Senate handles procedural business: en bloc items, dispense motions, committee notices and recess

The Mississippi Senate spent significant floor time on routine procedural business: dispensing with readings, moving multiple items en bloc, making announcements about committee meetings and community events, and adjourning to a recess.

Senator Blackwell moved to dispense with the reading of the journal and committee reports; both motions were approved by voice vote. Senator Kirby moved to suspend the rules and take up items 1 through 11 en bloc; the motion passed after a brief procedural back-and-forth about reading titles. Senator Blunt asked to set aside item number 2, and that request was honored.

A series of resolutions and concurrent resolutions were read by the clerk, including recognitions, condolences and designations. Among other floor business, senators introduced visiting delegations — the Richland mayor’s youth council, the Mississippi Railroad Association and visiting alumni — and recognized 'doctor of the day.'

Members announced committee meetings (Judiciary A, Highways and Transportation, Public Health, Appropriations) and community events, including a pancake dinner to raise funds for repairs to Beth Israel synagogue and an opportunity for imposition of ashes for Ash Wednesday. Senator Blackwell moved that the chamber stand in recess until 5 p.m.; the motion carried and the Senate recessed.