Several new laws are taking effect Monday in Mississippi, with one offering a pay increase to instructors and two that are designed to ease burdens on folks who face court fines or are searching for jobs after having a crook conviction.
Here are a number of the measures surpassed with the aid of the Legislature and signed with the assistance of Republican Gov. Phil Bryant:
CRIMINAL JUSTICE — House Bill 1352 eases penalties on some Mississippians accused or convicted of crimes. It stops the automatic suspension of driving force’s licenses for nonpayment of fines or simple drug possession. It additionally creates “intervention courts” to address cases regarding veterans, pills, and intellectual fitness problems.
JOB LICENSING — Senate Bill 2781, named the “Fresh Start Act of 2019,” says a criminal conviction does now not disqualify human beings from receiving an activity license until the opinion changed into directly associated with the job for which the permit is needed. Groups with problem task licenses are banned from using terms like “moral turpitude.”
TEACHER PAY — Senate Bill 2770 authorizes teachers a $1,500 pay raise.
PROPERTY OWNER LIABILITY — Senate Bill 2901, known as the “Landowners Protection Act,” says that every person who owns, leases, operates, or keeps a business property in Mississippi will no longer be liable for any damage to the belongings due to some other person unless the person in the price of the assets did something that “impelled” the damaging motion. Supporters say the new regulation will provide economic safety for property owners or managers, even as critics say it may result in negligence.
HUMAN TRAFFICKING VICTIMS — House Bill 571 prevents expenses from being filed against trafficking victims who are more youthful than 18. The minor could be taken into shielding custody, and counseling might be furnished. Foster mothers and fathers might be trained to help trafficking victims.
MARRIAGE LICENSES — Senate Bill 2043 increases the value of a marriage license from $20 to $35.
TERROR THREATS — Senate Bill 2141 creates a new prison, making it a terrorist hazard. It is punishable by up to ten years in jail.
GUNS IN COURTHOUSES — House Bill 1581 clarifies a current law about firearms in courthouses to say that weapons can be banned in courtrooms, jury rooms, witness rooms, and judges’ chambers; however, they won’t be prohibited in hallways, courthouse grounds, or other regions in or around a courthouse which are usually open to the public.
CHURCH PROTECTION — House Bill 390 says retired regulation enforcement officials may fit in security for church buildings or different houses of worship and may be immune from civil lawsuits in that position.
SCHOOL SAFETY — House Bill 1283 could require public colleges to conduct energetic-shooter drills.
CORPORAL PUNISHMENT — House Bill 1182 bans corporal punishment for any student with incapacity or a unique-schooling plan.
COUNTY OFFICIALS’ PAY — Senate Bill 2827 creates a project force to examine county officers’ salaries and make long-term tips. This part of the regulation takes an impact on July 1. Other elements of the same control will authorize pay raises for county supervisors, chancery clerks, circuit clerks, tax collectors, tax assessors, and other county officers starting in January.