Legislative

The League advocates aggressively for municipal-friendly legislation with the help of our full-time governmental affairs coordinator and a professional lobbyist. The MML Legislative Committee, along with the League staff, meets with legislators to ensure that they are informed and up to date on the interests of our cities and towns. Legislation of municipal concern is closely monitored and tracked. The MML Legislative Committee meets regularly during the session to provide guidance to the MML staff regarding any legislation of municipal interest.

Issues

MML Legislative priorities

Exemption of inventory taxes - This bill would cost local governments upwards of 143 million dollars in revenue. (Oppose)
Homestead exemption increase – even though we want to support our senior citizens we feel that this increased exemption will ultimately result in a net tax increase.( Oppose)
Expansion of sales tax holiday – This bill will add to the poor sales tax collection numbers in the state. Currently, the State tax commission has reported a 2.5 million dollar hit to the state general fund as a result of this sales tax holiday.( Oppose)
Police due process – This bill will treat police officers differently from other employees with regards to due process. (Oppose)
MS one call penalty legislation – This bill would impose crippling mandates on cities and towns.(Oppose)
Property Clean up legislation - Support

Secondary Legislation

Section 42 housing Legislation - Support
Increase of the small municipalities grant - Support
Increase per day jail assessment for prisoners - Support
Change date for taking municipal office-7-1 - Support
Radar on highways (municipalities) - Support
Local option sales tax- Support

Affiliate Legislation

Allow background checks on public safety officials - Fire chiefs association (support)
Water and Solid waste bills applied as liens - City clerk’s Association (support)
Increase fees- privilege license - City clerk’s Association (support)
Collect portion of MDOT gas tax increase (support)
Ban on Novelty lighters - Fire chiefs association (support)