2015 Legislative Session Begins in Jackson

Insurance, education, reform, once again, these are issues at the forefront as state lawmakers convene in Jackson for the legislative session. Nearly 200 lawmakers across the state gathered at the state capitol in Jackson Tuesday, for this year’s 90 day session.

Lawmaker, Giles Ward, was sworn in Tuesday, as Senate pro tem, the third in line for the top political spot in Mississippi. He replaced former pro tem state senator, Terry Brown, who passed away earlier this year from cancer. While Tuesday’s session, as usual, was more of a meet and greet, south Mississippi lawmakers spoke with News 25 about what they believe are the most important issues this year for the Coast.

Brice Wiggins (R), says, "Tax credits for the parents and businesses for early education, and I’m looking at the open meetings law in the wake of the Singing River Hospital System. Another one is increased funding for the early education. Another is I have worked on a number of bills with the Mississippi Prosecutors Association, making the sexual battery statute a lot stronger, and one of the big things that the Prosecutors are looking at a statewide witness protection program."

More than 2,000 bills are expected to be filed this year. Only a small percentage of those will actually become law.