Senate Weekly Report
Note: The following recap of the week’s activities in the Mississippi State Senate is provided from the Senate Press Office on behalf of DeSoto County state Sens. Michael McLendon, Dr. David Parker, and Kevin Blackwell.
The Senate met deadlines and furthered the conference process, approving nominations for multiple boards and preparing for Conference Weekend – the final weekend of the regular 2022 Legislative Session.
The Senate adopted the conference report for House Bill 1365 that prohibits state and local officials from soliciting and/or accepting private funds for elections. “No agency or state or local official responsible for conducting elections may solicit, accept, use or dispose of any donation in the form of money, grants, property or personal services from an individual or a nongovernmental entity for the purpose of funding election-related expenses or voter education, voter outreach or voter registration programs,” the bill reads in part.
The Senate concurred with House changes to Senate Bill 2818 that authorizes the Mississippi Department of Health and the Mississippi Department of Revenue to limit the liability of prospective contractors of information technology contracts “as necessary under the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Act.” The bill was sent to the governor.
The Senate passed Local and Private bills approving various contributions to certain organizations and extending water services outside city limits.
Conference reports adopted include:
House Bill 821, allows Emergency Medical Technicians to administer first aid on the scene before transport ambulance arrives. “Non-transport emergency medical services” (NTEMS) means the provision of initial assessment and medical intervention with sick, wounded or otherwise incapacitated persons, performed by a medically trained person or team of persons, prior to the availability of and intervention by an ambulance service.”
Senate Bill 2273 allows the employer of a parolee to submit to Mississippi Department of Corrections officials time sheets, drug test results and other required information so the parolee does not have to miss work to meet with parole officers.
Senate Bill 2600 creates a study committee to review means through which to reduce parolee recidivism rates.
Senate Bill 2519 clarifies illumination of timber loads extending beyond rear of vehicle and when “a rotating or oscillating amber strobe-type lamp or light-emitting diode light,” must be used.
The Senate remains in conference with the House on many bills throughout the weekend. The Senate faces deadlines next week, including a Friday, April 1, 2022, deadline for adoption of conference reports on general bills and constitutional amendments after they were recommitted.
Senators Nicole Boyd, Neil S. Whaley and others led the body on Tuesday, March 22, 2022, in presenting Senate Concurrent Resolution 580 , commending the Northwest Mississippi Community College football team and Coach Benjy Parker for winning another state championship title in the Mississippi Association of Community Colleges Conference. Northwest defeated the Hinds Community College Eagles on November 13, 2021, 56-21, to clinch the title. Northwest earned its second consecutive MACCC title with the victory, repeating as Conference Champions for the first time since 1991-1992. It marked the 11th Conference Title for the Rangers and the third since 2015.
The Senate also honored the Northwest Mississippi Community College Cheer Team and Coach Brandon Casey with Senate Concurrent Resolution 578 for their recent win of the Open Small Co-Ed National Championship, beating Trine University and Coastal Alabama Community College.
Senator Jason Barrett on Wednesday, March 23, 2022, led the presentation of Senate Resolution 11 to the Brookhaven Academy “Lady Cougars” softball team and Coach Becky Flowers for winning the Mississippi Association of Independent Schools 5A State Championship. The team drew a rousing applause when Barrett recognized their successes.
Senator Jason Barrett on Wednesday, March 23, 2022, also led the presentation of Senate Resolution 12, commending Loyd Star High School “Hornets” boys Golf Team and Coaches Lydia King and Chris King for winning the Mississippi High School Activities Association, (MHSAA), Class 1 State Championship.
