MS HR16

Mourns the death of former State Senator Billy Howard Thames, who passed away on September 10, 2013, at age 69.

Commends Thames's 28-year career in the Mississippi State Senate (1979-2008), representing Smith, Jasper, Clarke, and portions of Scott and Jones Counties, serving as chairman of multiple Senate committees.

Recognizes Thames's instrumental role in authoring and passing the 1997 Mental Health Reform Act (Senate Bill No. 2100), which created the Crisis Intervention Center System and resulted in the Central Mississippi Crisis Intervention Complex being named in his honor.

Acknowledges Thames's work on major legislative issues including agricultural policy, mental health services expansion, and motor vehicle fleet management legislation.

Expresses the House of Representatives' deepest sympathy to Thames's surviving family, including his wife Ann, three daughters, and six grandchildren.