In the 11th week of the 2024 legislative session, the Senate passed the following bills:
SB2628 creates the Mississippi Capitol Region Utility Act, which would give a new authority the option to purchase the assets in the city of Jackson's water system at the conclusion of the current court-ordered receivership. The authority would be run by a nine-member board of directors composed of three appointees of the governor, three from the lieutenant governor, two from the Jackson City Council and one from the Jackson mayor. The board would choose a president to run day to day operations and maintain efficiency.
SB2631 would make changes to the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce, including having the department obtain written approval of the governor, lieutenant governor and the secretary of state prior to entering any lease providing for naming rights of property.
SB2132 would allow the Department of Human Services to establish a separate Child Support Unit authorized to withhold gaming proceeds of delinquent parents who are in arrears on payments. Those who earn gaming prizes at casinos of $1,200 or above, would have the proceeds deducted from wins and transferred to DHS to satisfy the amount they owe.
SB2857 (The Medical Cannabis Act) would allow the Department of Public Safety to access FBI databases for more vigorous background checks on applicants to the program.
SB2853 would create the Mississippi Alcoholic Beverage Corporation to take over warehousing and distribution operations from the Department of Revenue once a new facility is operational.
SB2422 specifies judges who will hear election-day disputes. “The list of judges selected to hear election day disputes shall be provided to the secretary of state, chancery clerks and circuit clerks by the chief justice of the Mississippi Supreme Court no later than seven (7) days before the election in which the selected judges are to hear election day disputes.”
S82544 would allow cities and counties to increase from two years to four years, an agreement with financial institutions handling taxpayer funds.
S82145, The Defending Affordable Prescription Drug Costs Act would prohibit discriminating against 3408 drug discount program entities. It would allow community hospitals to receive wholesale prices on top shelf prescription drugs.
S82733 authorizes the Division of Medicaid to establish a wholesale prescription drug importation program, where prescription drugs could be acquired abroad.
