Rep. Dana Criswell - From Your Capitol, Week of February 26, 2018
The big deadline this week was Tuesday February 27. All bills from the senate had to be considered and passed by the House committee or the bill was dead. Dozens of Senate bills died because the assigned House committee didn't pass their bill. After Tuesday's deadline the House began debating and voting on the Senate bills that survived the committee process.
Here is a couple of Senate bills that passed the House
SB 2675: The House considered this bill, which makes a number of improvements to our state’s foster care system. Mississippi has a high number of children in foster care, and this bill aims to reduce that population and strengthen families in the state.
SB 2526: The House passed this bill, which intends to reduce government regulations on businesses. It requires occupational licensing boards to review rules and regulations they place on private businesses in the state. Often, these boards can limit employment and job growth with burdensome restrictions. This bill aims to reduce these restrictions.
Repeal of Vagrant/Tramp Laws
I was very happy to see HB668 passed the Senate unanimously just as it did the House. I first became aware of how the Vagrant and Tramp Laws were unconstitutional a few years ago. These laws gave law enforcement broad authority to arrest citizens without proof they violated any laws. If declared a vagrant or tramp a citizen could lose their right to possess a firearm without due process. After discussing this issue with Rep. Abe Hudson (Bolivar County) I discovered these laws were used in the past to arrest black citizens without just cause.
I am proud to be a part of making our state a better place for all our citizens. I am particularly proud to have had the help of Rep. Hudson and members of the Mississippi House Black Caucus in getting this bill passed.
It is an honor to serve the people of Olive Branch and District 6 in the Mississippi House of Representatives. Please contact me with any questions or concerns. Listening to your opinion helps me make better decisions about your government.
Dana
(901)275-4191