In the past years, several key measures were born from the State and National conferences to include:
Affordable life insurance available for all Servicemembers and their families
Affordable supplemental life insurance for Servicemembers and their families
Educational assistance for the families of fallen Servicemembers
Enactment of the MS Military Family Relief Fund
Tax relief for deployed Servicemembers
Free first year life insurance policies for new enlistees
State tax credit for Servicemembers
Educational assistance for Servicemembers
Employment protections for Servicemembers
Child custody protection for Servicemembers
Prior to the 2015 legislative session, the NGAMS hired a legislative director, Allen McDaniel, subsequently appointed NGAMS Executive Director, so that we may better keep you abreast of the legislation the NGAMS and the legislative committee is fighting for on your behalf. Listed below are our successes.
2023
Through the efforts of the members of the NGAMS, the Director of Legislative Affairs and Economic Development for the Adjutant General, and our leadership in the Mississippi Legislature we had an incredibly successful legislative session. The following proposals have passed and been signed into law.
First, we are ecstatic to announce that we obtained another increase of the Mississippi Military Department budget. Over the past seven years we have seen an increase in the budget for six of those years. Further, the Mississippi Military Department gained $20,000,000 to construct a Fire and Crash Rescue Station at Key Field in Meridian. We received $4,700,000 for construction of a DEMARC at Camp Shelby and $5,000,000 in ARPA funds. Finally, the legislature appropriated an additional $2,350,000 in SEAP for offsetting the cost of educational expenses for our Service members. Over the past six years we have obtained nearly $46,000,000 in additional state funding. Prior to that no additional funding had been obtained since 2003.
We are also excited to report the following successes in the nonrevenue bills.
SB 2649
SB 2649 provides that any citizen of Mississippi, who is a named beneficiary of a life insurance policy where the insured is a member or Veteran of the United States Armed Forces, including National Guard or Reserves; and married, unmarried and at least eighteen (18) years old, or legally emancipated, shall be entitled to the benefits provided in the policy, and the minority of such person is hereby removed. The removal of minority extends to the right to file suit under the policy and receive any settlements under the policy.
Why this matters to us: Mississippi is the only state where the age of majority is 21. As a result anyone under 21 can not receive the proceeds of a life insurance policy without the expense and hassle of obtaining a court order or conservatorship. Many of our married Service members have spouses under 21 and are saddled with an incredible burden if their military spouse passes. This new law removes that arbitrary burden and allows the Mississippi National Guard to better serve our military families.
SB 2187
Any legal resident of the State of Mississippi who is rated as having one hundred percent (100%) permanent service-connected disability or at least seventy percent (70%) nonpermanent service-connected disability by the Veterans’ Administration or United States Department of Veterans Affairs is privileged to purchase annually two (2) motor vehicle license plates or tags in his or her county of legal residence, for the sum of One Dollar ($1.00) in total cost for each plate or tag, regardless of make or model of the motor vehicle.
Why this matters to us: This change recognizes the service of our Mississippi National Guard. Previously members of the Mississippi National Guard that were not federally recognized Veterans were not eligible for this benefit. This new law removes an arbitrary and additional requirement and allows our members of the Mississippi National Guard the same benefit of service.
SB 2700
SB 2700 allows a qualified homeowner who is the unremarried surviving spouse of a member of the United States Armed Forces who was killed or died on active duty, or of a member of a reserve component of the United States Armed Forces or of the National Guard who was killed or died on active duty for training, shall be allowed an exemption from all ad valorem taxes on the assessed value of the homestead property.
Why this matters to us: This change is a benefit of service. It extends further a provision previously only allowed to active duty Service members to members of the Mississippi National Guard serving on active duty for training.
HB 1029
House Bill 1029 provides that reference to “Armed Forces” and “Uniformed Services” in Mississippi law shall include members of the United States Space Force.
Why this matters to us: The Space Force was established in 2019 and active-duty Service members responsible for space missions were moved out of the Air Force and placed under the authority of the Space Force. Currently, there are more than 1,000 National Guard members performing space-related duties from within the Air National Guard. The Department of the Air Force, Space Force, and the National Guard Bureau have developed a plan to establish a Space National Guard. By incorporating the United States Space Force into our statutes it ensures members of the Mississippi National Guard will be fully covered upon the plan’s implementation.
2022
Through the efforts of the Legislative Committee, the members of the NGAMS, the Director of Legislative Affairs and Economic Development for the Adjutant General, and our leadership in the Mississippi Legislature we had an incredibly successful legislative session. The following proposals have passed and been signed into law.
First, we are ecstatic to announce that we obtained an increase of the Mississippi Military Department budget. Over the past six years we have seen an increase in the budget for five of those years. Further, the Mississippi Military Department gained $2,000,000 in additional appropriation for planning, construction, repair, renovation, replacement, furnishing and equipping readiness centers around Mississippi. Another $1,000,000 was obtained to extend of the military equipment storage depot at Camp Shelby. Under the American Rescue Plan Act $10,931,000 was obtained to repair for the purpose of completing capital projects at Mississippi National Guard buildings and grounds. $6,000,000 was awarded to assist in paying the costs associated with land acquisition, site development and construction, furnishing and equipping of new buildings and facilities for, and the relocation of, the Mississippi Armed Forces Museum at Camp Shelby to an area fronting Highway 49. Finally, an additional $2,000,000 per year was provided to offset the educational expenses of our Service members.
We are also excited to report the following successes in the nonrevenue bills.
HB 1486
House Bill 1486 amends Section 63-1-208 and revises Mississippi’s Commercial Driver’s License Qualification Standards by requiring the Commission of Public Safety to implement test waivers for certain current and former military service members. Currently applicants for a Mississippi commercial driver’s license or CDL must pass a knowledge test and a practical driving skills test. Under House Bill 1486 the Commission will implement test waivers for certain former and current military service members as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration reviewed the training provided by each branch of service and determined that the programs of instruction are more thorough and comprehensive than current required training. The bill also provides waivers for certain endorsement tests to include hazardous materials, tanker vehicle, and passenger vehicle endorsements.
Military service members obtaining their commercial driver’s license through these waivers will not be required to obtain a commercial driver learner’s permit. In addition, service members will not be required to meet the requirements of the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration’s Entry Level Drivers Training regulations. Members of the Mississippi National Guard, Reserve, and Active-Duty branches of service will be included in the military service members who qualify for the waivers. The waivers will also be available to separated Service members up to one year following their separation.
Why this matters to us: This change is a benefit of service. This bill allows Service members to utilize their military training to obtain a civilian career and save them time, money and abolishes the requirement for duplicate training.
SB 2649
Amends Section 33-7-119, to remove an arbitrary provision requiring the state retirement of a member of the Mississippi National Guard upon reaching age 64. Members of the Mississippi National Guard, whether officer or enlisted, will now be able to serve as long as they are able to maintain federal recognition.
Why this matters to us: The current law is inconsistent with the federal guidelines and places the Mississippi National Guard at a disadvantage as we are unable to retain qualified and experienced officers due to an arbitrary rule. The new law allows the Mississippi National Guard to better manage its ranks and better serve our members.
HB 1177
Amends section 33-11-1, to authorize the adjutant general to make conveyances of real property on behalf of the state that are in the best interest of the Mississippi military department and convey to any public entity upon such terms and conditions as the adjutant general may deem advisable
Why this matters to us: There is currently no statutory authority for the adjutant general to transfer property from the Mississippi National Guard back to the original public entity that owned it. The change in the statute allows the Mississippi National Guard to return property no longer utilized for training to avoid unnecessary costs of maintenance and upkeep.
As we state each year, every one of these statutory changes is tied to a personal story of at least one of our Service members, family members, or retirees. It is our honor to work on their behalf. However we cannot protect and serve you if you are not a member and if you are not involved. Join today, attend the conferences, and find a place where you can serve in our organization. Your future and the future of your Mississippi National Guard depends on it.
2021
Through the efforts of the Legislative Committee, the members of the NGAMS, the Director of Legislative Affairs and Economic Development for the Adjutant General, and our leadership in the Mississippi Legislature we had an incredibly successful legislative session during one of the most difficult times in our history. The following proposals have passed and been signed into law. We thank all those involved, to include our friends at Mississippi Veterans Affairs, for their tireless efforts and their concerns for the well-being of our men and women in uniform.
First, we are ecstatic to announce that we obtained an increase of the Mississippi Military Department budget. Over the past five years we have seen an increase in the budget for four of those years. Further, the Mississippi Military Department gained $5,800,000 in additional appropriation for planning, construction, repair, renovation, replacement, furnishing and equipping readiness centers around Mississippi. These matching funds will be combined with the federal funding provided by the efforts of our federal delegation. Over the past five years we have obtained nearly $14,000,000 in additional state funding. Prior to that no additional funding had been obtained since 2003.
We are also excited to report the following successes in the nonrevenue bills.
HB 1263
Creates Section 73-50-2, to provide that Mississippi occupational licensing boards shall issue a license to an applicant who establishes residence in this state if the applicant holds a current license in good standing from another state, has been licensed by the other state for at least one year and satisfies certain other conditions; to provide that the license issued to the applicant will be in the discipline applied for and at the same practice level as determined by the occupational licensing board.
Why this matters to us: This bill requires various Occupational Licensing Boards to issue licenses to Service members, military spouses and family members upon certain conditions, essentially making it easier to obtain the occupational license when locating from another state. This bill further expands on efforts we made last year to help our military families moving from or moving back from other states.
SB 2294
Amends Section 63-1-35, to authorize a veteran to establish proof of military service for veteran driver’s license designation in person at the department of public safety driver’s license station. It also amends Section 97-19-85 to provide criminal penalties for submitting false documents to obtain a veteran driver’s license or other veteran’s benefits.
Why this matters to us: This change removes a burdensome step for our Service members in obtaining the mark of veteran on their license. The veteran requesting the “Vet” designation now only has to present his DD-214, Military Retiree Identification Card, United States Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Identification Card, United States Department of Veterans Affairs Identification Card or National Guard Form NGB 22. The veteran requesting the “Vet” designation may present his DD-214, Military Retiree Identification Card, United States Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Identification Card, United States Department of Veterans Affairs Identification Card or National Guard Form NGB 22 in person at the Mississippi Department of Public Safety Driver’s License Station.
SB2598
Amends Section 45-9-101 to authorize the department of public safety to waive the residency requirement for a concealed-carry license for a member of an active or reserve component branch of the United States of America Armed Forces assigned to Mississippi, or the spouse of the same.
Why this matters to us: This change is a benefit of service. It removes another burden to members of the Mississippi National Guard and their families that are moving back to Mississippi to have to wait to obtain a concealed-carry license. Further it is another tool in recruiting Service members to the Mississippi National Guard from other states. It builds on our previous efforts to make sure “reserve component” was included on the definition of a Service member.
SB2785
Amends Section 63-1-7, to exempt from the requirements of driver’s examination and licensure active or reserve duty military members, their spouses and dependent children who are licensed as drivers under a law requiring the licensing of drivers in their home state and who have in their immediate possession a valid driver’s license issued in their home state.
Why this matters to us: This change removes another burden to members of the Mississippi National Guard that are moving back to Mississippi to have to immediately update a license that was obtained or renewed in another state. Many of our Service members take their families with them during extended schools, short tours or other assignments. Often the family members will obtain or renew their driver’s license during that time. Further it is another tool in recruiting Service members to the Mississippi National Guard from other states. It builds on our previous efforts to make sure “reserve component” was included on the definition of a Service member.
2020
Through the efforts of the Legislative Committee, the members of the NGAMS, the Director of Legislative Affairs and Economic Development for the Adjutant General and our leadership in the Mississippi Legislature we had an incredibly successful legislative session during one of the most difficult times in our history. The following proposals have passed and been signed into law. We thank all those involved for their tireless efforts and their concerns for the well-being of our men and women in uniform. We are also excited to report the following successes.
HB1500
Amends MS Code Ann § 45-6-11, to authorize the board on law enforcement officer standards and training to consider certain military training when determining whether an applicant has satisfied certain requirements in order to be qualified for appointment or employment as a law enforcement officer.
Why this matters to us: This is an incredible benefit and advantage for our Service members with military police or similar credentials as it allows them the possibility of not having to conduct redundant training. It also gives an incentive for local law enforcement agencies to hire members of the Mississippi National Guard as they can sooner complete initial training and begin work in their field of service.
SB2611
Amends MS Code Ann § 33-13-155, 33-13-157 to provide that general and special courts-martial shall have jurisdiction to order forfeiture of all pay and allowances of offenders.
Why this matters to us: This bill makes it easier for the chain of command to maintain discipline within the ranks while allowing a commander to take corrective action on a Service member without destroying the Service member’s career.
SB2821
Amends MS Code Ann § 93-21-5, 93-21-7, 93-21-16 and 93-21-21, to provide that venue for certain actions against a member of the Mississippi National Guard shall be brought in a state military court.
Why this matters to us: This bill would allow State Military Courts to enter and enforce Domestic Protection Orders. Currently, only Justice, Municipal, County or Chancery Courts have this power. It is paramount the Mississippi National Guard have all the resources necessary to protect its Service members.
SB2117
Amends MS Code Ann § 73-50-1, to revise the provisions applicable to the issuance of occupational licenses to applicants who are members of the military or married to or dependents of members of the military, to make it easier and faster for those applicants to receive occupational licenses in Mississippi; to provide that this section shall be known as the “Military Family Freedom Act”.
Why this matters to us: This bill provides for various Occupational Licensing Boards to issue licenses to military spouses and family members upon certain conditions, essentially making it easier to obtain the occupational license when locating from another state.
SB2225
Amends MS Code Ann § 45-9-101, to provide that a disabled veteran shall only be required to provide a United States Department of Veterans Affairs health services identification card in order to obtain a concealed weapons permit.
Why this matters to us: This eases the burden several of our retired members have expressed in obtaining their concealed carry permit.
HB531
An act to provide that counties and municipalities in this state are encouraged to cooperate with military installations to encourage compatible land use and help prevent incompatible encroachment near military installations and facilitate the continued presence of major military installations in this state; to provide the counties, municipalities and military installations to which this act applies; to encourage counties and municipalities to provide military installations with information relating to land use and development which would affect the use of land adjacent to or in close proximity to military installations
Why this matters to us: With economic development outside of our military installations continuing to creep closer to training areas and facilities this bill encourages communication from the civilian bodies to help ensure training and missions are not impacted.
SB2125
Amends MS Code Ann § 35-3-13, to authorize the recordation without charge of any veterans form DD-214 with the chancery clerk, to provide that such form is not a public record and to authorize copies to be made only on the request of the veteran or his immediate family; to authorize the recordation without charge of any NGB-22 with the chancery clerk, to provide that such form is not a public record and to authorize copies to be made only on the request of the veteran, a dependent or authorized representative
Why this matters to us: This bill allows our retired and former members to record a copy of their retirement documents with their local chancery clerk for safekeeping and to ensure the ability to obtain the needed documents at a later time.
During the global pandemic crisis the Mississippi Military Department took the smallest cut of any agency in Mississippi thus allowing us to continue our missions with minimal financial impact. Even more specifically the Mississippi Military Department was the only agency to not get cut the prior two years. As a result their minimal cut was not near the impact of the cuts from other agencies.
Further, the Mississippi Military Department was able to again gain $1,000,000 in bond money for planning, construction, repair, renovation, replacement, furnishing and equipping readiness centers around Mississippi. These matching funds will be combined with the federal funding provided by the efforts of our federal delegation.
To educate our elected officials in our service and needs, the Mississippi National Guard Legislative Committee had a well-attended luncheon during the 2020 Legislative Session to include 40 senators and 71 representatives present along with Governor Tate Reeves, Lieutenant Governor Delbert Hosemann, Agriculture Commissioner Andy Gipson, Secretary of State Michael Watson, and Speaker of the House Philip Gunn.
2019
Through the efforts of the Legislative Committee, the members of the NGAMS, the Director of Legislative Affairs and Economic Development for the Adjutant General and our leadership in the Mississippi Legislature we had our most successful legislative session to date. The following proposals have passed and been signed into law. We thank all those involved for their tireless efforts and their concerns for the well-being of our men and women in uniform and are happy to report the following successes.
HB 1117
Amends MS Code Ann § 43-21-353, to provide that in cases of reports of child abuse or neglect to the Department of Child Protection Services, the department shall notify the applicable military family advocacy program that there is an allegation of abuse or neglect that relates to that child.
Why this matters to us: This allows our Mississippi Military Department to work with our child protective services and local government to better protect our military families.
HB 1468
Amends MS Code Ann § 19-5-99, to revise the entities to which economic development districts may transfer industrial sites within industrial parks to include the Mississippi Military Department and the Mississippi National Guard.
Why this matters to us: This is an incredibly important revision as it allows counties to sell, lease or otherwise dispose of property in Economic Development Districts for building of Readiness Centers. This allows our Readiness Centers to be situated in areas that can better serve our communities in times of disaster and help in recruitment due to increased visibility. Readiness Centers will be on main transportation corridors and in areas containing very good infrastructure.
HB 751
Amends MS Code Ann § 63-1-203, to revise the commercial driver’s license act to exclude from the definition of “commercial motor vehicle” any military and commercial equipment owned or operated by the Mississippi Military Department and operated by employees of the Mississippi Military Department.
Why this matters to us: We have pieces of equipment located in various parts of our state that require a commercial driver’s license to operate off a military installation such as Camp Shelby. However, our personnel are otherwise qualified to safely operate the equipment with our current training. This alleviates the expense and requirement of the commercial driver’s license.
SB2049
Amends MS Code Ann § 37-103-19, to provide that the spouse or child of an active duty member of the United States Armed Forces stationed in Mississippi shall be deemed an in-state resident for purposes of determining tuition at state institutions of higher learning and community colleges; to provide that such spouse or child may continue to be designated as an in-state resident if he or she maintains continuous enrollment in good standing.
Why this matters to us: We have experienced issues with Service members living technically outside of the state (for example in Memphis or Mobile) or who have recently moved to Mississippi having to pay out of state tuition for their dependents. This change relieves that problem.
SB 2050
Requires school districts to accept an application for enrollment and course registration by electronic means for any pupil whose parent is transferred, or is pending transfer, within the state while on active military duty pursuant to an official military order.
Why this matters to us: This is especially important for AGR Service members who move to different location within Mississippi as it easies the burden on the families to relocate during odd times of the year.
SB 2053
Requires the board of trustees of state Institutions of Higher Learning and the Mississippi Community College Board to adopt policies requiring the award of educational credits for courses that are part of a student’s military training or service.
Why this matters to us: This law assists Service members in obtaining academic credit for degrees without having to repeat requirements completed while with the military.
SB 2452
Amends MS Code Ann § 73-50-1, to provide that an occupational licensing board issuing a license, certification or registration to a military spouse shall approve or deny the application within a certain amount of time if the spouse’s orders are in Mississippi for 36 months or less.
Why this matters to us: This creates a deadline for occupational license boards to process occupational licenses for the Service members and spouses.
SB 2679
Amends MS Code Ann § 33-13-31, to increase certain fines provided for a commanding officer’s nonjudicial punishment under the Mississippi Code of Military Justice.
Why this matters to us: This gives commanders a better deterrent for discipline of units and puts Mississippi in line with UCMJ.
SB 2680
Amends MS Code Ann §33-13-159, to clarify that the decision to grant a trial before a summary courts-martial is reserved to the special or general court-martial convening authority, respectively.
Why this matters to us: The current system mandates approval authority on the TAG level for a determination of court martial. The new revision allows for lower level commanders to make the determination allowing more local disposition of cases.
The Mississippi Military Department was provided an increase in funding to include funding for the Youth Challenge Program and Armed Forces Museum at Camp Shelby. The Mississippi Military is one of very few state agencies that did not take a cut in their funding and one of even fewer to receive an increase.
Finally, the Mississippi Military Department was able to gain $2,000,000 in bond money to planning, construction, repair, renovation, replacement, furnishing and equipping readiness centers around Mississippi. These matching funds will be combined with the federal funding provided by the efforts of our federal delegation.
To educate our elected officials in our service and needs, the Mississippi National Guard Legislative Committee had a well-attended luncheon during the 2019 Legislative Session to include 42 senators and 122 representatives present along with Lieutenant Governor Tate Reeves, Treasurer Lynn Fitch, Agriculture Commissioner Andy Gipson, and Speaker of the House Philip Gunn.
2018
Through the efforts of the Legislative Committee, the members of the NGAMS, the Director of Legislative Affairs and Economic Development for the Adjutant General and our leadership in the Mississippi Legislature we are very happy that the following proposals have passed and been signed into law. We thank all those involved for their tireless efforts and their concerns for the well-being of our men and women in uniform and are happy to report the following successes.
Amended Section 33-1-19, Mississippi Code of 1972, to provide that military servicemen or veterans shall have reemployment protections when performing duties or receiving training with armed forces of other states, (including active state duty, state-training duty or any other military duty authorized under Title 10 or Title 32 of the United States Code).
Amended Section 35-1-3, Mississippi Code of 1972, to clarify that the executive director and deputy director of the state veterans affairs board shall be a currently serving member or honorably discharged or released veteran of any active or reserve component branch of the united states armed forces.
Previously currently serving members of the Mississippi National Guard were not eligible to serve as either the executive director or deputy director of the Mississippi Veterans Affairs Board.
The Mississippi Military Department was provide an increase in funding to include funding for the Youth Challenge Program and Armed Forces Museum at Camp Shelby. The Mississippi Military is one of very few state agencies that did not take a cut in their funding and one of even fewer to receive an increase.
Finally, the Mississippi Military Department was able to gain $5,000,000 in bond money to planning, construction, repair, renovation, replacement, furnishing and equipping readiness centers. This matching funds will be combined with the federal funding provided by the efforts of our federal delegation.
To educate our elected officials in our service and needs, the Mississippi National Guard Legislative Committee had a well attended luncheon during the 2018 Legislative Session to include 77 legislators, Lieutenant Governor Tate Reeves, Commissioner of Agriculture (and now U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith, Treasurer Lynn Fitch, Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney, Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann and State Auditor Stacey Pickering.
In late fall 2017 Lieutenant Governor Tate Reeves toured the proposed armory location and current facility in Desoto County. Several members of the legislature and stare officials also toured Camp Shelby and visited with soon to be deployed soldiers for a demonstration of our units’ capabilities.
The NGAMS Legislative Committee will continue to educate our elected officials on the mission and importance of the Mississippi National Guard and support legislation that benefits our members.
2017
We are very pleased to announce that for the third straight year all the bills introduced to the Mississippi Legislature have passed and have either already been signed into law or are only awaiting Governor Bryant’s signature. These new laws will be in place on July 1, 2017. We thank the members of the NGAMS Legislative Committee and Major General Durr Boyles and his staff, especially LTC (Ret) Tim Prater, for their leadership, assistance and efforts. Many of these new laws are the result of communication from our Service members on the issues that impact their lives. As we have stated many times, this is why it is so important for our Service members to be active members of NGAMS and to attend the state and national conferences.
We are especially pleased this year to not get our budget cut like so many other state agencies. Listed below are the specific bills by number along with a brief description. Please follow the link at the bottom of this post to read the history and full text of each individual item. It takes you to the front page of the Mississippi legislature. From there you may simply plug in the respective House and Senate bill numbers.
Finally, we are very thankful to the members of the legislature and their staff for working with us. It is a very difficult task they face each year but they were very accommodating to us throughout the process.
HB 336: Amends MS Code Ann. Section 33-4-1 to provide that monies in the Mississippi Military Family Relief Fund may be used to provide assistance to families that experience a financial hardship as a result of a family member who is a member of the Mississippi National Guard regardless of whether the family member is a resident of Mississippi.
HB 383: Amends MS Code Ann. Section 63-1-208 to require the commissioner of public safety to adopt rules and regulations that provide for the military skills test waiver for commercial driver’s licenses.
SB 2620: Amends MS Code Ann. Section 33-13-151, to revise the composition of summary courts-martial; Amends Section 33-13-159 to provide that the decision to grant a request for trial before a special or general courts-martial is reserved to the general court-martial convening authority, and to revise the maximum sentence which may be imposed by a summary courts-martial for a single offense; Amends Section 33-13-179 to revise who may convene a summary courts-martial; Amends Section 33-13-183 to provide that a military judge or a summary court officer shall preside over sessions of the court-martial to which he or she has been detailed; Amends Section 33-13-325 to increase the amount of fine which may be imposed by a military court for contempt.
HB 1026: Creates in the state treasury a special fund to be known as the “Mississippi National Guard State Active Duty Emergency Operations Fund” for the purpose of maintaining annual general fund budget restrictions and enabling the Mississippi Military Department to respond to domestic events as directed by the governor during declared states of emergency or in conjunction with approved emergency management assistance compacts.
SB 2967: Provides an appropriation for the purpose of defraying the expenses of the Mississippi National Guard for fiscal year 2018.
http://www.legislature.ms.gov/Pages/default.aspx
Over the last few years we have continued to evaluate our approach to presenting issues to the state legislature and other statewide officials. In the past we did not present proposed legislation until the session began in January. We now have adopted a policy that we will meet during the summer immediately following the state legislative session. During this meeting we will discuss the items that did and did not pass during the prior session. We prioritize legislation for the upcoming session and devise a plan for implementation. We additionally schedule visits for legislators and other government officials to the various military installations and functions throughout the state.
2016
HB 732 This bill made specific changes for Title 33 (Military Justice):
1) Changes the maximum amount a General Courts-Martial may fine from $200 to $2,000.
2) Changes the maximum amount a Special Courts-Martial may fine from $100 to $1,000.
3) Changes the maximum amount a Summary Courts-Martial may fine from $25 to $250.
4) Change to allow TAG to designate Confinement Facility. This section will now be consistent with other sections in Title 33 that allows the Mississippi Adjutant General to designate the confinement facility.
HB 968 This bill clarified the synonymous meaning of the terms “high school equivalency diploma” and “GED” for purposes of qualifying students in the Mississippi National Guard Youth Challenge program for graduation.
HB 1119 This bill revised section 33 so that military police during periods of annual training are granted certain peace officer powers; provides the Adjutant General, MS Military Department, MS National Guard and designated civilian employees discretion in performance of their duties and immunity under the MS Tort Claims Act; provides monies from the state general fund may be utilized for the training of civilian guard officers at the law enforcement academy.
SB 2468 This bill made specific change to Title 97 (Crimes) making it a felony offense to assault a member of the Mississippi National Guard or United States Armed Forces while they are acting within the scope of their duties. It’s already a felony offense to engage in simple assault against Law Enforcement Agencies and other first responders.
SB 2669 This bill changed the name from “U.S. Court of Appeal for Military Forces” to “U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces.” The U.S. changed the name of the Court over 10 years ago, but Mississippi didn’t update the name in Title 33.
SB 2032 This bill allows any nonlaw enforcement vehicle being used to lead and facilitate the movement of a military funeral procession to be marked with blinking, rotating or oscillating purple lights.
SB 2493 This bill allows members of the National Guard to name a temporary power of attorney for care and custody of their children while deployed or activated in performance of their military duties.
To educate our elected officials in our service and needs, we hosted a well attended luncheon during the 2016 Legislative Session to include 67 legislators, Lieutenant Governor Tate Reeves and Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann. Lieutenant Governor Tate Reeves toured the facilities and capacities at Thompson Field while members of the Senate and House were given a tour and demonstration of our units’ capabilities during annual training at Camp Shelby.
2015
Amendment to Miss. Code Ann. § 33-7-311 (1972)
As previously worded, the militia immunity statute only provided civil and criminal immunity to militia forces in a state active duty status. However, Mississippi’s militia forces have in the past, for example in Hurricane Katrina operations, and may well in the future, be called to emergency service in some other state command, but federally-funded status, such as 32 U.S.C. 502(f) Active Duty for Special Work (ADSW). Members of the militia who are placed in a United States Code Title 32 status for purposes of service in connection with a declared emergency under the Mississippi Emergency Management Law should enjoy no less civil and criminal immunity than those on state active duty, due to the mere character of their orders. The amendment extended the same immunities to all members in said status.
Amendment to Miss Code Ann. § 45-9-101 and 97-37-7 (2) (1972)
The MS National Guard was not included under the term “United States Armed Forces” when an 18-21 year old is applying for the basic concealed carry permit. We proposed a change to include members of the MS National Guard. For the Enhanced Concealed Carry members of the military had to go through a firearms class. Current and former serving members of any active or reserve component of the United States Military undergoes far more firearms usage and safety training than the one day course that was currently required by the Mississippi Department of Public Safety as satisfying the enhanced concealed carry endorsement. Accordingly, there was no reason these current or retired military personnel, if they had training with a pistol or other handgun during their service, should be required to take the training course, assuming they are otherwise qualified for a basic concealed carry permit.
Amendment to Miss Code Ann. § 33-4-1 (1972)
This amended the provisions of the MS Military Family Relief Fund. As it is previously worded a Serviemember had to be deployed or mobilized to receive benefit from the fund. The fund was created in 2005 to assist the families of mobilized and deployed Guardsmen. However the number of mobilized and deployed Guardsmen has fallen drastically since 2005. There are Guardsmen who have returned from mobilizations and deployments who need the services of this fund but do not qualify under the specific language of the statute. We were able to get removed the requirement of mobilization or deployment so that we may assist more Service members.
To educate our elected officials on our service and needs, we had a well-attended luncheon during the 2015 Session to include 88 legislators, Lieutenant Governor Tate Reeves, Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann, Commissioner of Agriculture Cindy Hyde-Smith and State Auditor Stacey Pickering. CRTC also hosted informational briefings and tours for the Military Affairs Committees from the MS House and Senate.