*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 10, 2017
- HCR 10: The House considered this resolution, which calls a joint session of the legislature next week to hear the Governor’s State of the State address. I voted Yes, the resolution passed 121-0.
Wednesday January 11, 2017
- HB 479: The House considered this bill, the highly anticipated campaign finance reform bill authored by Speaker Philip Gunn. This bill amends the campaign finance regulations to prevent expenditures for personal expenses, and anyone who violates this provision is fined $1,000. It prevents any member of the legislature, including the Lieutenant Governor, from soliciting or receiving campaign contributions during a legislative session. It shortens the window to file a statement of organization from 10 day to 48 hours, and authorizes the Ethics Commission to fine violators $5,000. The bill requires disclosure of itemized expenditures if paid through a credit card company. Public officials should not profit from public service. This bill restores a measure of accountability and additional transparency to campaign finance in Mississippi. I voted Yes, the measure passed 103-12.
- HB 131: This bill authorizes the Department of Revenue to enter into settlement agreements with individuals where the amount of tax owed is in dispute. This flexibility for the department benefits the taxpayers of this state, as it could result in a lower tax burden for individuals who are disputing the amount owed. I voted Yes, the measure passed 119-0.
- HB 319: This bill grants additional authority to the state to promulgate new rules and regulations to enforce a the liability insurance requirement. The liability insurance requirement is currently state law and is enforced by the Department of Public Safety. Granting another state agency (the Department of Revenue) blanket authority to promulgate any rules or regulations to enforce this requirement might have some impact on compliance, but it will inevitably result in the growth of the size and scope of government. I voted No, the measure passed 81-32.
- HB 469: This bill grants county boards of supervisors the authority to dissolve, redefine, or reconfigure fire protection districts at their discretion. This bill allows for more local control and decision-making regarding fire protection services. It allows for redrawing of technical districts which could result in lower insurance rates for taxpayers. I voted Yes, the measure passed 116-0.
