New laws effective today (July 1, 2019) in Mississippi

The following laws went into effect today (July 1, 2019) according to the MS-GOV office.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE — House Bill 1352 eases penalties on some Mississippians accused or convicted of crimes. It stops automatic suspension of driver’s licenses for nonpayment of fines or for simple drug possession. It also creates “intervention courts” to handle cases involving veterans, drugs and mental health issues.

JOB LICENSING — Senate Bill 2781 , named the "Fresh Start Act of 2019," says a criminal conviction does not disqualify people from receiving a job license unless the conviction was directly related to the job for which the license is required. Groups that issue job licenses are banned from using phrases such as "moral turpitude."

TEACHER PAY — Senate Bill 2770 authorizes a $1,500 pay raise for teachers.

PROPERTY OWNER LIABILITY — Senate Bill 2901 , called the "Landowners Protection Act," says that anyone who owns, leases, operates, or maintains a commercial property in Mississippi will not be liable for any injury on the property caused by another person, unless the person in charge of the property did something that "impelled" the harmful action. Supporters say the new law will provide financial protection for property owners or