I received the followed from my State Senator Lowe Finney after I sent this:
With the establishment of our environmental court, SJR 724 may end our means of enforcement. I would strongly oppose the following which will come to the Senate floor this week. I am forwarding this message to my fellow council members.

His reply:
SJR 724 (Wilder) allows the General Assembly to establish the maximum fines that can be levied by municipal courts, provided the fines are not to exceed $500
SJR 724 raises your ability to fine above $50 without a jury trial. This bill helps you I believe. Currently, the state Constitution prohibits a fine above $50 without a jury trial. With the new law, the city would still be able to levy fines up to $500 per instance without a jury trial.

Thanks for your email. I am circulating this to your attorney, Lewis Cobb, and the mayor who have expressed support for this legislation.
I am a little confused about this particular bill. Which does it do? Change the constitution by increasing the fines or limit the total.
Democrat Senator Finney is a good man but young and we do not have a conservative state senator that I may this of.
Thank you if you can pass this along.
Jackson City Councilman Frank | Homepage | 05.14.08 - 8:59 am | #