The House convened at 2 p.m. Monday, Feb. 10, beginning the fourth week of the legislative session with a moment of recognition to honor the life and service of Officer Troy Floyd of the Summit Police Department in Lincoln County. A resolution was adopted to commemorate his passing.

 

Members also recognized the Jackson State University football team for securing the 2024 HBCU national championship.

 

The House engaged in a busy week of legislative activity, advancing numerous bills ahead of critical deadlines. Several measures were sent to the Senate for further consideration.

 

H.B. 849 permits advanced practice registered nurses to practice independently after completing 8,000 clinical hours, eliminating the requirement for physician collaboration. The bill also establishes licensure for the anesthesiologist assistants under physician collaboration. The bill modifies the composition of the Mississippi Board of Nursing as well.

 

H.B. 1432 expands charter school eligibility in certain districts, allows contract amendments for mergers without school closures and prohibits authorizers from retaining per-pupil funding. Additionally, it enhances oversight, updates enrollment and accountability regulations and grants school a two-year deferral for opening if necessary.

 

H.B. 928 mandates hospitals with emergency departments have personnel available at all times to conduct forensic examinations for sexual assault victims and maintain an adequate supply of evidence collection kits. It also requires proper storage of these kits in designated refrigeration units and permits hospitals to contract forensic nurses for examinations.

 

Thursday, Feb. 13, marked the deadline for original floor action on general bills and constitutional amendments originating in the House.

 

Looking ahead, the next major deadline is Monday, Feb. 26, for original floor action on appropriation and revenue bills originating in their own chamber.