@ISSUE

A bill to allow the state auditor access to tax returns of people receiving government assistance is moving through the legislature and advocates are speaking out. Senate committees pass a revised version of the voucher bill for students with special needs. Moms Demand Action are supporting a red flag bill. In November, voters get to choose if medical marijuana should be legal in Mississippi.

Gov. Tate Reeves says the remaining prisoners in Parchman’s Unit 29 are being transferred to a nearby correctional facility. Reeves also tells flood evacuees how to report damages to MEMA. Lawmakers and State Dept. of Mental Health officials discuss a pending lawsuit. The U. S. Justice Dept. is suing the state for not providing mental health patients enough care in their communities.

Senate bill 2557 passed 35-14 along party lines but not without a fight. Democrats argue it’s an attack on poor people. The House and Senate corrections committees are listening to presentations about expanding intervention courts and workforce training in prisons. The Department of Public Safety is asking for a $55 million budget increase. Lawmakers say it’s too soon to make promises.