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Senate advances slate of local tax, bonding and nomination measures
Summary
The Senate passed multiple local and private bills authorizing county assessments, local option taxes, a bonding increase for an economic development authority, and advised and consented to several nominations. Most measures were passed by roll call with little floor debate; a small number were held for reconsideration or conference.
The Mississippi Senate voted on a package of local and private measures and a group of nominations during the floor session.
Key measures passed include:
- Lincoln County (Senate Bill 3061): Authorized a $25 assessment on most convictions and a $50 assessment for DUI convictions to fund courthouse repairs and renovations. Passed by roll call.
- Chickasaw County (bill introduced by Senator Wade): Similar assessment authority: $25 for most convictions and $50 for DUI convictions for courthouse and pretrial-detention repairs. Passed by roll call.
- City of Water Valley (Senate Bill 3265): Authorized a county or city election to levy a 1% tax on restaurants and prepared foods for promotion of tourism and parks and recreation; election requires a 60% approval threshold and the measure includes a four-year repealer (sunset). Passed by roll call.
- City of Ridgeland (House Bill 1777): Authorized a 1% prepared-food/restaurant tax and a 2% tax on hotels/motels to fund enhancements at Freedom Ridge Park; includes a sunset and a June election date. Passed by roll call.
- Madison County Economic Development Authority (Senate Bill 3275): Increased bonding authority from $12,000,000 to $25,000,000 for economic development projects. Passed by morning roll call.
The Senate also advised and consented to multiple nominations brought forward en bloc, including nominations read for items 2-22 on the calendar; committee sponsors reported statutory requirements had been met and required disclosure filings had been submitted.
Several routine motions were passed to dispense with reading of journals, committee reports and bill titles. One item (item 19) was not concurred with in the other body and a conference was invited. Item 13 on the calendar was held on motion to reconsider.
Most items were advanced with little floor debate; where questions were asked, senators sought clarifications about filing of statements of economic interest with the Secretary of State and statutory compliance.
Votes are recorded in the Senate's official roll-call records and journal.
