Archive for March 2021
Mississippi legislature advances parole reform
The House and Senate advanced legislation today that will provide parole eligibility for new categories of offenses. Senate Bill 2795, sponsored by Sen. Juan Barnett, now awaits the signature of Gov. Tate Reeves before becoming law after easily clearing both chambers. “We all know the problems with Mississippi’s justice system and the legislature has again…
Read MoreLaw enforcement officer sees need for criminal justice reform
“Every profession is evolving, and law enforcement is no different.” Lt. Kevin Lavine of the Hinds County Sheriff’s Department recognizes that the “run hard and lock ‘em all up” strategy is no longer a viable one in the state of Mississippi. “I’ve been in law enforcement for over 30 years,” he said, “and it’s time…
Read MoreRegulatory reform can take Mississippi to Mars
In 1969, astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first men to walk on the moon. That same year, the Code of Federal Regulations—the record of all regulations adopted by U.S. federal agencies—contained roughly 400,000 regulatory restrictions on Americans. Since that fateful moon walk, man has continued to push the boundaries of what is…
Read MoreFaith Leaders & Conservative Groups Unite in Support of Parole & Habitual Reforms
As the clock ticks on the 2021 legislative session, separate letters from faith leaders and conservative advocacy organizations are calling on the Mississippi legislature to address profound injustices in Mississippi’s criminal justice system through meaningful reforms to our parole system and habitual laws. “The problems with Mississippi’s criminal justice system are well-documented. While real efforts are…
Read MoreWicker co-sponsors Driving for Opportunity Act
Sen. Roger Wicker, along with Sen. Chris Coons, a Democrat from Delaware, recently introduced federal legislation that will create incentives to stop debt-based driver’s license suspensions. The Driving for Opportunity Act is a bi-partisan proposal that would help states end a counterproductive practice—suspending driver’s licenses simply because people cannot satisfy a financial obligation—and to enact smart,…
Read MoreGovernor signs universal recognition bill into law
Gov. Tate Reeves has signed legislation that will make it easier for qualified professionals to begin working when they move to Mississippi. House Bill 1263, sponsored by Rep. Becky Currie, requires the state to recognize occupational licenses obtained in another state, making it easier for licensed professionals moving to Mississippi. “Mississippi took a leap forward…
Read MoreBill providing driver’s license for ex-offenders leaving prison signed into law
Legislation that will provide a provisional driver’s license to formerly incarcerated individuals has been signed into law by Gov. Tate Reeves. House Bill 551, sponsored by Rep. Nick Bain, would provide reentering citizens with a six month provisional, class R, driver’s license so that they may be able to properly reintegrate into society by going…
Read MoreJustice reform bills could provide significant savings for Mississippi taxpayers
The Mississippi legislature is currently considering several bills aimed at reforming the state’s criminal justice system, including bills expanding parole eligibility. A new report indicates that these measures could have huge financial impacts on the state’s budget, saving taxpayers millions of dollars per year. The report analyzes SB 2795, sponsored by Sen. Juan Barnett. The…
Read MoreState puts dreams, and career, on hold
Karrece Stewart’s dreams are on hold. They aren’t on hold because plans are still in the works. They aren’t on hold because she hasn’t found the perfect location to open her own makeup studio. No, they aren’t even on hold because she doesn’t have a client base. They are on hold because the State of…
Read MoreGovernor signs expanded scope of practice for optometrists into law
A bill that will expand the scope of practice for optometrists has been signed into law by Gov. Tate Reeves. House Bill 1302, authored by Rep. Jason White, will allow optometrists to examine, diagnose, manage, and treat conditions and diseases of the eye, something they are currently prohibited from doing. By removing this current barrier…
Read MoreUniversal recognition a big win for Mississippi
After the Senate passed House Bill 1263 a couple weeks ago, the House recently concurred and sent the bill to the governor’s desk. When the bill is signed into law, it would be a huge win for Mississippi. Sponsored by Rep. Becky Currie, HB 1263 would recognize occupational licenses from other states, making it easier…
Read MoreDriver’s license for ex-offenders leaving prison advances
Legislation that will provide a provisional driver’s license to formerly incarcerated individuals is headed to the governor for his signature after the House agreed to changes from the Senate. House Bill 551, sponsored by Rep. Nick Bain, would provide reentering citizens with a six month provisional, class R, driver’s license so that they may be…
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