Senate work and Sine Die
Last week, the Legislature passed the final resolution of the year, marking the end of session: Sine Die. It's been a long session, but a lot of good has come from it. We passed legislation to protect our kids, better fund our schools, strengthen law enforcement and public safety, make government more efficient, and grow our economy.
I had several important bills that I sponsored get approved by the Governor and signed into law, and I'd like to highlight two of them. SB 2125 is a bill I've talked about several times this session. This legislation will create a health savings account program for Mississippi's state employees. Having this option can help state employees make decisions that will positively impact their health, and it comes at no additional expense to taxpayers.
SB 2486 simplifies the state's process for issuing and scoring Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and Requests for Qualifications (RFQs). State agencies routinely bid out certain projects for private entities to undertake. For example, the Mississippi Department of Transportation bids out projects for road and bridge repair, and private companies respond to those bids seeking to fulfill the contracts. This legislation makes this process more efficient, saving time and money for the state.
Many other bills were sent to the Governor last week. Here are a few:
SB 2487 is a bill I'm very proud to have supported. This legislation amends the Law Enforcement and Fire Fighters Death Benefits Trust Fund, which was set up to provide funds for the families of first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. This legislation increases payments to those families, up to a limit of $250,000. These men and women put their lives on the line every day, and I'm glad to support them and their families through this bill.
HB 1163 allows community colleges to partner with local governments to include first responders' services, making campuses safer.
SB 2753 creates the Securing Areas for Females Effectively and Responsibly Act, or "SAFER Act." This establishes that males and females should be provided distinguished private areas, like restrooms, and that people must use these areas according to their sex. The legislation is intended to keep women safe by ensuring males are not allowed in women's restrooms or changing rooms.
HB 691 amends the Mississippi Board on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Training by revising its membership and giving it investigative authority.
HB 346 establishes the "Seizure Safe Schools Act," which enables school staff members to administer anti-seizure medication to students prone to seizures. Staff members will be trained to administer this medication by The Epilepsy Foundation.
We did great work this year, but I'm always looking to do more. As we move into the summer, there are several things I am interested in learning more about to see where legislation could help make Mississippi a better place.
The first is efficiency of government. One of my top priorities, particularly as the Chair of the Senate Government Structure Committee, is to streamline our state government to make it more effective and better work for the people of Mississippi. I think there are lots of common-sense policies we could enact that make our state government work more quickly, efficiently, and cost-effective. I look forward to working with my colleagues to craft legislation to that end.
I also believe strongly that Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its responsible use could be a game changer for Mississippi. This technology is becoming more and more prevalent, and we have the opportunity to use it enhance education, streamline businesses, and make government more efficient. I'm excited to continue to pursue strategies that would give Mississippi a competitive advantage by utilizing AI in a safe, responsible way.
As we conclude our duties at the Capitol for the year, I want to thank you, the people of District 45, for putting your trust in me to represent you in the state Senate. It continues to be the honor of my lifetime, and I am so grateful to each of you. If there's anything I can do for you, please let me know!
I want to hear from you!
The 2024 session is over, and soon we will start working towards the 2025 session. If you have any thoughts about the most recent or upcoming session, please let me know! For general thoughts or questions, you can email my senate email: chjohnson@senate.ms.gov. For anything involving the new Government Structure committee, you can email msgovernmentstructure@gmail.com. I would love to talk with you about issues that directly affect you, and emailing me is the best way I can do that.