JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Several new laws are taking effect Monday in Mississippi, inclusive of one that gives a pay increase to instructors and that is designed to ease burdens on folks who face court fines or who’re looking for jobs after having a crook conviction.
Here are a number of the measures handed by the Legislature and signed by Republican Gov. Phil Bryant:
CRIMINAL JUSTICE — House Bill 1352 eases consequences on some Mississippians accused or convicted of crimes. It stops computerized suspension of driver’s licenses for nonpayment of fines or secure drug possession. It additionally creates “intervention courts” to address cases related to veterans, pills, and mental health problems.
JOB LICENSING — Senate Bill 2781, named the “Fresh Start Act of 2019,” says a criminal conviction no longer disqualifies human beings from receiving a processing license unless the conviction is immediately associated with the process for which the permit is needed. Groups that problems with their licenses are banned from using terms together with “moral turpitude.”
TEACHER PAY — Senate Bill 2770 authorizes a $1,500 pay raise for teachers.
PROPERTY OWNER LIABILITY — Senate Bill 2901, known as the “Landowners Protection Act,” says that everyone who owns, rentals, operates, or continues a business asset in Mississippi will now not be liable for any damage at the property due to any other man or woman unless the character in fee of the property did something that “impelled” the dangerous action. Supporters say the new regulation will provide financial safety for belongings proprietors or managers, at the same time as critics say it can lead to negligence.
HUMAN TRAFFICKING VICTIMS — House Bill 571 prevents expenses from being filed in opposition to trafficking victims who are younger than 18. The minor might be taken into shielding custody, and counseling would be provided. Foster, dad, and mom could study to help trafficking victims.
MARRIAGE LICENSES — Senate Bill 2043 will increase the cost of a marriage license from $20 to $35.
TERROR THREATS — Senate Bill 2141 creates a new crime of making a terrorist threat. It is punishable by up to 10 years in jail.
GUNS IN COURTHOUSES — House Bill 1581 clarifies an existing law about weapons in courthouses to mention that guns may be banned in courtrooms, jury rooms, witness rooms, and judges’ chambers but won’t be banned in hallways, courthouse grounds, or other regions in or around a courthouse which might be typically open to the general public.
CHURCH PROTECTION — House Bill 390 says retired law enforcement officials may serve in safety for church buildings or other homes of worship and may be immune from civil court cases in that role.
SCHOOL SAFETY — House Bill 1283 would require public schools to behavior energetic-shooter drills.
CORPORAL PUNISHMENT — House Bill 1182 bans corporal punishment for any student who has a disability or a unique education plan.
COUNTY OFFICIALS’ PAY — Senate Bill 2827 creates a mission to look at county officials’ salaries and make long-term recommendations. This part of the regulation takes effect on July 1. Other elements of the identical management will authorize pay increases for county supervisors, chancery clerks, circuit clerks, tax collectors, tax assessors, and other county officials, starting in January.
VEHICLE SALES TAX — Senate Bill 2229 says no income tax is charged while a car is offered from one sibling to another.
ISRAEL — House Bill 761 bans the state of Mississippi from investing in groups that boycott Israel.