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Report from the Capitol
Rep. Noah Sanford
The pace at the Capitol has increased significantly as we have moved into February. The deadline for introducing most bills was midnight on Monday, February 8. When all is said and done, more than 2,000 bills will have been filed in the House of Representatives alone. Because committees only have until Tuesday, February 23 to act on such bills, committee meetings have become busier and busier. A few bills of importance:
HB 786—The Mississippi Church Protection Act. Authored by Rep. Andy Gipson (R-Braxton), the Church Protection Act would give churches the option to designate certain individuals as security and allow those individuals to carry a firearm in the church. Under the Act, such individuals would be required to possess a concealed carry permit and to complete a firearms safety class. If these requirements are met, such individuals will be immune from civil and criminal liabilities if acting in the course and scope of his or her official duties. I voted in favor of this bill in the Judiciary B Committee meeting, and it passed with overwhelming bipartisan support. Measures such as these are unfortunate but needed in today’s society. This bill will head to the full House and, if passed, on to the Senate.
HB 425—Online Tax Sales. By a vote of 116-3, the full House passed House Bill 425, which will allow county tax collectors to conduct tax sales through online auctions. By bringing more people into the process, HB 425 will benefit counties by ensuring that top dollar is paid for these properties. I voted in favor of this bill, and it now will head to the Senate.
Many more bills will be taken up over the next few weeks—both in committees and on the House floor—as we move toward our deadlines Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of assistance. God bless.
Rep. Noah Sanford represents parts of Covington, Simpson, and Jefferson Davis Counties in the Mississippi House of Representatives. He can be reached at nsanford@house.ms.gov or 601-517-6622.
