More gaming debate anticipated in Mississippi

Gina Holland

Thursday, March 2, 2000 | 4:22 a.m.

JACKSON, Miss. - Committee wrangling at the Legislature has prepared lawmakers for debate on issues ranging from changing what it takes to become governor of Mississippi to authorizing casino-related courses at state universities.

The proposals were among dozens clearing committees Thursday and heading for floor votes. Also passed were bills making it a crime to injure or kill a fetus or to falsely report a crime.

The change in the election of the governor was prompted by Gov. Ronnie Musgrove's delayed victory over Republican Mike Parker. Musgrove won more votes in November but not the mandatory 50 percent. The state House, following the constitution, had to choose between the two.

"It was bad," said Sen. John White, D-Booneville, of the two-month wait for an outcome in the governor's race. "I don't think people want the Legislature to elect the governor again."

The proposal from the Senate Constitution Committee would allow the top vote-getter in a statewide contest to be elected. The proposed change in the constitution would have to be approved by voters as well as the Legislature.

The authorization for gaming management classes in community colleges and universities has kicked around the Capitol for several years.

"I want Mississippians to get the good jobs that are going now to people living in Las Vegas, Atlantic City, God knows where," said Rep. Willie Bailey, D-Greenville. "We should have done it long, long ago."

Leaders of schools have said they would not add any curriculum for preparing managers for casinos without specific legislative approval.

The House Ways and Means Committee approved the bill, but Bailey predicted it may have trouble making it through the rest of the Legislature.

Other proposals approved by committees Thursday would:

"My intent is to say loud and clear that the unborn who have no voice would have equal footing under law," said Robinson, who filed the bill after reading about the beating of a woman in another state by someone who wanted her to miscarry.

"This is to protect pregnant ladies," he said.

Someone who reports a false misdemeanor crime could be charged with a misdemeanor and a person filing a false report of a felony could face a felony charge.