PASSED
ABORTION: A bill signed into law by Gov. Phil Bryant requires doctors who work at abortion clinics to have admitting privileges to a local hospital and be certified OB-GYN’s. Could close the state’s only abortion clinic.
REDISTRICTING: New maps were drawn that favor Republicans. They could cause some Democratic incumbents to face each other for seats.
CHILD PROTECTION: Bill creates new requirements for reporting on suspected sexual abuse of children. Also requires fetal tissue to be saved as potential DNA evidence of statutory rape when girl seeking abortion is 14 or under. Bryant says he looks forward to signing the bill.
WORKERS’ COMPENSATION: Makes changes to the state’s workers’ compensation system. Proponents say changes would make the system more fair to employers. Opponents say the changes would make it difficult for people hurt on the job to receive compensation. Bryant expected to sign.
ATTORNEY GENERAL: Attorney general’s power would be limited by giving elected officials and state agency heads other options when they disagree with attorney general on legal issues. Bryant expected to sign.
BUDGET: Budget tensions eased as revenue projections rose. A rule change limited the ability of rank and file members to change the budget. Bryant has called the budget “acceptable.”
DIDN’T PASS
IMMIGRATION: Measure would have required law enforcement to check immigration status of anyone they suspected was in the country illegally when they make an arrest, among other provisions.
HEARTBEAT: This abortion regulation bill would have banned abortion after a fetal heartbeat could be found, usually at 5 to 6 weeks of pregnancy.
CHARTER SCHOOLS: Measure would have greatly expanded charter school options in Mississippi, allowing alternative public schools to proliferate.
BOND BILL: Would have funded projects across the state, from construction to rehabilitation of existing buildings. House sought a bond package of more than $250 million. Senate wanted to authorize much less and would not agree to a higher figure.
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