Last week in the Senate was a whirlwind of a week. Throughout the week, we worked through conferences to attempt to resolve differences in bills. Additionally, the Senate worked through the process of appropriating funds to each agency. In bills of note, the passage of Senate Bill 3046 establishes the COVID-19 Connectivity Act which provides ground rules for dispersing $100 million in federal money to those who expand internet infrastructure in areas where it is lacking. The aim is to give 1-1 matching grants as incentives to those who build internet networks to improve distance learning in areas where no service exists.
The Senate passed Senate Bill 3049 creating the Mississippi Back to Business Liability Assurance Act to limit the legal exposure faced by businesses as they reopen. The bill is aimed at any injury occurring following the March 14, 2020 shutdown to slow the spread of coronavirus. The bill puts a cap of $250,000 on any litigation brought against businesses sued as a result of the virus. It would not cover businesses that act with malice or intentional harmful conduct.
The Senate passed Senate Bill 3047 creating the Mississippi County and Municipality Emergency Relief Program. This is a vehicle for cities and counties to seek reimbursement for coronavirus related expenses such as police overtime incurred during the pandemic. Senate Bill 3050, would do the same for physicians, dentists, medical providers and non-profits.
As usual, the legislature considers the request to grant voting rights back to individuals who have served their sentence and proven to be law abiding citizens. We granted suffrage to restore voting rights to several people and confirmed several people to boards and agencies.
Other bills passed included:
• House Bill 1729 amends existing law to cover tax credits for certain income taxes, ad valorem taxes and franchise taxes.
• Senate Concurrent Resolution 562 would encourage Congress to allow the year round use of daylight savings time in Mississippi.
• Senate Bill 2764 would create for Mississippians with health conditions or disabilities who have trouble communicating with law enforcement, an identifying sticker for the tag and front left windshield so officers would quickly be able to identify them.
On June 25, 2020, Governor Tate Reeves signed Senate Bill 2195 thereby designating approximately one mile of Highway 15 as the Judge Marcus D. Gordon Memorial Highway.
In likely the greatest action taken by the legislature this week, the legislature took up the controversial flag issue. On a split vote of 37-14, Sunday, June 28, 2020, the Senate passed House Bill 1796 that mandates removal of Mississippi’s current state flag, the formation of a commission to redesign the flag, the removal of the Confederate emblem, and the inclusion of the words “In God We Trust” on any proposed design. The eventual design will have to be approved on the ballot by a vote of the people.
I’ve always advocated that the decision to remove the flag belongs with the people for a vote. I personally have no allegiance to this flag or any other flag and have not advocated for this flag. In reality, I am glad that our state will finally put this issue to rest. My position required me to vote no on the procedural rules vote and to vote no on the final bill. Following my vote of no on the procedural vote and after the votes were counted, I paired my vote with a member that was not in the chamber to allow his vote to be cast as well.
The bill still passed and the flag commission will be set up as soon as the Governor signs the bill. The commission will seek public input and adopt its policy on how the new design will be acquired. The commission will present to the governor and lawmakers their chosen design by mid-September.
In conclusion, I hope that our state will move forward from this issue. I will continue to work for the good of District 31 and appreciate you letting me serve.
