a civil penalty. I voted Yes, the measure passed 97-15.

 

• HB 706: This bill simplifies the procedures for filing a tort claim in the state by removing some notice requirements that must be filed currently. I voted Yes, the measure passed 111-6.

 

• HB 1175: This bill requires occupational licensing boards to review their rules and regulations to find any that should be removed and submit them to a review commission. These boards often make it difficult for individuals to enter the workforce, and this bill helps reduce these burdensome regulations. I voted Yes, the measure passed 109-6.

 

• HB 810: This bill simplifies the process for the Secretary of State to serve charities by applying the same standard to out of state charities as those operating in the state. I voted Yes, the measure passed 114-0.

 

• HB 858: This bill limits regulations by reducing the amount of time a regulatory board can make emergency rules. I voted Yes, the measure passed 113-0.

 

• HB 827: This bill reduces the regulatory burden on individuals who own mobile homes. It reduces fees for filing documents for these homes and also provides a way for owners to have these counted as part of their real estate for tax purposes. This will help consumers. I voted Yes, the measure passed 115-0.

 

• HB 1091: This bill expands freedom by loosening restrictions on who may file wrongful death claims. The government shouldn’t restrict individuals from having these cases heard in a court of law. I voted Yes, the measure passed 114-1.

 

• HB 1264: This bill creates a new criminal offense. It creates a broad new definition of “terroristic threats.” This allows an individual to be charged for speech, even if there was no wrongful action and the state can’t prove an intent to act. There’s no standard for determining the credibility of such a “threat.” It creates a criminal penalty of ten years’ incarceration for this speech. This could have a number of unintended consequences that lead to abuse of government power. I voted No, the measure passed 105-7.

 

Thursday, February 1, 2018

 

• HB 666: This bill slightly reduces regulation on businesses by changing a quarterly reporting requirement to an annual one for distributors of agricultural products. I voted Yes, the measure passed 119-0.

 

• HB 710: This bill extends a law which allows groups like 4-H and the Cattlemen’s association to hold up to 3 events annually at state-funded arenas at no charge. I voted Yes, the measure passed 116-0.

 

• HB 901: This bill extends limited liability for agritourism operators in the state. While it also reenacts a registration requirement and fee, this is completely optional and only needed to receive liability protections. I voted Yes, the measure passed 116-0.

 

• HB 1333: This bill transfers the regulation of honey producers from the Department of Health to the Department of Agriculture. I voted Yes, the measure passed 113-3.

 

• HB 1200: This bill expands the size of government by creating a new grant program to spend more taxpayer dollars on municipal projects. I voted No, the measure passed 113-4.

 

• HB 1196: This bill prevents a program from dispensing funds if the program ends without the approval of the Commissioner of Insurance. I voted Yes, the measure passed 111-2.

 

• HB 807: This bill removes a regulatory requirement that school districts structure titles a certain way if they are conveying property to the federal government. I voted Yes, the measure passed 116-0.

 

• HB 1102: This bill allows Jackson State University to sell unused properties in its possession. I voted Yes, the measure passed 117-2.

 

• HB 1206: This bill allows the state to donate bayou property to the National Park Service. I voted Yes, the measure passed 117-0.

 

• HB 1353: This bill allows the University Medical Center to remove and reinter remains in a recently discovered cemetery on their campus. I voted Yes, the measure passed 111-3.

 

• HB 331: This bill reenacts a number of existing regulations on individuals who install water treatment systems. I voted No, the measure passed 113-6.

 

• HB 708: This bill expands opportunities for counselors to practice by creating a new way for them to get licensed. Occupational licensing restrictions limit entrants into the marketplace. This bill allows for a provisional license for individuals who don’t meet the requirements for full licensing and also reduces the fees for licenses from $100 to $50. I voted Yes, the measure passed 105-7.

 

• HB 709: This bill is well-intentioned to allow pharmacists to discuss drug prices with customers, even if the customer’s insurer prevents these discussions. This bill nullifies private contracts that were entered into between pharmacists, insurers, and customers. These sort of regulations and mandates drive up the cost of doing business and ultimately cost consumers more. I voted No, the measure passed 118-1.

 

• HB 876: This bill reenacts a task force that studies infant mortality and how to reduce it in the state. I voted Yes, the measure passed 118-0.

 

• HB 880: This bill extends the role of government by reenacting a law that places regulations on which individuals can operate nursing homes in the state. These types of regulations deter new entrants in the market and drive up costs for consumers. I voted No, the measure passed 114-1.

 

• HB 905: This bill extends the role of government by reenacting a law that places regulations on which individuals can work as massage therapists in the state. These types of regulations deter new entrants in the market and drive up costs for consumers. I voted No, the measure passed.

 

• HB 911: This bill expands the ability of the Department of Human Services to run background checks on individuals who work for the department. It also completely prohibits anyone with a previous felony conviction from working there, regardless of whether the offense was violent or nonviolent, and how long ago the offense occurred. The state shouldn’t automatically disqualify all of these applicants given the workforce shortages that we are facing. I voted no, the measure passed 107-9.

 

• HB 944: While this is a well-intentioned piece of legislation to expand the definition of support animals to include veterans with PTSD, the law does not prevent veterans from getting support animals currently. The problematic portion of this bill expands regulations on private businesses, requiring them to allow animals on their premises. Overriding the policies of private businesses is outside the proper role of government, and it makes operations more difficult for some private businesses. While accepting service animals is a laudable policy for all businesses, the government shouldn’t impose these mandates. I voted No, the measure passed 117-2.

 

• HB 988: This bill extends the role of government by reenacting a law that places regulations on which individuals can work as marriage therapists and social workers in the state. These types of regulations deter new entrants in the market and drive up costs for consumers. I voted No, the measure passed 110-9.

 

• HB 1115: This bill decreases regulations on hospice providers in the state. It exempts them from requirements to have in-person visits with patients before prescribing medicines. The state shouldn’t limit how these patients may seek treatment from private providers. I voted Yes, the measure passed 118-0.

 

• HB 1182: This bill makes technical changes to regulations on EMTs. It changes references to a level of certification from “intermediate” to “advanced.” This could potentially have the impact of reducing regulations on some providers. I voted Yes, the measure passed 117-0.

 

• HB 419: This bill expands mental health courts in the state, which better help people accused of a crime access mental health care when it’s needed. The current mental health court is a limited pilot program, this bill expands it statewide. Whenever a person accused of a crime can be better served by addiction or mental health treatment, the state is better served by directing them to these services instead of using the criminal justice system. I voted Yes, the measure passed 114-3.

 

• HB 721: This bill amends the law which allows the Department of Education to set up vocational schools for practical nursing. Currently, they have to get approval from community colleges to do this. This would require them to get approval from the Board of Nursing. I voted Yes, the measure passed 118-0.

 

• HB 423: This bill extends the role of government by extending a forest tax levied by local boards. I voted No, the measure passed 113-3.

 

• HB 884: This bill preserves the size of government by reenacting the law the provides the Forestry Commission with regulatory powers. I voted No, the measure passed 115-3.

 

• HB 1164: This bill allows counties on the coast to remove concrete slabs from private properties that are remnants of the damage from Hurricane Katrina. I voted Yes, the measure passed 112-0.

 

• HB 1079: This bill expands a current at-risk youth home program. It expands the program to new counties and also increases the number of children who can be placed into this government-run program. This will increase the size and scope of state government. I voted No, the measure passed 89-22.

 

• HB 877: This bill reenacts a current law which allows the Department of Corrections to expand release options in the event of a prison overcrowding emergency. I voted Yes, the measure passed 119-0.

 

• HB 879: This bill reenacts a current law which allows the Department of Corrections to monitor individuals how have been released on parole or probation. I voted Yes, the measure passed 118-0.

 

• HB 883: This bill reenacts a current law which allows for an alcohol and drug treatment program at a state prison. I voted Yes, the measure passed 119-0.

 

• HB 892: This bill reenacts a law which allows the State Parole Board to operate. I voted Yes, the measure passed 119-0.

 

• HB 235: This bill modernizes tax collection statutes by allowing local tax collectors to use electronic signatures. I voted yes, the measure passed 118-0.

 

• HB 393: This bill expands the size and scope of government by allowing the state inland port authority to borrow more money at taxpayer’s expense. I voted No, the measure passed 116-3.

 

• HB 986: This bill makes technical changes to references to the Department of Revenue’s digital title registration system. It updates references to how they provide local tax collectors access to the system. I voted Yes, the measure passed 118-0.

 

• HB 1161: This bill changes the law that requires vehicles to stop at railroad crossings. Currently, they’re technically only required to stop for a train. This extends that requirement to cover any on-track equipment that is passing by. I voted yes, the measure passed 119-0.

 

• HB 1103: This bill changes the qualifications for an individual to serve on the Veterans Affairs Board. Currently, one must be honorably discharged. This bill just changes that reference to exclude anyone who was dishonorably discharged. This should expand the number of veterans who could serve on the board. I voted Yes, the measure passed 117-1.

 

• HB 297: This bill increases the regulatory scope of government by expanding the powers of the public service commission. It expands the definition of ‘rate’ to include deposits. I voted No, the measure passed 117-2.

 

• HB 882: This bill extends the scope of government by reenacting laws that create the public service commission. This board places regulations on private businesses which drive up the costs of doing business and the costs of services for consumers. The state should seek to decrease regulatory burdens whenever possible. I voted No, the measure passed 116-3.

 

• HB 890: The bill extends the state-level regulations and taxes that govern the operation of 911 lines. I voted No, the measure passed 118-1.

 

• HB 826: This bill creates criminal penalties for people who misuse cemetery trust funds. Current penalties are up to 1 year in jail and up to $1,000. This would add the option of incarcerating them up to 10 years in prison. Apparently, these individuals cannot be prosecuted under current criminal law. I voted Yes, the measure passed 116-0.

 

• HB 889: This bill simply re-enacts the law creating a Public Defender Task Force to study the needs for Public Defenders in Mississippi. I voted Yes, the measure passed 118-0.

 

• HB 949: This bill repeals a study committee which is no longer intact. I voted Yes, the measure passed 118-0.

 

• HB 1028: This bill expands the power of the Department of Human Services to investigate vulnerable persons when allegations are made against their caretaker. If the caretaker denies access, this bill allows them to relocate the person and prevent contact between the caretaker who is allegedly abusing them. This is a well-intentioned bill, as long as it doesn’t allow for abuse by the state of innocent people and caretakers. I voted Yes, the measure passed 116-0.

 

• HB 1389: This bill expands the role of government by requiring individuals who own private property with enclosed wildlife apply to the state for a permit. The state should seek to decrease these sorts of regulatory burdens. I voted No, the measure passed 90-22.

 

• HB 601: This bill clarifies the definition of autocycles. It updates this to an accurate definition of these vehicles for use on state roads. I voted Yes, the measure passed 117-0.

 

• HB 792: This bill reduced the regulatory scope of government by limiting the type of companies that can be regulated as debt management companies. The state should always seek to decrease these burdens when possible. I voted Yes, the measure passed 113-3.

 

• HB 1169: This bill updates an antiquated statute that defines personal property. The state’s primary goal should be to protect the life, liberty, and property of its citizens. I voted Yes, the measure passed 114-3.

 

• HB 1338: This bill decreases the regulatory burden on Mississippi banks by allowing banks more freedom to loan money to consumers at market-driven interest rates. The state should seek to decrease these regulatory burdens and allow the free market to govern these activities. I voted Yes, the measure passed 118-0.

 

• HB 955: This bill reduces the scope of state government by repealing a number of laws that reference boards and commissions which are no longer active. This has the effect of simplifying the state’s laws. I voted Yes, the measure passed 106-9.

 

• HB 956: This bill increases transparency in government by requiring cities to post meeting minutes on their website if they have one. It exempts small cities that might not have the resources to comply. Government should always aim to make its proceedings and deliberations as open and accessible to the public as possible. I voted Yes, the measure passed 116-2.

 

• HB 1096: This bill reduces the scope of state government by repealing a number of laws that reference boards and commissions which are no longer active. This has the effect of simplifying the state’s laws. I voted Yes, the measure passed 116-1.

 

• HB 1097: This bill allows law enforcement officers to use their official vehicles when working off-duty as a security officer, with department approval of individual requests. They are currently allowed to use their firearm and uniform. This would extend the provision to include vehicles. I voted Yes, the measure failed 51-52.

 

• HB 1242: This bill reenacts a law which allows the state’s Medicaid program to charge fees to medical providers in the state. I voted No, the measure passed 114-1.

 

• HB 1350: This bill extends a law which reduces the tax rate for certain businesses. The state should always seek to lower the tax burden on all individuals. I voted yes, the measure passed 115-0.

 

• HB 158: This bill expands transparency by stating that prices the state pays for products are subject to public records requests. I voted Yes, the measure passed 113-0.

 

• HB 668: This bill redefines the state’s vagrancy laws and reduces the penalties for vagrancy from 10-30 days in jail and $200 to 48 hours in jail and $100. While these individuals would be better served by access to help, treatment and resources than incarceration, this is a step in the right direction. I voted Yes, the measure passed 116-0.

 

• HB 801: This bill ensures that when a child is taken into protective custody, they can be placed in the home of a relative. It also gives the relatives more time to comply with registration requirements. I voted Yes, the measure passed 117-0.

 

• HB 1067: This bill increases efficiency in the child protection system. requires that children who are ordered by youth court to a development center are transported there within 5 days unless there are no beds available. I voted Yes, the measure passed 118-0.

 

• HB 1071: This bill does two things. First, it places a new reporting requirement on the Department of Child Protective Services by requiring them to report to the Youth Court if they’ve been unable to remove a child after 3 attempts. Second, it allows for the termination of any public employee who fails to report a possible case of abuse. This could have the unintended consequence of more unfounded reports by public employees. I voted No, the measure passed 114-1.

 

• HB 904: This bill reenacts an existing law which prevents individuals from abusing the patent system. It makes this a civil violation to send letters in an attempt to collect money from patents that aren’t really owned by the individual. I voted Yes, the measure passed 119-0.

 

• HB 1306: This bill limits the freedom to contract. It voids any construction contracts concerning buildings in the state if the contracts require dispute resolution take place outside the state. This limits the liberty of contractors and makes it more difficult to do business in Mississippi. I voted No, the measure passed 114-1.

 

• HB 1305: This bill places additional regulations on private businesses. It prevents appraisal management companies from performing background checks on its employees. While employers should encourage second chances, the government should not mandate how they conduct their hiring process. I voted No, the measure passed 115-2.

 

• HB 1127: This bill provides the Department of Corrections the authority to enter into much longer contracts for private prisons. The current cap is 5 years with a renewal option, and this would allow contracts for up to 20 years. Given the abuses highlighted by private prisons and the incentive issues with paying private companies to house inmates who are incarcerated due to state law, the department should be limited in these agreements and given the opportunity to review them periodically. I voted No, the measure passed 115-2.

 

• HB 1139: This bill provides the state greater flexibility to house state inmates in local facilities. This could help reduce the state’s costs and allow them to house individuals in local jail facilities with work programs. I voted Yes, the measure passed 106-11.

 

• HB 756: This bill designates a section of highway in honor of a recognized citizen of the state. I voted Yes, the measure passed 119-0.

 

• HB 1150: This bill designates a section of highway in honor of a recognized citizen of the state. I voted Yes, the measure passed 119-0.

 

• HB 1153: This bill designates a section of highway in honor of a recognized citizen of the state. I voted Yes, the measure passed 118-0.

 

• HB 1208: This bill designates a section of highway in honor of recognized citizens of the state. I voted Yes, the measure passed 118-0.

 

• HB 526: This bill creates a Workforce Development Study Committee to examine current public school curricula and make recommendations on how they can be improved to meet the needs of a modern workforce. I voted Yes, the measure passed 114-2. An amendment was offered relating to other testing items not included in this bill. I voted No, the amendment failed 49-64.

 

• HB 1012: This bill adds the head of the Police Chief’s Association to a law enforcement standards board. I voted Yes, the measure passed. 

 

• HB 20: This bill makes technical corrections to the law. It clarifies that the state’s Department of Transportation is responsible for motor carrier regulations. They have already assumed these responsibilities. I voted Yes, the measure passed 118-0.

 

Friday, February 2, 2018

 

• HB 955: The House reconsidered this bill for an amendment to remove some boards which are active. This bill reduces the scope of state government by repealing a number of laws that reference boards and commissions which are no longer active. This has the effect of simplifying the state’s laws. I voted Yes, the measure passed 117-0. 

 

• HB 827: This bill reduces the regulatory burden on individuals who own mobile homes. It reduces fees for filing documents for these homes and also provides a way for owners to have these counted as part of their real estate for tax purposes. This will help consumers. The House reconsidered the House reconsidered the bill for a technical amendment. I voted Yes, the measure passed 118-0.

 

• HB 1241: This bill preempts local regulations on private employers. It prevents local governments from placing wage mandates on businesses. Many cities that have attempted this have seen jobs leave their towns. This will help protect the liberty of employees and employers in the state. An amendment was offered that simply restated federal law. I voted No on the amendment, it passed 73-40. Another amendment was offered and the bill was set aside for a ruling on the amendment. 

 

• HB 794: This bill vastly expands the role of government by creating a new framework for “public-private partnerships.” This would allow for increased spending on tax dollars for things that are outside the proper role of government. I voted No, the measure passed 106-9.

 

• HB 1035: This bill provides additional flexibility for individuals who are currently using the dyslexia loan program. It doesn’t expand the program or require any new money, it simply allows individuals to use the funds over two years instead of one. I voted Yes, the measure passed 104-1.

 

• HB 1037: This bill updates references to the state’s virtual public school program to clarify that the state Department of Education will handle applicants and approve coursework. I voted Yes, the measure passed 105-0.

 

• HB 1510: This bill protects life by prohibiting abortions after 15 weeks into a pregnancy. The government’s primary role should be to protect the life, liberty, and property of its citizens. I voted Yes, the measure passed 79-30.

 

 

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