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Kevin Blackwell — Republican State Senator for Mississippi District 19 (official headshot)

Kevin Blackwell Voting Record & Scorecard | National Democrat Platform

MS Senator

District: 19 • Republican

2023 DEM Alignment:

51.72%

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Voting Alignment with DEM Platform – by Chapter

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Sen. Kevin Blackwell (R-MS-19) earned a 52% National Democrat Platform score for 2023, showing moderate alignment with Democratic Party Platform principles. Kevin Blackwell voted on 58 of the 60 substantive bills scored by Dem Platform in 2023. Kevin Blackwell represents the 19th District in the Mississippi State Senate.

Title

Lawmaker Position

HB 1003Senate 20231x

Advancing Innovation and Economic Growth by Establishing a Framework to Enable the Operation of Fully Autonomous Vehicles within the State.

Against DEMs
This bill, known as the "Mississippi Fully Autonomous Vehicle Enabling (MS FAVE) Act of 2023," establishes a regulatory framework to enable the operation of fully autonomous vehicles across the state and authorizes "on-demand autonomous vehicle networks". Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure advances innovation and spurs economic growth by allowing the deployment of autonomous vehicles. Such new technology can provide significant benefits to society, including lower consumer costs.
HB 1020Senate 20231x

Increasing Public Safety within Jackson by Expanding the Jurisdiction of the Capitol Complex Improvement District (CCID) and Court System to Combat Crime.

With DEMs
This bill expands the jurisdiction of the Capitol Complex Improvement District (CCID), creates a separate judicial district, and provides for the appointment of 4 additional judges and staff. This measure is in response to spiraling crime rates within the city - despite the fact Jackson has only 6% of the state''s population it has accounted for more than 50% of the state''s homicides. Support is the Limited Government Position as ensuring national and local security is arguably the most important duty of government. While some may misconstrue this bill as overreach by the state, the U.S. Constitution only recognizes three entities: the federal government, the state government, and the individual. Therefore, the state has a duty to correct the failures of local-level governments.
HB 1020 (Norwood Amd. 5)Senate 20231x

Reducing Public Safety by Eliminating a Provision in the CCID Bill Requiring Police Chief or Commissioner Approval for an Event which Impedes Street or Building Access.

With DEMs
The Norwood amendment #5 to a bill that expands the jurisdiction of the capitol complex improvement district and court system to combat crime in the City of Jackson. This amendment eliminates language in the bill that requires authorization from the Chief of the Capitol Police or the Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety for events that will block or impede access to any building owned or utilized by the state. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this amendment harms public safety by potentially limiting the ability of law enforcement and EMS services to respond to threats at government facilities. It also obstructs general mobility without necessary planning.
HB 1048Senate 20231x

Forcing Taxpayers to Pay for "Universal Changing Tables" in the Restrooms of Public Entities.

Against DEMs
This bill, known as the "Universal Changing Tables Installation Incentive Grant Program Act," provides grants of up to $5,000 per universal changing table installed in restrooms by state agencies and local governments. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill places a significant new financial burden on taxpayers when there are serious questions on the usage frequency of such tables and the cost/benefit of this new initiative. The state must pursue every available avenue to reign in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.
HB 1125Senate 20231x

Protecting Children Under 18 from Sex-Reassignment Surgeries and Prescriptions with Irreversible Implications Until they are Old Enough to Consent.

With DEMs
This bill, the Regulate Experimental Adolescent Procedures (REAP) Act, prohibits children under 18 years of age from receiving sex-reassignment procedures or puberty blockers until they reach the age of consent. Support is the Limited Government Position as it is a role of government to protect children from abuse and physical harm. Irreversible decisions such as sex-reassignments should not be made until an individual reaches the age of consent.
HB 1125 (Hickman and Simmons Amd. 1).Senate 20231x

Weakening Protections for Children Against Sex Reassignment Procedures by Exempting "Mental Health Counseling" from the REAP Act.

With DEMs
The Hickman and Simmons amendment #1 to the Regulate Experimental Adolescent Procedures (REAP) bill, which prohibits sex-reassignment procedures and puberty blockers for minors. This amendment is designed to weaken the underlying bill by exempting "mental health counseling" from the definition of "gender transition procedures". Oppose is the Limited Government Position as it is a role of government to protect children from abuse and physical harm. Irreversible decisions such as sex-reassignments should not be made until an individual reaches the age of consent.
HB 1140Senate 20231x

Worsening the State''s Draconian Wholesaler Laws by Imposing Additional Anti-Competitive Prohibitions on Alcoholic Beverage Manufactures Having Ownership in Wholesalers or Distributors.

Against DEMs
This bill further expands the state''s restriction on alcoholic beverage manufacturers having an ownership interest in wholesalers or distributors. The restriction will now include additional "affiliated companies". Oppose is the Limited Government Position as all manufactures of alcoholic beverages should have the freedom to sell their products directly to retailers and consumers. The state''s draconian wholesaler law merely enriches a "middleman" in the sales process which unnecessarily drives up consumer costs and choice.
HB 1306Senate 20231x

Strengthening Election Integrity by Establishing Penalties for Fraudulently Requesting Absentee Ballots.

With DEMs
This bill expands the definition of "vote fraud," to now also include "any person who fraudulently requests or submits an absentee ballot application for any voter." Support is the Limited Government Position as maintaining safeguards to prevent voter fraud are critical aspects of ensuring free and fair elections, an essential component of democracy under our nation''s constitutional republic.
HB 1310Senate 20231x

Strengthening Election Integrity through a Package of Reforms to Ensure Increased Accuracy of Voter Rolls, Post-Election Audits and that Only U.S. Citizens May Vote.

With DEMs
This bill contains several provisions related to election security. The bill requires the Secretary of State to conduct post-election audits of all counties and to compare the Statewide Elections Management System to the driver''s license database to identify any "potential noncitizen." Additionally, the bill requires that counties ensure any computer with access to the Statewide Elections Management System has appropriate security measures. Finally, the bill establishes a process for sending a "confirmation notice" to confirm a voter''s current address based on various reasons and purging of the voter if they do not respond. Support is the Limited Government Position as maintaining safeguards to prevent voter fraud are critical aspects of ensuring free and fair elections, an essential component of democracy under our nation''s constitutional republic.
HB 1315Senate 20231x

Protecting K-12 Students from Pornographic Content by Requiring Online Material is Filtered in Schools.

With DEMs
This bill prohibits K-12 schools from providing digital and online resources unless protections are in place to block access to obscene and inappropriate materials, such as pornography. The bill establishes similar requirements for state agencies and public libraries. Support is the Limited Government Position as it is a role of government to protect children from exposure to obscene material at public institutions, such as schools and libraries.
HB 1318Senate 20231x

Providing an Alternative to Abortion by Expanding the State''s "Safe Haven" Law to Allow Newborns to Be Surrendered up to 45 Days After Birth.

With DEMs
This bill expands the timeframe for newborns to be surrendered to a "baby safety device" (drop boxes) from 7 days to 45 days after birth and makes it easier for localities to establish these devices. Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure strengthens an alternative to abortion. All abortions are tragedies and every child deserves the right to life.
HB 1390Senate 20231x

Protecting Children by Permanently Implementing the State''s "Abstinence-Only" and "Abstinence-Plus" Sexual Education Policies in Public Schools.

With DEMs
This bill permanently implements into state law a policy that local school districts implement either "abstinence-only" or "abstinence-plus" sexual education programs. Support is the Limited Government Position as parents - not government employees - should be the ones discussing sensitive issues surrounding sexual education with their child.
HB 1528Senate 20231x

Enriching a Government-Favored Non-Profit in Benton County by Forcing Taxpayers to Pay for the Pre-Schooling Costs of Select Children.

Against DEMs
This bill authorizes Benton County to provide $60,000 annually to the Institute of Community Services, Inc. (ICS), also known as Head Start, a private organization which provides pre-school services. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as taxpayer funds - at any level of government - should not be used to fund private pre-school organizations. The private sector, through charitable endeavors, is best equipped to direct funding to the groups and initiatives that are most needed and beneficial to communities.
HB 1611Senate 20231x

Forcing Taxpayers to Fund LGBTQ Films and Critical Race Theory Through a $10.1 Million Appropriation to the Mississippi Arts Commission.

Against DEMs
This bill appropriates $10.1 million to the Mississippi Arts Commission. This government entity awards grants to a long list of individuals and organizations to subsidize their art, music, and film endeavors. For example, the commission awarded $16,000 to an entity (OxFilm) that sponsors films on Queer and LGBTQ life. It also provides cash to the Mt. Zion Memorial Fund, which utilizes Critical Race Theory to examine "White Supremacy & Historic Preservation". Oppose is the Limited Government Position as taxpayers should not be forced to fund divisive social initiatives, such as Critical Race Theory and LGBTQ films. Furthermore, the private sector - not government bureaucrats - should be the entity funding the arts. The state must pursue every available avenue to reign in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.
HB 1734Senate 20231x

Forcing Taxpayers to Pay for Other Individual''s Childcare Costs by Worsening an Employer Tax Credit Scheme.

Against DEMs
This bill contains a major provision that expands the application of an existing 50% income tax credit for employers who provide childcare for their employees during work hours. Under this bill, the tax credit also applies in cases when an employer provides a stipend of $6,000 or more to a childcare entity to provide the childcare for an employee. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as taxpayers should not be forced to pay for select individuals through this wealth redistribution scheme. Instead of growing government, lawmakers should empower the free market to make childcare more affordable and accessible by reducing regulations and other anti-competitive measures.
HB 1796Senate 20231x

Expanding Cronyism by Forcing Taxpayers to Fund a Government-Favored Community Center in Oktibbeha County.

Against DEMs
This bill authorizes Oktibbeha County to provide $5,000 in taxpayer funds annually (through 2027) to the J.L. King Center community center. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as taxpayers - at any level of government - should not be forced to fund community centers. The private sector, through charitable endeavors, is best equipped to direct funding to the groups and initiatives that are most needed and beneficial to communities.
HB 252Senate 20231x

Extending Exemptions from Certain Anti-Competitive Alcohol Regulations and Implementing Additional Minor Pro-Liberty Reforms Concerning Alcohol.

With DEMs
This bill makes multiple small regulatory reforms that reduce restrictions within the alcohol industry. For example, the bill extends the issuance of festival wine permits for an additional three years, allows retail package stores to sell alcohol-infused "edibles," and allows drive-thru sales of alcohol by the glass in a leisure and recreation district located near the Gulf of Mexico. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill strengthens individual liberties by removing overreaching regulations that restrict competition within the alcohol industry and infringe on consumer choice.
HB 401Senate 20231x

Hiking New Car Prices by Further Worsening the State''s Draconian Automotive Regulations to Block Electric Vehicle Manufacturers from Selling Directly to Consumers.

Against DEMs
This bill prohibits automobile manufacturers from owning or operating a dealership from which to sell their vehicles (with a carveout allowing electric vehicle manufacturers to operate one dealership). Oppose is the Limited Government Position as forcing consumes to go through dealers (middlemen) instead of proving them the option to buy directly from manufacturers hikes vehicle costs by thousands of dollars. This also provides select EV manufacturers a competitive advantage against manufacturers not favored by the government.
HB 419Senate 20231x

Enriching "Destination Marketing Organizations" by Channeling Millions of Taxpayer Funds to Select Companies Favored by Government for Wasteful Tourism Marketing.

Against DEMs
This bill provides millions of dollars in taxpayer funds from the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to promote tourism marketing, including a direct $1 million carveout to Narratrip LLC to help cover the costs for municipalities to "participate in and be promoted as part of the business''s mobile apps geared toward promoting tourism in the state." Oppose is the Limited Government Position as it is not the role of government to "promote tourism," let alone enrich politically connected companies at the expense of hardworking Mississippians. Instead of this government central planning scheme, lawmakers could create far greater economic growth by lowering tax rates for all companies and empowering the free-market to direct the tourism industry.
HB 603Senate 20231x

Fueling Out-Of-Control Spending through a $7.6 Billion State Budget - the Largest in State History with Countless Wasteful Initiatives and Lawmaker Pet-Projects.

Against DEMs
This bill enacts the state budget for fiscal year 2024, which includes $7.6 billion in spending, making it the largest budget enacted in state history. Notable expenditures include a $104 million bailout for hospitals, $1.2 billion in state subsidies for colleges and universities, and $600 million for individual lawmaker projects ahead of the election year. The bill does not provide any tax relief. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this budget, with its record spending levels and non-existent tax relief, more closely resembles a budget found in a Democrat-controlled state, such as California, not a state entirely under Republican control. The over $1 billion in wealth redistribution for higher education is especially insulting to hardworking Mississippians who choose to pursue the trades and start businesses instead of enlisting in woke government-run colleges. The state must pursue every available avenue to reign in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.
HB 698Senate 20231x

Combatting Wealth Redistribution by Preventing Localities from Charging Individuals Different Utility Rates based on the Value of a Home or Business.

With DEMs
This bill prohibits localities from basing water utility rates on property values, instead requiring billing to be based on actual usage. This bill is in response to the City of Jackson, which announced plans to base water service fees on assessed property values, with higher-valued homes paying more each month than lower-valued homes. Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure combats wealth distribution by preventing localities efforts to shift burdens onto higher-income individuals rather than addressing the fiscal irresponsibility that created the problem.
HB 770Senate 20231x

Expanding Unnecessary Bureaucracy and Spending through the Creation of the "Mississippi Office of Space and Technology".

Against DEMs
This bill establishes the "Mississippi Office of Space and Technology" within the Mississippi Development Authority. The new bureaucracy will expand the state''s involvement within the aerospace industry. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as, just like the rest of the Mississippi Development Authority, there is no reason for the existence of such a bureaucracy as it goes against the core and limited duties of government. Instead of constantly working to expand the size and scope of government, lawmakers should reverse course and pursue every available avenue to reign in their out-of-control spending, as, when coupled with the over $185 trillion federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.
HB 795Senate 20231x

Reducing Crime and Protecting Businesses from Theft by Increasing Fines and Penalties for Shoplifting.

With DEMs
This bill increases fines and penalties for shoplifting. For example, the bill revises how fines are calculated by basing them on the total price of all items stolen in a jurisdiction over the past 30 days. Additionally, the bill increases fine amounts and requires at least 48 hours of imprisonment for a second conviction. Support is the Limited Government Position as arguably the most important function of government is maintaining national and local public safety, and shoplifting has a tremendous impact on business financials, ultimately driving up consumer costs. This bill is especially necessary considering the implementation of so-called criminal justice "reforms" which have led to skyrocketing crime rates and are being advanced in state legislatures by left-leaning billionaires through their funding of liberal - and even some conservative - advocacy organizations.
HB 817Senate 20231x

Hiking Spending on Pre-K Initiatives which Exceed the Core K-12 Educational Duties of Taxpayers.

Against DEMs
This bill increases government spending on prekindergarten by increasing the reimbursement rate provided to childcare centers under the state''s "Early Learning Collaboratives" program. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this measure further expands the size of government and increases spending on an initiative that exceeds the core K-12 educational duties of taxpayers. The state must pursue every available avenue to reign in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.
HB 912Senate 20231x

Protecting 2nd Amendment Rights by Prohibiting the Enactment of Additional Regulations or Bans on Firearm Suppressors.

With DEMs
This bill prohibits state and local governments from adopting ordinances or regulations to enforce any federal laws or regulations of firearm suppressors that are not also part of state law. The bill also eliminates the crime of concealed carry of a firearm suppressor. Support is the Limited Government Position as James Madison and our nation''s other founding fathers understood that the right to keep and bear arms is a crucial individual liberty and protects the citizenry against a tyrannical government. This measure helps reduce unnecessary barriers for lawful individuals wishing to exercise their Second Amendment rights, barriers which do nothing to deter criminals from engaging in unlawful behavior.
SB 2053Senate 20231x

Protecting Taxpayers by Prohibiting State Agencies from Operating in a Manner that Will Result in a Year-End Deficit.

With DEMs
This bill, known as the "Deficit Prevention Act," requires state agencies to operate within their annual appropriations and prohibits acting in a manner that results in a deficit. Under the bill, if an agency determines it is likely to go over its budget for the year, it is required to notify the Governor, Lt. Governor, and certain legislators. The agency would also be required to work to avoid and/or limit the deficit, which includes limiting travel and conference attendance to only essentials and limiting purchases of equipment, vehicles, and "other nonnecessities." Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill protects taxpayers by establishing safeguards against fiscally irresponsible and reckless agency spending. The state must pursue every available avenue to reign in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.
SB 2054Senate 20231x

Strengthening Government Accountability by Establishing a Process to Remove Appointed State Officers for "Willful Neglect".

With DEMs
This bill establishes a process to remove appointed state officers for "willful neglect." This includes officers who fail to respond to a subpoena, fail to comply with a court-order or state agreement for the repayment of misspent funds, and fail to attend three consecutive meetings of a board or commission without justification. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill strengthens government accountability by ensuring appointed state officers are held accountable, which is especially important because appointed positions are not elected, and, thus, not directly accountable to voters.
SB 2079Senate 20231x

Strengthening School Security by Providing a Pathway for Educators to Carry Concealed Firearms to Protect Students.

With DEMs
This bill, known as the Mississippi School Safety Guardian Act, authorizes school districts to allow certain school employees to carry a concealed firearm in order to respond to an active shooter. Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure strengthens school security by improving the ability of teachers and other employees to protect students and themselves.
SB 2100Senate 20231x

Protecting Communities from Violent Carjackings by Establishing Mandatory Minimum Sentences for Knowingly Receiving Stolen Vehicles and Property.

With DEMs
This bill establishes a five-year mandatory minimum sentence for knowingly receiving stolen vehicles or property worth $25,000 or more. Mandatory sentences are measures designed to help combat the practice of "judge shopping" whereby career criminals attempt to have their cases moved to be heard by the most lenient judge to avoid significant penalties. Support is the Limited Government Position as arguably the most important function of government is maintaining public safety, and mandatory minimum sentences serve as critical tools to protect the public from dangerous career criminals. This bill is especially necessary considering the implementation of so-called criminal justice "reforms" which have led to skyrocketing crime rates and are being advanced in state legislatures by left-leaning billionaires through their funding of liberal - and even some conservative - advocacy organizations.
SB 2101Senate 20231x

Protecting Communities from Violent Carjackings and Deadly Police Chases by Establishing Mandatory Minimum Sentences

With DEMs
This bill establishes a five-year mandatory minimum sentence for carjacking and a 10-year mandatory minimum for an armed carjacking. Additionally, the bill establishes a five-year mandatory minimum sentence for fleeing a law enforcement officer when the action results in a serious bodily injury of the officer or anyone involved, and a seven-year mandatory minimum if the action results in a death of the officer or anyone involved. Mandatory sentences are measures designed to help combat the practice of "judge shopping" whereby career criminals attempt to have their cases moved to be heard by the most lenient judge to avoid significant penalties. Support is the Limited Government Position as arguably the most important function of government is maintaining public safety, and mandatory minimum sentences serve as critical tools to protect the public from dangerous career criminals. This bill is especially necessary considering the implementation of so-called criminal justice "reforms" which have led to skyrocketing crime rates and are being advanced in state legislatures by left-leaning billionaires through their funding of liberal - and even some conservative - advocacy organizations.
SB 2140Senate 20231x

Strengthening National Security by Banning TikTok and Other Chinese Government-Owned Applications from Being Accessed on State-Issued Devices or Networks.

With DEMs
This bill prevents state employees and officers from downloading or accessing TikTok or other applications controlled by U.S. foreign adversaries, such as China or Russia, on state devices or networks. Support is the Limited Government Position as the installation of such systems poses a significant and unnecessary threat to state and federal networks. Additionally, state employees should not be utilizing government equipment to access entertainment apps such as TikTok.
SB 2212Senate 20231x

Increasing Government Dependency and Ballooning Medicaid Welfare Spending to Over $900 Million by Hiking Postpartum Benefits from 60 Days to 12 Months.

Against DEMs
This bill extends the duration of postpartum coverage provided under Medicaid (government-provided healthcare) from 60 days to 1 year. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill further grows government dependency under the state''s Medicaid welfare program. The state must pursue every available avenue to reign in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.
SB 2228Senate 20231x

Growing Government to Now Regulate "Pet Insurance Policies" and Impose New Mandates on Policy Conditions and Sales.

Against DEMs
This bill establishes a new legal and regulatory framework for "pet insurance policies." This includes disclosure requirements for policies and empowers the Commissioner of Insurance to enact training requirements to sell pet insurance policies. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill further grows government power and the regulatory state. While there is a role of government to protect individuals from fraudulent practices, this overreach significantly adds to the already overregulation of the insurance industry, limiting policy options and driving up costs for consumers.
SB 2309Senate 20231x

Further Growing the Enormous Land and Property Holdings of the Federal Government by Transferring the Coker House to the U.S. Park Service.

Against DEMs
This bill transfers the "Coker House" and the surrounding 250 acres to the U.S. National Park Service. The property is associated with the civil war "Battle of Champion Hill". Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the Federal Government owns a staggering 47% of all land west of the Mississippi river and continues to unsustainably grow its holdings of historical properties. The private sector (through foundations, museums, etc.) is best equipped to determine the historical structures most in need of preserving, while also ensuring their proper upkeep and maximizing the value they provide to visitors.
SB 2339Senate 20231x

Hiking Building Costs and Advancing a Politicized Environmental Agenda by Extending the Authority of Local Governments to Impose Energy Efficiency Standards.

Against DEMs
This bill extends the state''s energy efficiency standards imposed on all buildings for an additional three years. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill advances a politicized environmental agenda while infringing on the rights of private building owners to make their own decisions on how energy efficient they wish to make their properties. These "one size-fits-all" mandates unnecessarily drive-up building costs while enriching engineering firms and businesses which are within the energy efficiency industry. Property rights should not be infringed on at any level of government.
SB 2341Senate 20231x

Hiking Mississippi Electricity Costs through Protectionist "Right of First Refusal" Regulations which Enrich Utility Companies and Prevent Competitive Bidding for Transmission Infrastructure.

Against DEMs
This bill provides a "right of first refusal" to existing utility companies to construct new transmission facilities and infrastructure for electricity. As a result, other outside companies that construct electricity infrastructure are unable to bid on projects unless an existing utility company declines to take on a new project. As regulated entities, a utility company''s profit is based on a fixed percentage of the costs they incur, thus disincentivizing utilities from reducing costs. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this protectionist measure is merely designed to enrich existing utility companies by restricting competition. As a result, families and businesses across the state will unnecessarily face higher monthly electricity bills.
SB 2343Senate 20231x

Increasing Public Safety within Jackson by Expanding the Jurisdiction of the Capitol Complex Improvement District (CCID) and State Policy Force to Combat Crime.

With DEMs
This bill expands the jurisdiction of the Capitol Complex Improvement District (CCID) and the jurisdiction of the state''s police force to bolster law enforcement within the City of Jackson. This measure is in response to spiraling crime rates within the city - despite the fact Jackson has only 6% of the state''s population it has accounted for more than 50% of the state''s homicides. Support is the Limited Government Position as ensuring national and local security is arguably the most important duty of government. While some may misconstrue this bill as overreach by the state, the U.S. Constitution only recognizes three entities: the federal government, the state governments, and the individual. Therefore, the state has a duty to correct the failures of local-level governments.
SB 2351Senate 20231x

Strengthening Election Integrity by Authorizing the Attorney General to Investigate Alleged Fraud Claims.

With DEMs
This bill allows the Attorney General to investigate allegations of election fraud based on a complaint from a candidate, election official, or county clerk. The bill also requires the Secretary of State to assist, if requested. Support is the Limited Government Position as maintaining safeguards to prevent voter fraud are critical aspects of ensuring free and fair elections, an essential component of democracy under our nation''s constitutional republic.
SB 2358Senate 20231x

Strengthening Election Integrity by Banning the Practice of "Ballot Harvesting".

With DEMs
This bill prohibits the practice of "ballot harvesting" by limiting the collection of ballots to just certain individuals, such as election officials, postal workers, and family members. The bill is designed to prevent political parties and third-party organizations from engaging in mass ballot-collection efforts. Support is the Limited Government Position as "ballot harvesting" leads to voter harassment by political operatives. Maintaining safeguards to prevent voter intimidation and fraud are critical aspects of ensuring free and fair elections, an essential component of democracy under our nation''s constitutional republic.
SB 2420Senate 20231x

Strengthening Government Integrity through the Creation of a "Public Funds Offender Registry" to Prevent Future State and Local Government Hiring.

With DEMs
This bill creates a publicly available "Public Funds Offender Registry" to list individuals convicted of certain offenses such as bribery, embezzlement, misappropriation of public funds, or influencing voting or election activities. Under the bill, state and local governments are prohibited from hiring anyone on the registry for positions involving public funds. Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure aims to increase government integrity by helping prevent bribery, embezzlement, and similar offenses that cost taxpayers and erode public trust.
SB 2433Senate 20231x

Reducing the Scope of Government by Allowing a Homeowners Association to Procure its Own Water Supply Apart from the City of Jackson.

With DEMs
This bill allows the Country Club of Jackson Homeowners Association (as well as other HOAs) to switch back to the well system it utilized prior to being annexed into the City of Jackson. The bill is in response to the City of Jackson''s disastrous management of its water supply, which has resulted in numerous delivery and environmental problems. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill strengthens individual liberties by empowering private HOAs to make their own decisions on their water procurement and bypasses the failures of government-provided services.
SB 2525Senate 20231x

Expanding Cronyism by Channeling $10 Million in Taxpayer Funds to Enrich the Forestry Industry through the "Forestry Facility Grant Program".

Against DEMs
This bill establishes a new "Forestry Facility Grant Program," which provides $10 million in taxpayer subsidies to projects that supposedly lead to the expansion of the state''s forestry products industry. The funds may be used for purposes such as to acquire land, install power lines, and build roads and railroads. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this cronyism benefits government-favored companies within the forestry industry while shifting tax burdens onto other businesses and individuals not favored by government. Instead of this cronyism, lawmakers should lower tax rates for all businesses and empower the free-market to expand economic growth.
SB 2534Senate 20231x

Hiking Fees and Regulations on Freshwater Fishing Guide Licensing to Restrict Competition from Out-of-State Guides.

Against DEMs
This bill establishes additional regulations on freshwater fishing guides and increases fees for licensing of guide serviced and outfitters. Previously, licenses were $150 and $250 respectively, but are increased to a minimum of $500 for residents and $2,000 for non-residents. Additionally, the bill requires boats used for fishing guide services to be registered with the state and have an annual license and decal. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this protectionist measure is designed to protect in-state fishing guides by restricting competition from out-of-state guides. This additional interference in the marketplace harms consumers seeking to enlist on fishing expeditions by reducing competition and hiking costs.
SB 2550Senate 20231x

Reducing Consumer Costs by Reforming Anti-Competitive Licensing Requirements for Saltwater Crab Fishermen.

With DEMs
This bill modifies the licensing requirements for saltwater crab fisherman by requiring each boat to have a license, rather than each person, as was previously required. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill expands employment opportunities and reduces consumer costs by reducing anti-competitive licensing requirements for saltwater crab fishermen.
SB 2575Senate 20231x

Hiking Insurance Premiums by Mandating Health Insurers Provide Coverage for Services by State and Local Health Departments in the Same Manner as Other Providers.

Against DEMs
This bill establishes a new health insurance mandate that requires all healthcare policies offered in the state to provide coverage of any treatment or services provided by state or local health departments. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill infringes on private contracting rights and forces insurers to contract with government entities. This reduces a health insurance provider''s ability to negotiate fee schedules and other terms and the additional costs will ultimately get passed onto all insured individuals through higher premiums.
SB 2603Senate 20231x

Advancing the Free Competition of Currency by Exempting Virtual Currencies from Unnecessary Regulations Under the MS Money Transmitters Act.

With DEMs
This bill exempts virtual currencies (such as Bitcoin and others) from a series of financial regulations under the Mississippi Money Transmitters Act. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill expands the free competition of currencies to the U.S. dollar. This measure is especially critical considering the reckless and dangerous monetary actions that have been taken by the Federal Reserve, such as quantitative easing.
SB 2612Senate 20231x

Strengthening Property Rights and Reducing Construction Costs by Allowing Small Localities to End Permitting Requirements.

Against DEMs
This bill allows counties and municipalities with small populations below 22,500 to opt out of requiring construction permits if they decide to do so by their board of supervisors. Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure strengthens property rights and reduces construction costs by eliminating the burden and delay of government permitting - especially in cases where small localities do not have the needed infrastructure to run such a permitting program.
SB 2638Senate 20231x

Enabling the Enactment of Anti-Limited Government Policies by Authorizing Citizen-Led Ballot Initiatives.

Against DEMs
This bill reinstates Mississippi''s ballot initiative process, which was stripped in May 2021 following a grassroots medical marijuana campaign. The Senate version of the bill would have allowed a citizen-induced law change with 240,000 votes. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill would have reinstated the ballot initiative process and required a mere 240,000 votes. Only half of the U.S. states have a ballot initiative process, which are nearly always utilized by big-government interests to advance policies that go against the limited government principles of the U.S. Constitution.
SB 2681Senate 20231x

Reducing Cronyism by Establishing a "Trigger" which Cuts-off Corporate Welfare and Tax Subsidies Based on Employment Rates Across Counties.

With DEMs
This bill establishes a "trigger" which ends the tax exemptions provided under the Growth and Prosperity Act when a region''s unemployment rate drops below 150% of the state-wide average for more than three years. Support is the Limited Government Position as lawmakers should completely repeal the Mississippi Development Authority and its associated market-distorting tax exemption schemes, and instead lower tax rates equally for all companies and regions. The free-market - not central planning by government bureaucrats - will provide far greater economic growth.
SB 2698Senate 20231x

Hiking Property Tax Rates by Extending the Crony Tax Exemptions Provided to Certain Government-Favored Renewable Energy Projects.

Against DEMs
This bill extends for an additional three years a localities ability to grant certain renewable energy projects exemptions from ad valorem taxes. As a result, localities can continue to exempt projects of $100 million or more from taxation on up to 50% of their assessed value. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as all state and local tax codes should be constructed in a broadly applied manner with the lowest rates possible for everyone. The central planning and tax cronyism, which is allowed to continue under this measure, enriches the renewable energy industry while shifting tax burdens onto other property owners.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sen. Kevin Blackwell's voting record?

Sen. Kevin Blackwell (R-MS-19) earned a 52% National Democrat Platform score for 2023, showing moderate alignment with Democratic Party Platform principles. Kevin Blackwell voted on 58 of the 60 substantive bills scored by Dem Platform in 2023. Kevin Blackwell represents the 19th District in the Mississippi State Senate.

How aligned is Kevin Blackwell with Democratic Party Platform principles?

Kevin Blackwell earned a 52% National Democrat Platform score in 2023, showing moderate alignment with Democratic Party Platform principles.

What is Kevin Blackwell's Dem Platform score?

Kevin Blackwell has a 52% Dem Platform score for 2023.

Where does Kevin Blackwell serve?

Sen. Kevin Blackwell (R-MS-19) represents the 19th District in the Mississippi State Senate as a Republican.

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