JACKSON, Miss. (AP) – A bill that would raise the qualifying fees to run for political office is headed to Gov. Phil Bryant for his approval or veto.
Senate Bill 2167 (http://bit.ly/1VqSol9 ) would require independent candidates to start paying qualifying fees and increase the fees party candidates already pay.
The bill passed the House 95-23 Friday.
Candidates for governor would pay $1,000, up from the current $500. Candidates for state senator and state representative would pay $250, up from the current $15. Independent candidates would pay the secretary of state and party candidates would pay their party.
Rep. Cory Wilson, a Madison Republican, says the bill would raise money for elections operations.
Rep. Tom Miles, a Forest Democrat, opposes the bill, saying it would block people from participating in the electoral process.
