Week of February 3, 2025

On Tuesday, February 4, committees faced a key deadline to report general bills and constitutional amendments, though no floor action occurred. Wednesday, February 5th, began floor action and several key pieces of legislation were passed.

HB 1424 Requires that the board of supervisors maintain the upkeep of any space that they are leasing for Child Protection Services. I voted YES on this measure.

HB 403 This creates the “No Patient Left Alone Act” which ensures that visitation rights are only terminated when it is in the best interest of the patient. I voted YES on this measure.

HB 1302 was introduced and passed, legalizing the state's online sports betting and racebook wagering. I voted YES on this measure.

HB 1193, prohibiting public schools, state-accredited nonpublic schools, and public colleges from implementing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs or requiring diversity statements in hiring and admissions, was passed. I voted NO on this measure.

HB 1435 streamlines Mississippi’s student transfer process by eliminating the requirement for a student’s home district to approve transfers, leaving the decision solely to the receiving district. I voted NO on this measure.

HB 1544 adjusts the number of judges and residency requirements for several circuit and chancery court districts. I voted NO on this measure. After 2027, Hinds, Claiborne, and Jefferson County will be combined in the Seventh District. This will add more stress to our judicial system, even though we will get an additional judge.