Institute for Legislative Analysis

Robin Robinson

This bill makes multiple small regulatory reforms that reduce restrictions within the alcohol industry. For example, the bill extends the issuance of festival wine permits for an additional three years, allows retail package stores to sell alcohol-infused "edibles," and allows drive-thru sales of alcohol by the glass in a leisure and recreation district located near the Gulf of Mexico. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill strengthens individual liberties by removing overreaching regulations that restrict competition within the alcohol industry and infringe on consumer choice.

Extending Exemptions from Certain Anti-Competitive Alcohol Regulations and Implementing Additional Minor Pro-Liberty Reforms Concerning Alcohol.

This bill expands the process for removing county elected officers to also include municipal officers. Under this process, citizens may file a petition with the Governor and a removal election may be held to determine whether an officer should be removed. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill strengthens government accountability by expanding the citizens abilities to hold their elected leaders accountable.

Strengthening Government Accountability by Expanding the State's Elected Officer Removal Process to Also Include Municipal Elected Officers.

This bill provides millions of dollars in taxpayer funds from the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to promote tourism marketing, including a direct $1 million carveout to Narratrip LLC to help cover the costs for municipalities to "participate in and be promoted as part of the business's mobile apps geared toward promoting tourism in the state." Oppose is the Limited Government Position as it is not the role of government to "promote tourism," let alone enrich politically connected companies at the expense of hardworking Mississippians. Instead of this government central planning scheme, lawmakers could create far greater economic growth by lowering tax rates for all companies and empowering the free-market to direct the tourism industry.

Enriching "Destination Marketing Organizations" by Channeling Millions of Taxpayer Funds to Select Companies Favored by Government for Wasteful Tourism Marketing.

This bill enacts the state budget for fiscal year 2024, which includes $7.6 billion in spending, making it the largest budget enacted in state history. Notable expenditures include a $104 million bailout for hospitals, $1.2 billion in state subsidies for colleges and universities, and $600 million for individual lawmaker projects ahead of the election year. The bill does not provide any tax relief. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this budget, with its record spending levels and non-existent tax relief, more closely resembles a budget found in a Democrat-controlled state, such as California, not a state entirely under Republican control. The over $1 billion in wealth redistribution for higher education is especially insulting to hardworking Mississippians who choose to pursue the trades and start businesses instead of enlisting in woke government-run colleges. The state must pursue every available avenue to reign in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Fueling Out-Of-Control Spending through a $7.6 Billion State Budget - the Largest in State History with Countless Wasteful Initiatives and Lawmaker Pet-Projects.

The Hines amendment #1 to a bill related to water and sewer utility billing. This amendment adds language providing that if a natural event occurs and city officials encourage residents to run their water, causing an "excessive bill," the city is permitted to "revert back to the last month billing amount" that was charged to residents. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this amendment expands wealth redistribution by "forgiving" water usage for certain residents, which inevitably results in these costs being transferred onto others.

Expanding Wealth Redistribution by Permitting Localities to "Forgive" Water and Sewer Usage.

This bill prohibits localities from basing water utility rates on property values, instead requiring billing to be based on actual usage. This bill is in response to the City of Jackson, which announced plans to base water service fees on assessed property values, with higher-valued homes paying more each month than lower-valued homes. Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure combats wealth distribution by preventing localities efforts to shift burdens onto higher-income individuals rather than addressing the fiscal irresponsibility that created the problem.

Combatting Wealth Redistribution by Preventing Localities from Charging Individuals Different Utility Rates based on the Value of a Home or Business.

This bill requires any state agency requesting an exemption from oversight under the State Personnel Board to submit a detailed justification to the legislature and board. The State Personnel Board is the human resources arm of the state government. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill strengthens government accountability by combatting government bureaucrats efforts to skirt oversight.

Strengthening Government Accountability by Requiring Agencies Seeking Exemptions from Oversight to Submit Detailed Requests to Both the Legislature and State Personnel Board.

This bill increases government spending on prekindergarten by increasing the reimbursement rate provided to childcare centers under the state's "Early Learning Collaboratives" program. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this measure further expands the size of government and increases spending on an initiative that exceeds the core K-12 educational duties of taxpayers. The state must pursue every available avenue to reign in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Hiking Spending on Pre-K Initiatives which Exceed the Core K-12 Educational Duties of Taxpayers.

This bill, known as the "Universal Changing Tables Installation Incentive Grant Program Act," provides grants of up to $5,000 per universal changing table installed in restrooms by state agencies, local governments, private and commercial building owners, and others. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the private sector, through charitable endeavors and commitments by large-scale companies, is the best mechanism to foster a greater number of changing tables across the public sector. The state must pursue every available avenue to reign in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Forcing Taxpayers to Pay for "Universal Changing Tables" in the Restrooms of Both Public and Private Entities.

This bill, known as the "Mississippi Broadband Accessibility Act," creates a fund to support "expansion and accessibility of broadband in unserved areas." Oppose is the Limited Government Position as providing "broadband service" is not one of the core and essential duties of government. The private sector and the free market are best equipped to determine where broadband is most needed and which expansion projects are most economically viable. Additionally, significant advances in satellite technology may make most broadband expansion projects unnecessary.

Growing Government Central Planning and Interference in the Private Sector through the Creation of the "Mississippi Broadband Accessibility Act".

This bill imposes a series of new regulations on Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs). For example, PBMs must abide by multiple new price controls and other government provisions in their contracting agreements with local pharmacies as well as meet various new reporting requirements. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the nation witnessed first-hand the disastrous consequences and cost of growing government regulatory power in healthcare (i.e. Obamacare). Instead of working to promote a freer market through regulatory reduction, lawmakers added a series of new layers of regulations through this measure, including utilizing government to provide local pharmacies with more favorable outcomes in their private contract negotiations with PBMs.

Growing Government Regulatory Power within the Pharmaceutical Industry by Imposing a Series of New Mandates on Pharmacy Benefit Managers.

This bill authorizes Benton County to provide $60,000 annually to the Institute of Community Services, Inc. (ICS), also known as Head Start, a private organization which provides pre-school services. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as taxpayer funds - at any level of government - should not be used to fund private pre-school organizations. The private sector, through charitable endeavors, is best equipped to direct funding to the groups and initiatives that are most needed and beneficial to communities.

Enriching a Government-Favored Non-Profit in Benton County by Forcing Taxpayers to Pay for the Pre-Schooling Costs of Select Children.

This bill authorizes Oktibbeha County to provide $5,000 in taxpayer funds annually (through 2027) to the J.L. King Center community center. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as taxpayers - at any level of government - should not be forced to fund community centers. The private sector, through charitable endeavors, is best equipped to direct funding to the groups and initiatives that are most needed and beneficial to communities.

Expanding Cronyism by Forcing Taxpayers to Fund a Government-Favored Community Center in Oktibbeha County.

This bill authorizes George County to increase the sales tax rate from 2% to 3% on hotels and impose an additional 1% tax on all restaurant sales. The revenue will fund a sports and recreation facility. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as it is the role of the private sector and free market - not government - to determine the need for sports and rec facilities and obtain the necessary financing. Taxpayers and businesses should not financially suffer to advance government central planning schemes such as this measure. Unfortunately, this bill represents just one of dozens of crony local tax and spend measures passed by lawmakers this past session.

Expanding Cronyism By Hiking Taxes on Hotels and Restaurants in George County to Fund a Sports and Rec Facility.

This bill, known as the "Mississippi Fully Autonomous Vehicle Enabling (MS FAVE) Act of 2023," establishes a regulatory framework to enable the operation of fully autonomous vehicles across the state and authorizes "on-demand autonomous vehicle networks". Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure advances innovation and spurs economic growth by allowing the deployment of autonomous vehicles. Such new technology can provide significant benefits to society, including lower consumer costs.

Advancing Innovation and Economic Growth by Establishing a Framework to Enable the Operation of Fully Autonomous Vehicles within the State.

This bill expands the jurisdiction of the Capitol Complex Improvement District (CCID), creates a separate judicial district, and provides for the appointment of 4 additional judges and staff. This measure is in response to spiraling crime rates within the city - despite the fact Jackson has only 6% of the state's population it has accounted for more than 50% of the state's homicides. Support is the Limited Government Position as ensuring national and local security is arguably the most important duty of government. While some may misconstrue this bill as overreach by the state, the U.S. Constitution only recognizes three entities: the federal government, the state government, and the individual. Therefore, the state has a duty to correct the failures of local-level governments.

Increasing Public Safety within Jackson by Expanding the Jurisdiction of the Capitol Complex Improvement District (CCID) and Court System to Combat Crime.

This bill establishes a five-year mandatory minimum sentence for knowingly receiving stolen vehicles or property worth $25,000 or more. Mandatory sentences are measures designed to help combat the practice of "judge shopping" whereby career criminals attempt to have their cases moved to be heard by the most lenient judge to avoid significant penalties. Support is the Limited Government Position as arguably the most important function of government is maintaining public safety, and mandatory minimum sentences serve as critical tools to protect the public from dangerous career criminals. This bill is especially necessary considering the implementation of so-called criminal justice "reforms" which have led to skyrocketing crime rates and are being advanced in state legislatures by left-leaning billionaires through their funding of liberal - and even some conservative - advocacy organizations.

Protecting Communities from Violent Carjackings by Establishing Mandatory Minimum Sentences for Knowingly Receiving Stolen Vehicles and Property.

This bill extends the duration of postpartum coverage provided under Medicaid (government-provided healthcare) from 60 days to 1 year. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill further grows government dependency under the state's Medicaid welfare program. The state must pursue every available avenue to reign in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Increasing Government Dependency and Ballooning Medicaid Welfare Spending to Over $900 Million by Hiking Postpartum Benefits from 60 Days to 12 Months.

This bill establishes a new legal and regulatory framework for "pet insurance policies." This includes disclosure requirements for policies and empowers the Commissioner of Insurance to enact training requirements to sell pet insurance policies. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill further grows government power and the regulatory state. While there is a role of government to protect individuals from fraudulent practices, this overreach significantly adds to the already overregulation of the insurance industry, limiting policy options and driving up costs for consumers.

Growing Government to Now Regulate "Pet Insurance Policies" and Impose New Mandates on Policy Conditions and Sales.

This bill expands the jurisdiction of the Capitol Complex Improvement District (CCID) and the jurisdiction of the state's police force to bolster law enforcement within the City of Jackson. This measure is in response to spiraling crime rates within the city - despite the fact Jackson has only 6% of the state's population it has accounted for more than 50% of the state's homicides. Support is the Limited Government Position as ensuring national and local security is arguably the most important duty of government. While some may misconstrue this bill as overreach by the state, the U.S. Constitution only recognizes three entities: the federal government, the state government, and the individual. Therefore, the state has a duty to correct the failures of local-level governments.

Increasing Public Safety within Jackson by Expanding the Jurisdiction of the Capitol Complex Improvement District (CCID) and State Policy Force to Combat Crime.

This bill prohibits the practice of "ballot harvesting" by limiting the collection of ballots to just certain individuals, such as election officials, postal workers, and family members. The bill is designed to prevent political parties and third-party organizations from engaging in mass ballot-collection efforts. Support is the Limited Government Position as "ballot harvesting" leads to voter harassment by political operatives. Maintaining safeguards to prevent voter intimidation and fraud are critical aspects of ensuring free and fair elections, an essential component of democracy under our nation's constitutional republic.

Strengthening Election Integrity by Banning the Practice of "Ballot Harvesting".

This bill creates a publicly available "Public Funds Offender Registry" to list individuals convicted of certain offenses such as bribery, embezzlement, misappropriation of public funds, or influencing voting or election activities. Under the bill, state and local governments are prohibited from hiring anyone on the registry for positions involving public funds. Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure aims to increase government integrity by helping prevent bribery, embezzlement, and similar offenses that cost taxpayers and erode public trust.

Strengthening Government Integrity through the Creation of a "Public Funds Offender Registry" to Prevent Future State and Local Government Hiring.

This bill establishes a new "Forestry Facility Grant Program," which provides $10 million in taxpayer subsidies to projects that supposedly lead to the expansion of the state's forestry products industry. The funds may be used for purposes such as to acquire land, install power lines, and build roads and railroads. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this cronyism benefits government-favored companies within the forestry industry while shifting tax burdens onto other businesses and individuals not favored by government. Instead of this cronyism, lawmakers should lower tax rates for all businesses and empower the free-market to expand economic growth.

Expanding Cronyism by Channeling $10 Million in Taxpayer Funds to Enrich the Forestry Industry through the "Forestry Facility Grant Program".

This bill establishes a new health insurance mandate that requires all healthcare policies offered in the state to provide coverage of any treatment or services provided by state or local health departments. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill infringes on private contracting rights and forces insurers to contract with government entities. This reduces a health insurance provider's ability to negotiate fee schedules and other terms and the additional costs will ultimately get passed onto all insured individuals through higher premiums.

Hiking Insurance Premiums by Mandating Health Insurers Provide Coverage for Services by State and Local Health Departments in the Same Manner as Other Providers.

This bill, known as the "Mississippi Digital Asset Mining Act," prevents local government from passing certain additional regulations or zoning ordinances that obstruct the ability of individuals to operate "digital asset mining businesses" to mine bitcoin or other virtual currencies. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill strengthens property rights by combatting overreaching government regulations that infringe on the right of individuals to mine digital currencies. This measure is especially important considering the reckless and dangerous monetary actions that have been taken by the Federal Reserve, such as quantitative easing.

Strengthening Property Rights by Protecting the Right of Individuals to Mine Bitcoins and Other Digital Currencies.

This bill allows counties and municipalities with small populations below 22,500 to opt out of requiring construction permits if they decide to do so by their board of supervisors. Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure strengthens property rights and reduces construction costs by eliminating the burden and delay of government permitting - especially in cases where small localities do not have the needed infrastructure to run such a permitting program.

Strengthening Property Rights and Reducing Construction Costs by Allowing Small Localities to End Permitting Requirements.

This bill establishes a "trigger" which ends the tax exemptions provided under the Growth and Prosperity Act when a region's unemployment rate drops below 150% of the state-wide average for more than three years. Support is the Limited Government Position as lawmakers should completely repeal the Mississippi Development Authority and its associated market-distorting tax exemption schemes, and instead lower tax rates equally for all companies and regions. The free-market - not central planning by government bureaucrats - will provide far greater economic growth.

Reducing Cronyism by Establishing a "Trigger" which Cuts-off Corporate Welfare and Tax Subsidies Based on Employment Rates Across Counties.

This bill extends for an additional three years a localities ability to grant certain renewable energy projects exemptions from ad valorem taxes. As a result, localities can continue to exempt projects of $100 million or more from taxation on up to 50% of their assessed value. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as all state and local tax codes should be constructed in a broadly applied manner with the lowest rates possible for everyone. The central planning and tax cronyism, which is allowed to continue under this measure, enriches the renewable energy industry while shifting tax burdens onto other property owners.

Hiking Property Tax Rates by Extending the Crony Tax Exemptions Provided to Certain Government-Favored Renewable Energy Projects.

This bill increases the amount of research and development subsidies that technology companies can claim under various state programs such as "Innovate Mississippi." Oppose is the Limited Government Position as taxpayers should not be forced to subsidize the research and development costs that private companies may incur developing their own products. Instead of this tax cronyism, lawmakers should lower tax rates for all companies and allow the free-market to boost economic growth by directing capital to the most promising investment initiatives.

Worsening Cronyism by Forcing Taxpayers to Provide Even Greater Subsidies to Government-Favored Technology Businesses under the "Innovate Mississippi" Program.

This bill provides an additional $45 million in tax credits under the Mississippi Small Business Investment Company Act. This program, run by the Mississippi Development Authority, awards the credits to certain individuals or entities that make capital investments in start-ups. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as all state and local tax codes should be constructed in a broadly applied manner with the lowest rates possible for everyone. The central planning and tax cronyism enacted under this measure provides special benefits and competitive advantages to select businesses while shifting tax burdens to all other companies. Instead, lawmakers should lower tax rates for all companies, which will allow the free market to provide much greater job and business growth.

Worsening Cronyism and Government Central Planning by Providing $45 Million in Additional Subsidies Under the MS Small Business Investment Company Act.

This bill authorizes the city of Vicksburg to provide $100,000 annually to a nonprofit so Dr. Jane Ellen McAllister's relatives can purchase and transform her home into an African American museum. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as taxpayer funds - at any level of government - should not be used to fund private museums. The private sector, through charitable endeavors, is best equipped to direct funding to the groups and initiatives which are most needed and beneficial to communities.

Forcing Taxpayers (Instead of the Private Sector) to Provide $500,000 so Relatives of Dr. Jane Ellen McAllister can Purchase and Transform Her Home Into an African American Museum.

This bill appropriates $1.2 million to the Department of Agriculture and Commerce for the Dixie National Livestock Show for prizes, judges, and other costs. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as it is not the proper role of government to force taxpayers to fund livestock shows. Such activities and events should be funded entirely through the private sector, not through crony government central planning initiatives. The state must pursue every available avenue to reign in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Robin Robinson

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