Reps hope to introduce family dynamics in the classroom
State Rep. Kabir Karriem (D-Columbus) is still in touch with Mary Moore, his home economics teacher from eighth grade. She still teases him about the time he put salt instead of sugar in a batch of cookies, he said.
Mississippi State football players sound off on new NCAA legislation
STARKVILLE — It’s been over six years since EA Sports released its last NCAA football video game.
Bill introduced to split MLK, Robert E. Lee holidays
A Columbus legislator has filed a bill that would designate separate days to commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. and Confederate General Robert E. Lee.
Legislation tackles bullying policies for school districts
A piece of anti-bullying legislation, co-authored by District 41 Rep. Kabir Karriem (D-Columbus), is heading to the governor’s desk.
Bryant signs ‘go-cup’ legislation, allowing public drinking
Starkville is another step closer to having entertainment districts in which bar patrons may carry alcoholic drinks out of businesses and into public spaces.
Leaders see tourism, economic opportunities in ‘go-cup’ bill
Starkville bar patrons may have the ability to carry alcoholic drinks out in publicly designated districts sometime this summer.
Chism will renew ‘scarlet letter’ DUI bill in the future
District 37 Rep. Gary Chism’s, R-Columbus, push to make those convicted of multiple driving under the influence charges display a special license plate may be over this legislative term, but the representative said he’ll continue the fight in the future.
Senate blocks anti-abortion bill; new showdown set
Senate Democrats thwarted a Republican effort to ban late-term abortions on Tuesday as GOP leaders strained to avoid a government shutdown in eight days over the dispute — all against a tangled backdrop of presidential politics.
Senate Dems likely to block GOP bill curbing late abortions
Democrats seem certain to block Republican legislation banning most late-term abortions in a Senate showdown with plenty of political significance but little suspense.
Divisive issue of abortion stalls human trafficking bill
The Senate’s 100 members don’t agree on much. They agreed they wanted legislation to help the victims of sex trafficking. Then the bill got caught up in the emotional and uncompromising politics of abortion.
Hood expected to bring forth Oktibbeha road designation bill
Oktibbeha County supervisors approved a resolution Monday that could pave the way for legislation posthumously honoring a former Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics agent with a road designation.
National Governors meeting: Legalized pot buzz just smoke
All the buzz at the National Governors Association meeting over legalizing pot, some say, is just smoke.
Gay rights legislation gains bipartisan support
WASHINGTON — Gay rights advocates from both parties are newly upbeat about the prospects for Senate passage of legislation that would bar employers from discriminating
Counties fracking will keep larger share of taxes
Legislation to lower the Mississippi severance tax on hydraulically fractured oil wells from 6 percent to 1.25 percent for first 30 months of well production has been signed into law by Gov. Phil Bryant.
Religious Liberty law may have unintended consequences
Last week, Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant signed legislation designed to ensure religious liberties in the state’s schools. While widely lauded by many in conservative Christian camps, others believe the legislation’s impact may result in some unintended consequences that go far beyond assuring that students can reference religion over the school intercom, at sporting events or at graduation ceremonies.
Local representative proposes Zacharias road designation
State Rep. Joey Hood, R-Ackerman, says he will seek legislation soon to rename a portion of a local roadway after former Mississippi State University President Dr. Donald Zacharias.
Higgins: Tax legislation could help area development
With a possible $50 million worth of tax cuts on the line, LINK CEO Joe Max Higgins is hoping some of those proposed cuts will positively affect the Golden Triangle. The Mississippi House has passed multiple bills with millions of dollars worth of tax cuts. Those bills are now being presented to the Senate, with some speculation the cuts won’t make it off the Senate floor.
Legislature hits ground running
State lawmakers headed back to work this week to begin the first legislative session of 2013. The 90-day session will be conducted at a faster pace than last year’s 125-day session.
Lawmakers try again on charter schools
A year ago, even some opponents of charter schools expected a bill to pass. But some majority Republicans balked, killing the bill in the House.
So proponents redoubled their efforts, trying to build support for widening the rules that allow alternative public schools run by outside groups. Now they will try again.
AP Interview: Bryant says education is top issue
Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant said education dominates his 2013 legislative agenda, from merit pay for teachers to charter schools that will receive public funding but be free of some state regulations.