Jackson Free Press

This time around, the "sunshine" bill didn't wither. Despite their best efforts to slow down and trip up House Bill 211, which supporters argue adds a layer of transparency to the state's use of hiring outside legal firms when disagreements arise with the attorney general, the state's chief legal officer, the measure passed 59 to 55. After a similar bill failed last week on a technicality, its Republican authors made fixes earlier this week and brought it to the Wednesday morning. Democrats pressed Mark Baker, the chairman of the House Judiciary A Committee, on a range of what they perceived to be shortcomings of the bills. Some clearly just wanted to mess with Republicans.

This time around, the "sunshine" bill didn't wither.

Despite their best efforts to slow down and trip up House Bill 211, which supporters argue adds a layer of transparency to the state's use of hiring outside legal firms when disagreements arise with the attorney general, the state's chief legal officer, the measure passed 59 to 55.

After a similar bill failed last week on a technicality, its Republican authors made fixes earlier this week and brought it to the Wednesday morning. Democrats pressed Mark Baker, the chairman of the House Judiciary A Committee, on a range of what they perceived to be shortcomings of the bills. Some clearly just wanted to mess with Republicans.

Rep. Kelvin Buck, D-Holly Springs wanted to know if the bill would affect any litigation that the attorney general is working now. Rep. Edward Blackmon, Jr. pointed out agency directors, who would be emboldened to pick their own lawyers under the law, and most of the members of the Personal Services Contract Review Board, which would approve or reject agreements for special counsel, all are appointed by the governor.

Rep. Bob Evans, D-Monticello, tried to rename the bill the "Private Lawyer Employment and Retirement Act" while Rep. Omeria Scott, D-Laurel, insisted that any outside legal firms should test its attorneys for illegal drugs. Scott even came armed with a study that finds professionals, not the poor and working clear, are the biggest drugs users.

But after all the debate and each of the 17 amendments Democrats made failed, both sides took turns admonishing and heralding Attorney General Jim Hood. Republicans mostly seemed grouchy that Hood refused to sue to block the implementation of the federal health care legislation President Barack Obama championed.

Baker, the chairman, said even though the people of Mississippi wanted a voice in what he characterized as the Obamacare dispute that Hood did not give them, he added, "I would not have brought you a bill just to poke a stick at anyone."

When the bill was in committee, Hood said that the bill would cost the state $11 million in extra legal fees because private firms charge more than the state for doing the same kind of work. Democrats, on the other hand, heaped praise on the AG for bringing billions worth of settlement dollars to the state.

In the Senate, Joey Fillingane, R-Sumrall, introduced a similar bill that was referred to that body's Judiciary A committee.