Coast city’s bill passes on second attempt

D’IBERVILLE — A development bill requested by the coastal city of D’Iberville passed the Mississippi Legislature Friday — but only after two tries.

On the first attempt, the bill was killed in the Senate when social conservatives said they didn’t want to allow a long-term land lease for a casino.

That version of the bill fell short of the three-fifths majority needed to pass the Senate. The vote was 26 in favor and 18 against.

The House-passed version of the bill came up later — and it cleared the Senate 27-13.

D’Iberville needs state permission to lease city-owned land to private developers on a long-term basis, including land for the proposed Oyster Bay casino.