2018 Legislator Business & Jobs Report Card


Michael Watson


Republican

District: 51

BIPEC Grade:  

   B   
Bill Issue Business Vote Legislator Voted Link to Vote
HB 957 When the senate took up their version of HB 957, a motion to recommit (kill) the legislation was voted on. That vote passed which killed the legislation for the session. The business vote was against the motion to recommit.
NAY
NAY
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HB 1649 This is the omnibus bond bill which included $45M for improvements to the state-owned shipyard in Pascagoula and $50M for the Local System Bridge Program. This legislation is important to support the largest private employer in the state as well as to maintain critical infrastructure. The business vote was in support of this legislation.
YEA
PRESENT
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SB 2479 This legislation lowers the investment amount needed to qualify for a fee-in-lieu agreement from $100 million to $60 million. It allows the local governing authorities to enter into these agreements with existing industries in their area that are looking to expand. This legislation is an important step towards giving communities more leverage in recruiting companies to their areas and helping their existing companies grow. The business vote was in support of this legislation.
YEA
YEA
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SB 3046 Known as The BRIDGE Act, SB 3046 would have directed up to $1.5 billion of existing revenue and bonds to state, county and city roads, bridges and other infrastructure needs over the next five years. This legislation was an attempt to address the infrastructure needs of MS. The business vote was in support of this legislation.
YEA
NAY
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HB 1122 This legislation restricts cities and counties from imposing regulations on farmers who are already regulated by state agencies. This is an important step to prevent overregulation by local governments. The business vote was in support of this legislation.
YEA
YEA
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SB 2570 This legislation prohibits local governments from adopting regulations, fees or taxes on the use, disposition or sale of a bag, cup, bottle or other packaging designed for transporting, consuming or protecting merchandise, food or beverages. This is an important step to prevent more regulation and taxation by local governments. The business vote was in support of this legislation.
YEA
YEA
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SB 2097 This legislation allows for a "free port warehouse" tax exemption to apply to property that is consigned to a licensed free port warehouse for storage pending transit. The granting of this exemption is at the sole discretion of the local governing authority. This change recognizes the critical nature of just-in-time supply chains and helps incentivize more development of warehousing infrastructure. The business vote was in support of this legislation.
YEA
YEA
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SB 2418 This legislation increases the axle tolerance allowed for vehicles operating under a harvest permit and certain vehicles loading and unloading at a state port. It increases the tolerance allowed on each axle from 5% to 10%, which will allow greater flexibility in the transport of forest products to manufacturing facilities. It also allows manufacturers to continue to use their harvest permit to transport products from a holding facility to the processing plant. The business vote was in support of this legislation.
YEA
YEA
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SB 2473 SB 2473 makes business/landlord-friendly changes to the Residential Landlord Tenant statutes. It protects the landlord’s rights to collect late fees as well as rent and allows the landlord to evict for any event for which the lease provides eviction as a remedy. Changes were made to speed up the eviction proceeding and allows for the termination of a lease in fourteen days rather than thirty days. The business vote was in support of this legislation.
YEA
YEA
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HB 1476 This legislation would have ensured that real estate brokers who are lawfully responsible for overseeing licensed salespersons have had ample opportunity to gain the experience that is necessary to oversee, train, and guide their agents. HB 1476 sought to ensure security for consumers, brokers and everyone involved in a real estate transaction. The business vote was in support of this legislation.
YEA
NAY
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SB 2295 SB 2295 provides regulatory predictability and clarifies governing jurisdiction by making clear that the Mississippi Public Service Commission has exclusive original jurisdiction over utility rate disputes, including those brought by the Attorney General. The business vote was in support of this legislation.
YEA
YEA
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SB 2836 This bill defines the state’s Medicaid services and reimbursement rates. This is critical for physicians and other healthcare providers as Medicaid reimbursement is a driver of economic output in Mississippi. The business vote was in support of this legislation.
YEA
YEA
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SB 2455 This legislation would have provided an additional sales tax diversion to cities from state sales tax revenue when general fund growth is more than 1%. The bill would have required that the extra funds be used by cities for infrastructure projects. This legislation was an attempt to address the infrastructure needs of MS. The business vote was in support of this legislation.
YEA
YEA
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HB 354 This legislation would have allowed for any growth of the general fund over 2% (up to $100M) to be dedicated to road and bridge repair/maintenance. This legislation was an attempt to address the infrastructure needs of MS. The business vote was in support of this legislation.
YEA
YEA
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HB 1488 This legislation authorized funds to be used by the Mississippi Development Authority to incentivize companies creating new jobs and making corporate investments in the state. Incentives include grants and loans designed to meet the infrastructure needs of new and expanding businesses, workforce training programs, small and minority-owned business assistance programs, and statutory tax incentives. The business vote was in support of this legislation.
YEA
YEA
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