Last week was another busy week of legislative activity.

It was particularly busy since Friday was the last day for both houses to finish up work on general bills and constitutional amendments originating from within its own house.

We now have until Wednesday, Feb. 25, to work on appropriations and revenue bills that originated in the Senate. Below are some highlights from the legislative week that was.

This week, we passed Senate Bill 2519 that would eliminate the $5 annual vehicle inspection sticker.

Many other states have dropped similar programs lawmakers deem no longer needed with more sophisticated vehicles on the road.

Mississippi began the program in 1960. Drivers would still have to obtain an inspection ticker showing that newly applied window tint is legal.

Also passed were:

• Senate Bill 2554 would prohibit the purchase of burned copper by scrap metal dealers in an effort to deter thefts.

• Senate Bill 2582 also seeks to curb the theft of agricultural implements which thieves also sell as scrap metal.

• Senate Bill 2780 would remove the liability for medical professionals who treat persons who have overdosed on drugs, and it also shields from arrest anyone who seeks treatment for a drug overdose or those who call for medical emergency help on their behalf.

• Senate Bill 2161 will end the state’s use of Common Core educational standards and allow the creation of an educational curriculum deemed more beneficial.

• Senate Bill 2695 would provide parental choice of schools for up to 500 special needs students. The general fund budget would pay $7,000 per student.

• Senate Bill 2477 would allow Winston Medical Center in Louisville, which was damaged by a tornado on April 28, 2014, to be exempted from the CON process while rebuilding. It will save the hospital about $100,000.

• Senate Bill 2481 would create a task force whose goal is to maximize care for the mentally ill.

• Senate Bill 2691 would consolidate Durant and Holmes County school districts to save money and become more efficient since Durant has seen a steady decline.

• Senate Bill 2407 would force community hospital boards to comply with the Open Meetings Act, which gives transparency. It will allow the facilities to discuss in closed session matters deemed sensitive such as personnel and finances. However, actions taken in closed session must be recorded in the board minutes where persons, including journalists, would have access to it.

• Senate Bill 2394 would reduce the cost of a concealed carry permit by 20-percent.

• Senate Bill 2619 would allow active military personnel and veterans to skip the one day training class needed to acquire an enhanced concealed carry gun permit and would lower the age for concealed carry for them from 21-years-old to 18-years-old.

• Senate Concurrent Resolution 567 honors the life and legacy of former state Senator and Congressman Alan Nunnelee.

• Senate Bill 2506 would require agencies to reveal fees charged to taxpayers and mandates budget requests be readily available online at the Legislative Budget Office website.

• Senate Bill 2110 establishes stricter regulations on adult care facilities, forcing owners who care for more than five persons in multiple locations to register with and be licensed by the Department of Health and be open for inspection.

• Senate Bill 2553 would tighten state contracting laws and give increased oversight of government purchases.

Thanks for taking the time to learn more about what the State Legislature is doing for the great people of Mississippi, and thanks for your continued support.

I look forward to seeing you all around the district soon.

 

Kelvin Butler is a Democratic member of the Mississippi State Senate, representing District 38