JACKSON - The state Senate gave final legislative approval Thursday to a bill opening government agencies' processes of making new rules and regulations.
The bill calls for the regular publication of all rules and regulations of state agencies by the secretary of state's office. The bill also would give citizens the right to offer opinions on all proposed rules, the right to ask for a hearing on a proposed rule and the right to request official opinions on regulation questions.
The bill passed the Senate with little debate. It passed the House last month. It now goes to the governor.
Secretary of State Eric Clark, who has pushed for the measure, praised legislators for passing it.
"I am very grateful that the Legislature recognizes the importance of this bill to our citizens and businesses," Clark said. "Government does not exist for the benefit and convenience of those of us who work in government. Government exists for the benefit and convenience of the citizens. That is what this bill is all about."
Clark said he has worked on the bill for six years.
He said rules adopted by state agencies have the effect of law and are binding on business and private citizens.
Also Thursday, the Senate:
- Passed a bill to increase the legal length of semitrailers to 53 feet.
The bill now goes to the House.
Mississippi Department of Transportation officials said the change was needed or they would start issuing tickets to truckers violating the present 50-foot limit.
- Passed a bill to include malt beverages under the definition of beer.
Senate Finance Committee Chairman Bill Minor, D-Holly Springs, said the change complies with federal rules on malt liquors.
Without the change, Minor said the Mississippi State Tax Commission would have to start warehousing malt liquors and the commission has no space for that.
- Passed a bill to designate the Chunky River in Newton, Lauderdale and Clarke counties as a scenic river.
- Passed a bill barring cities and counties from regulating the installation of ham radio antennas that are less than 75 feet above ground. For larger antennas up to 200 feet, cities and counties would have to follow federal rules and regulations.
- Defeated a bill to allow cities to contract with private companies to handle parking enforcement chores.
The House killed a similar bill Wednesday.
Backers said the bill would let cities privatize parking enforcement. Opponents said a city could hire an overzealous private firm and use the issuing of tickets as a cash cow.
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