Senate Passes Lt. Gov. Reeves’ Agenda

SENATE PASSES LT. GOV. REEVES’ AGENDA

JACKSON – Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves’ proposals to support Second Amendment Rights, end Common Core in Mississippi and make government more transparent passed the Senate. His legislative agenda moves to the House for consideration.

“I proposed a bold, aggressive plan for the session that ensures we protect your rights and makes your government more efficient with your tax dollars,” Lt. Gov. Reeves said.

On Thursday, the Senate passed:

·         Senate Bill 2394, by Sen. Terry Burton, R-Newton, reducing concealed carry permit fees.

·         Senate Bill 2619, by Sen. Haskins Montgomery, D-Bay Springs, recognizing military training for firearm permits.

“I am proud to honor our servicemen and women and recognize their experience as part of responsible firearm ownership and use,” Lt. Gov. Reeves said. “These bills are part of my ongoing commitment to fight for the Second Amendment and protect Mississippians’ rights to carry concealed weapons.”

Also approved this week, Senate Bill 2161, by Sen. Videt Carmichael, R-Meridian, will end Common Core in Mississippi and allow Mississippi teachers, parents and education experts to create high academic standards for students.

“With this bill, we can end Common Core, we can end our connection to PARCC, and we can draft our own strong standards for the classroom,” Lt. Gov. Reeves said. “I am proud the Senate passed the only bill that can lead to the end of Common Core, and I appreciate the 28 Republicans and three Democrats that joined us to make that happen.”

Included in the bill:

·         Establish the Mississippi Commission for College and Career Readiness.

·         Request the State Board of Education to limit the amount of time spent on testing.

·         End relationship with Common Core and PARCC.

·         Add protections for student data.

Lt. Gov. Reeves’ proposals to make meaningful reform in the way government operates also head to the House.

Senate Bill 2506, by Sen. Buck Clarke, R-Hollandale, requires agencies to disclose the fees they charge to taxpayers and mandates budget requests be readily available online at the Legislative Budget Office website.

Lt. Gov. Reeves’ agenda included Senate Bill 2553, by Sen. Nancy Collins, R-Tupelo, to tighten state contracting laws and increase scrutiny on government purchases. The bill remakes the Personal Service Contract Review Board, requires review of procurement practices once every two years by the legislative watchdog committee, and ensures pricing details and terms of contracts are public records. Senate Bill 2400, by Sen. Collins, also passed and places restrictions on emergency contracts issued by agencies.

Other bills on Lt. Gov. Reeves’ agenda include:

·         Senate Bill 2519, by Sen. John Polk, R-Hattiesburg, eliminating the vehicle inspection sticker.

·         Senate Bill 2407, by Sen. Brice Wiggins, R-Pascagoula, placing public hospital boards under the Open Meetings Act.

·         Senate Bill 2481, by Sen. Wiggins, improving care for the mentally ill.

·         Senate Bill 2695, by Sen. Collins, providing school choice for special needs children.

·         Senate Bill 2691, by Sen. Gray Tollison, R-Oxford, consolidating Durant and Holmes County school districts.