Sunday, February 26, 2023

Senate cmte kicks back at HB 1020

A heavily modified version of one of the most contentious bills (HB 1020) from the current Mississippi legislative session passed a Senate committee on Feb 23. The Senate Judiciary Committee entirely removed the creation of a new unelected court system within the Capitol Complex Improvement District, instead giving support for and involvement within the existing Hinds County court system. Some members of the Jackson delegation indicated it'd be the lesser of two evils. Sen. John Horhn said it removed some "onerous" aspects, while Rep. Ronnie Crudup said the changes appeared to move the bill in a positive direction, though there were still concerns. Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba, who had said HB 1020 "reminds me of apartheid" released a statement that he remains opposed to both versions. The Senate version, he said in the statement, "still exists as an attack against Black leadership." (Clarion Ledger 02/25/23) Jackson, Mississippi courts bill passes Senate committee after changes (clarionledger.com)

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