Video: Lawmaker Discusses Session, Budget, HB 1523

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – State Representative Jeff Smith talked politics on Tuesday at the Columbus Rotary Club meeting.

The District 39 Republican is Chairman of the powerful House Ways and Means committee.

Smith talked about various topics including state gun laws and the budget.

He also discussed the past legislative session.

Recently, a federal judge blocked Mississippi’s controversial Protecting Freedom of Conscience from Government Discrimination Act or House Bill 1523 from taking effect.

Smith doesn’t foresee a similar bill being discussed during the next legislative session.

“I don’t expect a similar version of House Bill 1523 to pass or be introduced, for that matter. We generally have a rule, if we have a piece of legislation that has passed and is in the court system, we leave it alone until the court has worked its wisdom,” said Smith.

Smith has been a state lawmake since 1992.