"Upon the subject of education, not presuming to dictate any plan or system respecting it, I can only say that I view it as the most important subject which we as a people can be engaged in." --Abraham Lincoln, March 9, 1832 First Political Announcement

2008 Legislation Tracker

HB 1405 - Mississippi Trauma System Legislation

This legislation would fully fund the trauma care network, institute a "pay or play" system with all hospitals and provide compensation to hospitals for uncompensated care.

Latest Action: Passed by the House 97-24 on 2/27

HB 729 - Reduction to the 85% Rule; allows certain non-violent offenders to only serve 25% of sentences before being eligible for parole.

Latest Action: Passed by the House 69-52 on 2/25

HB 1013 - Medicaid Legislation

This legislation would increase the cigarette tax by $1 to $1.18 to fully fund Mississippi's Medicaid program.

Latest Action: Passed by the House 75-41 on 2/21; currently in the Senate Finance Committee

HB 513 - Appropriation Bill for MAEP, Teacher Pay Raise, Vocational Training

This legislation would fully fund MAEP, give teachers a 3% raise and teacher assistants a $500 raise, and fund vocational training and high school redesign programs.

Latest Action: Passed by the House 95-26 on 1/31; currently in Senate Appropriations Committee
The following are bills sponsored or co-sponsored by Rep. Toby Barker.

HB 725 - Mississippi Taxpayer Transparency Act

Latest Action: Passed by the House and referred to Senate Appropriations Committee 2/04
Principal author: Barker; Co-authors: DuVall, Huddleston, Campbell, Monsour, Pigott, Morgan

The bill would create a website, under the supervision of the Department of Finance and Administration, and put all contracts, subcontracts and grants from the state of Mississippi online to enable the public to access such.

HB 780 - Provide an Additional Circuit Judge for 12th Circuit Judge District

Latest Action: Referred to Judiciary A/Appropriations Committees 2/04 Principal author: Barker; Co-authors: Byrd, Dedeaux, Fillingane, Lane, Walley, Warren, Watson

The bill would create an additional circuit judgeship for the 12th Circuit District, which consists of Forrest/Perry counties.