Archive for April 2021
What Does The Earned Parole Eligibility Act Do?
Gov. Tate Reeves signed Senate Bill 2795, the “Mississippi Earned Parole Eligibility Act,” on April 22, 2021. What does the new law do? This was smart on crime legislation that will safely reduce Mississippi’s prison population, make prisons safe by providing hope and incentive, and cut down on the added taxpayer burden. When SB 2795…
Read MoreWhile the South grows, Mississippi loses population
Mississippi was one of just three states to lose population over the past decade. According to the official Census data released yesterday, Mississippi’s population declined from 2,978,240 in 2010 to 2,963,914 today. Mississippi drops from the 31st to 34th most populous state. The state will not lose a seat from reapportionment, however. West Virginia experienced the…
Read MoreEmpower applauds Reeves for signing parole reform
Today, Gov. Tate Reeves signed legislation that will expand parole eligibility for individuals who have earned an opportunity to have their cases reviewed as Mississippi continues to advance justice reform. “Legislative leadership and stakeholders from across the criminal justice system worked very hard this year to craft meaningful parole reform that puts public safety first…
Read MoreCongress looks to help military families
A new bill in Congress would make life a little easier for military families with professional licenses. The Military Spouse Licensing Relief Act, co-sponsored by Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith, would give military spouses with valid professional licenses in one state reciprocity in the state where their spouse is assigned. Occupational licensing laws make life more difficult for…
Read MoreReeves signs Dignity for Incarcerated Women Act
Gov. Tate Reeves has signed legislation that will establish a certain level of care as it pertains to pregnant women that are incarcerated. House Bill 196, sponsored by Rep. Nick Bain, limits the use of restraints on incarcerated inmates giving birth, provides certain care and consideration for pregnant and postpartum inmates, provides female hygiene items…
Read MoreNew laws will ease licensing burden
The 2021 legislative session brought several wins for Mississippi residents. While there is still work to be done to remove the unnecessary regulations that keep Mississippians from being able to earn a living, 2021 showed that the legislature is willing to make serious progress. Occupational licensing laws try to protect consumers from low quality service…
Read MoreBill expanding cosmetology freedom signed
Gov. Tate Reeves has signed a bill into law that will expand worker freedom for the safe practices of eyebrow threading, applying makeup, and applying eyelash extensions. House Bill 1312, authored by Rep. Jerry Turner, will exempt each of those practices from licensing requirements that force entrepreneurs to spend time and money on classes that…
Read MoreEntrepreneur can now follow her dreams
Four years ago, Karrece Stewart began to see how she could develop her passion for makeup into a career. That was until the state got in her way. Until this year, state law required either a cosmetology or estheticians license to apply makeup. The courses would teach Karrece, who lives in Fulton, a lot of…
Read MoreReversing the errors of the Clinton-Biden Crime Bill
Before closing out the 2021 legislative session last week, lawmakers overwhelming adopted a new justice reform measure that will save taxpayer dollars, help the state fend off an investigation from the federal government, and provide second chances to those who have earned it. Senate Bill 2795, the Mississippi Earned Parole Eligibility Act, passed the House…
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