New Ways to Help Victims of Human Trafficking

I was pleased to see the State Legislature pass HB 1104 and HB 1559 before adjourning.

HB 1559 gives the Attorney General’s Office new ways to help victims of human trafficking. It creates a new fund from fines paid for a series of criminal infractions and other sources that our office can use to fund shelter, counseling, medical needs, transitional housing, and other related services to victims of human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation. Helping victims find a pathway back into society without shame or blame is one of my top priorities. You can read the bill, which currently awaits the Governor’s signature into law, in full here.

HB 1104, which Governor Reeves already signed into law, gives the Occupational Licensing Review Commission, of which I am a member, the ability to make it easier for Mississippians to go to work with new lookback authority. I’m excited to use this new tool to bring smart regulatory relief to Mississippi as a member of the President’s Initiative on Regulatory Innovation. You can read the bill in full here.

Senate Confirms Judge Jim Herring to Serve on Mississippi Oil and Gas Board

Before adjourning, the Senate confirmed Judge Jim Herring as the AG appointee to the Mississippi Oil and Gas Board. Judge Herring has an extensive background in public service. He was appointed to the Mississippi State Personnel Board in 1996 by Governor Fordice, and then in 1997 was appointed by Governor Fordice to the Mississippi Court of Appeals.

Judge Herring is also a former Colonel in the U.S. Army. During his 24-year career, he was awarded the Army Commendation Medal and three Meritorious Service Medals.

He currently serves as a senior partner at Herring, Long and Crews, P.C., of Canton. Thank you for lending your experience and talents to the State and for serving Mississippi again!

Moving Forward with a New State Flag

Last week, the State Legislature created a commission to design a new State flag for Mississippians to vote on in November, and the Governor signed that bill, HB 1796, into law.

I have proudly lived my life in Mississippi and have raised my children in this great State. I could travel the world over and not find people who are as kind and generous of spirit as Mississippians. The addition of the motto “In God We Trust,” from our State seal is the perfect way to demonstrate who we are to all. A new flag offers us a pathway forward, moving together as a people toward greater opportunities for economic growth and academic enhancement. As your Attorney General, I will always defend the will of the people, and I encourage all Mississippians to consider the value of standing unified behind a flag that tells the world that we trust in our God and follow in His message of love and mercy. I look forward to seeing the Commission’s new flag design with our State motto – In God We Trust – unifying us all under a single banner.

2020 State Government Lawyers’ Seminar

Later this week, there’s a great opportunity for State government lawyers to earn some Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credit. Thursday and Friday, my office will host an online seminar that will cover a variety of topics, including Internet Safety, Counterfeiting, Ethics, Domestic Violence, and COVID-19 in the workplace. There will also be updates from the State Personnel Board and the Secretary of State’s Office.

To register for the seminar, click this link.