Mississippi House Bill HB1419

Mississippi 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/17/22
• Refer: 1/17/22
• Failed: 2/1/22

Caption

Unconstitutional acts of federal government; prohibit state agency or political subdivision of the state from cooperating with a federal agency in implementing any.

Impact

This legislation is designed to reinforce the state's ability to operate independently of federal regulations that may conflict with the rights of its citizens. By defining the roles of state agencies and political subdivisions, it emphasizes a layer of oversight that relies heavily on the Attorney General's assessments. The consequences could lead to reduced compliance with federal standards if those rules are contested in court and ruled unconstitutional. As a result, some state operations may become less responsive to federal mandates.

Summary

House Bill 1419 aims to assert state sovereignty by prohibiting cooperation between state agencies and the federal government when it comes to federal rules that have been deemed unconstitutional. The bill specifically mandates the Attorney General to produce a monthly report documenting rules adopted by federal agencies that relate to various sectors, including health emergencies, natural resources, and environment, among others. Reports will also include the status of any litigation related to those rules that have been identified as infringing on citizens' constitutional rights.

Contention

The main contention surrounding HB 1419 is whether the state has the authority to negate federal regulations that are deemed unconstitutional. Supporters argue that such measures are necessary for protecting individual liberties and maintaining state sovereignty, while opponents fear that this law may lead to a lack of necessary compliance with federal mandates, especially in critical areas such as public health and environmental protection. The law's potential to spur conflicts between state and federal authorities also raises questions about its long-term viability and implications for governance.