Goings-on in MS legislature

A bill that would create an unelected governing body within Jackson passed on a 76-36 vote in the House of Representatives on Feb. 7 after lengthy debate. Rep. Trey Lamar (R-Senatobia) authored House Bill 1020 which would enact a court system within the Capitol Complex Improvement District to operate separately from the Hinds County Court. Instead of holding special elections for these new judges, they will be appointed by Mississippi Supreme Court Chief Justice. Prosecutors would be appointed by the state’s attorney general. The courts would have exclusive jurisdiction over cases in which the state government is a party. Capitol Police would have jurisdiction over the 26 square mile land mass if it is passed by the Senate and signed by Gov. Tate Reeves. The legislation has been subject of mixed reviews. (SuperTalk Mississippi 02/08/23 House passes bill to expand Capitol Complex Improvement District, create appointed court - SuperTalk Mississippi

SENATE BILL ESTABLISHES NEW WATER ENTITY FOR JACKSON

The Mississippi Senate passed SB 2889 that would transfer ownership of Jackson’s water system to a new public entity in response to recurring issues at the capital city’s water treatment plants. The “Mississippi Capitol Region Utility Act” would establish a 9-member board, composed of city/state-appointed leaders, that would ensure clean water is provided to Jackson residents. The bill would address problems with the city’s drinking water, wastewater and storm water systems. It would also provide regulated rates that are "just, reasonable and provide an adequate amount of capital to keep such systems in good repair." If the House passes the bill, members of the board would be appointed over the next year. The Mississippi Capitol Region Utility Authority would officially take control of the water system. The board would be composed of four individuals appointed by the mayor of Jackson, three from the governor, and two from the lieutenant governor. (SuperTalk Mississippi 02/07/23) Senate votes to remove full ownership of water system from city of Jackson - SuperTalk Mississippi 

IN 'EQUALLY' IMPORTACT ACTION 

JACKSON, Miss. - The Mississippi House voted to recognize two new state symbols - the blueberry as state fruit and opal as the state gemstone. Both bills passed Feb. 6 and will move to the Senate. Republican Rep. Jill Ford said a fourth-grade civics class in Madison County proposed the blueberry legislation after learning that the berries are the most-produced fruit in the state. In a brief debate, Democrat Rep. Chris Bell of Jackson asked Ford if there were any other fruits being considered for state recognition. “I do not like blueberries,” Bell said. The HB 1027 proposal passed on a 110-1 vote. House Speaker Philip Gunn noted Bell cast the “one sour nay” vote. The opal proposal passed 115-0. “In Mississippi, we don’t have diamonds, we don’t have rubies ... but we do have vast supplies of the opal,” said Republican Rep. Becky Currie of Brookhaven. Mississippi has a long list of official state symbols. (The AP 02/07/23)