Archive for January 2022
SB 2600: The Community Rebound Act
Senate Bill 2600, sponsored by Sen. Daniel Sparks is designed to increase positive outcomes in supervision for parole and probations offices, provide more services and programs to those currently on supervision, increase public safety, and reinvest monies saved from lowering the number of individuals incarcerated in correctional facilities in the state. Known as the Community…
Read MoreHB 1349: Make it easier for students to move between public schools
House Bill 1349, sponsored by Rep. Jansen Owen, would allow students to transfer to schools outside of their school district, subject to available capacity. With this, it would be easier for students to move between public schools to find the setting that works best for them. State law currently allows any student to apply for…
Read MoreHow would income tax repeal impact you?
The Mississippi House of Representatives has adopted legislation designed to eliminate the state’s income tax. How does it work? In year one of the plan, the exemption available to income tax filers would go up to $37,700 for single filers and $75,400 for married filers. This means that for most Mississippi workers, the income tax…
Read MoreHB 879: Issue teacher supply cards to teachers by August 1
House Bill 879, sponsored by Rep. Richard Bennett, would require procurement cards to be issued to teachers by August 1. These cards are used to purchase classroom supplies, and currently, the requirement is that they are issued “at the beginning of the school year.” This often leads to teachers purchasing supplies for their classrooms out…
Read MoreHB 489: Run payroll for teachers twice a month
House Bill 489, sponsored by Rep. Steve Hopkins, would require school districts to pay teachers on a semimonthly payroll. Currently, teachers are paid once per month; this would change payroll to twice per month, which is more in line with the private sector. This would provide teachers with more frequent cash flow, making it easier…
Read MoreExcessive occupational licensing laws holding Mississippi back
The growth of occupational licensing laws in Mississippi makes it difficult for entrepreneurs and everyday people trying to find work. In a new policy report for Empower Mississippi, I share some commonsense reforms that can remove unnecessary roadblocks, helping ensure economic opportunity for everyone in Mississippi. While properly designed occupational licensing laws protect the public…
Read MoreHB 795: Equal Access to Education Act
House Bill 795, sponsored by Rep. Rob Roberson, would create new digital learning options for Mississippi students. The state’s existing digital education statute, which became law in 2006, already authorizes the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) to establish a state virtual public school, but no statewide, full-time option exists today. Students may only access individual…
Read MoreLet’s encourage lemonade stands, and entrepreneurs
Summer vacation brings time for childhood traditions like summer camps, family vacations, and camping in the outdoors. Another right of passage for many children is running a lemonade stand. Learning never ends for children, no matter their environment. Operating a lemonade stand gives kids essential lessons in entrepreneurship, responsibility, the value of hard work, and…
Read MoreHB 1355: Authorize mobile barbershops
House Bill 1355, sponsored by Rep. Tracey Rosebud, would authorize licensed barbers to operate mobile barbershops in the state. Mobile barbershops aren’t exactly a new idea, but they became more popular at the beginning of the pandemic as barbershops were forced to close down. Even though barbershops have long been reopened, mobile shops provided a…
Read MoreHB 447: Recognize occupational licenses obtained in another state
House Bill 447, sponsored by Rep. Becky Currie, would clarify that licensing boards must issue a license to a license-holder from another state who moves to Mississippi. Last year, the legislature attempted to make it easier for qualified professionals to begin working when they move to Mississippi with the passage of universal recognition. The initial…
Read MoreMississippi legislature: Week 3 recap
The legislature continued their work as lawmakers deal with early deadlines. This past Monday, January 17, was the deadline to introduce bills and February 1 will be the deadline for committees to report on general bills. @empowermississippi Empower 60: Recapping week 3 of the Mississippi state legislature. #mississippi #fyp #fypシ ♬ Ticking Clock – White…
Read MoreSB 2162: Regulatory reduction pilot program
Senate Bill 2162, sponsored by Sen. Kevin Blackwell, would require five state agencies to begin a regulatory reduction program over the next three years. It would also prohibit each pilot agency from adopting a new regulation unless they eliminate two or more. Economists have estimated that if regulations had been frozen at 1980s levels, the U.S.…
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