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MBAT Summit at Jackson State University
We hosted another incredible MBAT Summit with our friends from Jackson State University, the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation (MBI), and the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH).
The Summit featured leading experts in the field including Dr. Dana Hunter, the Executive Director of the Louisiana Governor's Office of Human Trafficking Prevention.
We also heard a powerful testimony from Brian Montgomery, father of deceased sextortion victim Walker Montgomery. His first-hand account of exploitation practices found right here in Mississippi reminded us all of the work needed to continue combatting this heinous crime.
We look forward to hosting another virtual MBAT Summit this summer! Stay tuned for updates.
MORE NEWS
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MAGNOLIA TRIBUNE: Secretary of state highlights election integrity legislation passed in 2023 session
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CLARION LEDGER: Mississippi Businesses Against Trafficking gather to learn to combat human trafficking
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WLOX: Sec. of State Michael Watson talks about the death of Mississippi's ballot initiative bill
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Tornado Relief Efforts
Over the past few weeks, I’ve been to Louisville, Noxapater, Starkville, Columbus, Tupelo, Greenwood, Hurley, Wren, Amory, Hernando, Southaven, Olive Branch, Greenville, Belzoni, Silver City, Rolling Fork, Jackson, and Winona. I’ve experienced a range of emotions from celebrating the hard work and successes of our office to hugging the necks of those who’ve lost everything.
One thing is for sure. I love Mississippi and her people now more than ever. From the small business owners who make our economy run, to those who have dropped everything to help their neighbors, our state is full of some of the finest people this world has ever seen.
However, help is still needed for many. Visit the links below for more information.
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Election Integrity Legislative Updates
Clean and fair elections are the cornerstone of our democracy. I’m proud of our work with the Legislature during the 2023 session to further preserve the integrity of Mississippi elections.
With the passage of S.B. 2358, ballot harvesting is prohibited with a few exceptions for family members, mail carriers, etc. H.B. 1306 provides for penalties for fraudulently requesting absentee ballots and seeks to strengthen transparency in campaign finance reporting. Any candidate who does not file all campaign finance reports required in the last five years is prohibited from running for office.
Awaiting the Governor’s signature is H.B. 1310, or our election integrity package. Through this bill, we have been granted authority to conduct post-election audits, expanded procedures to ensure only U.S. citizens are voting in Mississippi elections, secured funding for enhanced cybersecurity, and codified methods to better maintain voter rolls.
With these additional safeguards, our goal is to restore confidence in the voting process and reaffirm to Mississippians their vote is the one they cast.
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29 by 29 Update
In 2022, we launch our 29 by 29 strategic plan to review every regulation for all 29 occupational licensing boards and commissions by the year 2029. The plan serves as a roadmap within our Tackle the Tape initiative to ensure all Mississippi regulations make it easier to start or conduct business in the state, balance anti-competitive regulations with protecting the public's interest, and reduce the number of burdensome regulations.
The first three boards reviewed during 2022 were the Board of Cosmetology, Board of Barber Examiners, and the Board of Architecture. Upon review, there were a combined total of over 1,700 regulations which we believe 518 of those are discretionary, or made up by the board themselves. Through my position on the Occupational Licensing Review Commission, we hope to bring these regulations before the Commission to reduce the number of unnecessary regulations.
This year, our partners will be reviewing the Board of Nursing, Board of Public Accountancy, and the Board of Examiners for Licensed Professional Counselors.
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Promote the Vote Ceremony
It is an incredible honor to recognize the work of our young Mississippians during the Promote the Vote Awards Ceremony. We are thrilled to have them participate in the program, but more importantly, we are proud they are engaged in learning about the elections process.
We also say a big thank you to all the teachers, parents, principals, and other administrators who contribute to the success of the program and help instill civic responsibility among our students.
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Tax-Forfeited Lands Update
As State Lands Commissioner, our office oversees Tax-Forfeited Lands, which are held for sale by the Public Lands Division. These lands represent properties that have been forfeited to the state of Mississippi for non-payment of ad valorem taxes. Individuals, corporations, and state agencies may apply to the Secretary of State’s Office for the acquisition of these lands. Our goal is to return these lands to productive use on the local tax rolls.
The first quarter of 2023 has seen tremendous growth over the same quarter from the previous two years. So far this year, we have returned 625 parcels to local tax rolls, which is a 10% increase from 2022 and a 57% increase from 2021.
To see the latest inventory of Tax-Forfeited Lands, visit the link below.
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EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT
Ray Carter, "The Professor"
Ray Carter serves as the Assistant Secretary of State for Tidelands housed in our Gulf Coast Office. He has been an integral part of our team since he began working at the Secretary of State's Office in 2008.
Ray is an excellent lawyer and negotiator with the ability to analyze an issue from every angle for potential resolution. He always sees the big picture but is able to remember and give attention to the details. In addition, Ray brings a wealth of general "coast knowledge" to his position which is invaluable not only in developing plans of action but identifying potential roadblocks.
More importantly, Ray is a genuine person who fosters a fun office atmosphere. We appreciate his service to Mississippi and are fortunate to have him on our team!
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