Byram board adopts local ordinance after resident urging to 'get ahead' of state law

The Byram Board of Aldermen moved to adopt a local ordinance after resident Elroy Winding asked the city to act before an anticipated state measure takes effect. "I just ask you all to consider and vote on it if possible," Winding told the board, adding he believed action by cities would encourage state lawmakers to follow.

City personnel described enforcement concerns that helped frame the board's decision. An on-record official said officers have found small inhalation canisters and masks ‘‘kind of like what SWAT guys use’’ and that, while the department had not documented overdoses, the paraphernalia had been located in residences. "I read over the ordinance, and I'm in agreement with it," the official said when asked to speak about enforcement.

A motion was made and seconded on the ordinance during the meeting and the clerk recorded affirmative votes from board members. The board then approved the consent agenda and moved on to other business. The motion text and full ordinance number were not specified on the audio transcript; the mayor and staff said state law may later preempt a city ordinance if the state adopts a more restrictive standard.

Staff and aldermen said they will monitor any forthcoming state action and adjust the local measure if necessary. The board did not attach an effective date in the recorded motion during the meeting; staff indicated they would follow up if the state acts and would rely on the ordinance already adopted until then.