Imagine a law that fines drivers $100 if they are caught in violation of a speeding ordinance, but when that fine comes due, the taxpayers pick up the bill. The next time that driver is on the highway, will he be more or less likely to adhere to the posted speed limits if no real consequences to his breaking the law exist?

Such has been the case for years in the Mississippi Open Meetings Law. Public officials who illegally closed public meetings could face fines. But the taxpayer picked up the bill.

Change is on the way — at least we hope.

Senate Bill 2289, which passed last week 31-15, calls for public officials to face fines up to $1,000 if they are found to have knowingly violated the law. Sen. Briggs Hopson III, who represents Vicksburg, voted in favor of the bill.

House Bill 314 calls for Open Meetings Act violations to result in $500 fines for the first offense and $1,000 for each subsequent offense. And the official responsible for those violations would pay, not the taxpayer. It passed 119-0. In addition, the House bill would levy fines against officials who deny public records requests.

It is paramount for the House and Senate to hammer out a compromise on the two bills, without lessening the consequences, then to send it to Gov. Haley Barbour for his signature.

A law with no consequences to those who violate it is not worth the paper on which it is printed.

Pass a law with teeth. Put government back in the people’s hands. Punish the violators.