MHA's Legislative Liaison

Mental illness bill studied

Mississippi lawmakers are attempting to streamline the process for having people involuntarily committed for evaluation or treatment of mental illness. A bill passed in the House last week to set standards in all  Mississippi counties.  Click here for the full story.

Miss. Senate OKs $79M Budget Plug, Veto Looming

The Mississippi Senate agreed to a House plan to restore $79 million in state budget cuts. The bill passed 26-22.  It is being sent to Republican Gov. Haley Barbour, who has said he will veto the bill.  Click here to view the story.

Legislative showdown looms in budget voting

The House and Senate are scheduled to ponder the first draft of plans to pay for state government during the fiscal year beginning on July 1.The Senate is also expected to consider a House plan to restore some of the money that has been cut from the budget for the year that ends June 30.

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Proposed soda tax to trim obesity losing its pop

HB 1606, a bill proposed by Rep. John Mayo of Clarksdale, would add a 2 cents per ounce tax for sweetened bottled or canned drinks. Mayo stated the purpose of the bill is to fight obesity in Mississippi.  House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Percy Watson, D-Hattiesburg, said he doesn't expect to bring Mayo's bill up for a vote, so the issue will likely die this session.  Click here to view the entire story

Mississippi House sends budget remedy to Senate

The House recently approved a midyear budget restoration, which will now go to the Senate.  The bill would place $79 million, mostly from tobacco settlement funds, into areas including the Mississippi Adequate Education Program (MAEP) and the Department of Mental Health.  Click here for the full story. 

Bill to restore $100M to budget stalls in Senate

 
 
 
A bill to restore $100 million of the money cut from Mississippi's budget has stalled in the Senate after lawmakers voted to spend more time negotiating it. The full Senate voted to send the bill to conference.
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Senate Considers a Bill to Reduce Size of Legislature

Last week, the Senate Elections committee passed a bill to decrease the size of the Mississippi Legislature.  The full Senate is expected to consider the bill within the next few weeks. Click here for the full story.