The House amended the state charter-school law so that students in C-, F-, and D-rated districts could cross district lines to access charters in other schools. Before it was passed, Democrats offered several amendments to the bill, including to remove C rated districts and require charter schools provide transportation. The House also approved legislation to require that youth-detention centers be licensed by the state. The measure’s supporters claimed it was a response to Jackson’s Henley-Youth Youth Justice Center, which is subject to a federal consent decree that will improve the conditions of children who live there. The lawmakers also gave municipalities with fewer than 500 residents the option of having a three-member council, instead of five. Sponsors stated that some cities are having difficulty finding candidates for city council. Another bill that is municipal-oriented would allow cities to lease the naming rights to municipally-owned property to private commercial entities. Following a series local media stories on lawmakers’ use campaign finance accounts, House members diluted a bill that would have required stricter accounting for campaign credit card transactions. The Senate now has to review the weaker version that calls for a study panel. The Senate met Monday for just over two hours. It reconvened at 2 p.m. to pass about twenty-six non-controversial laws. The Senate passed a bill to prevent tax assessors having to inspect small businesses’ personal properties. The tax assessor will be able to assume that the taxpayer has provided an accurate list of personal property. Tax assessors will still be able to audit personal property if they believe that the property list is incorrect if the law is passed. Senator Hob Bryan (D-Amory), was one of the four senators who voted against the bill. He said that the bill could allow people to lie about the property they pay tax. Senator Joey Fillingane (R-Sumrall), who chairs the senate’s finance committee, disagreed. Fillingane stated that most people are honest and give an accurate indication of their assets. Fillingane stated that “most people are honest and try to give a good indication of what they have.” Contributing: Adam Ganucheau