Rep. Bubba Carpenter

Maddy summaryHB 1993 allocates $3 million from Mississippi's State General Fund to the existing Mississippi Volunteer Firefighter Length-of-Service Awards Program Fund for fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). This funding supports the program established under Mississippi Code § 45-11-271, which provides monetary awards to volunteer firefighters based on years of service. The bill directly affects Mississippi's volunteer firefighters by ensuring continued funding for these service-based recognition awards. It is a straightforward budget allocation with no new policy changes, solely directing existing state funds to an established program.

Maddy summaryHB 1946 authorizes $650,000 in state funds from the General Fund for the Mississippi Military Department to purchase land adjacent to Camp Shelby in Forrest and Perry Counties. The funds will cover costs for acquiring land specifically to create military training areas and buffer zones at Camp Shelby, effective July 1, 2026, for the 2027 fiscal year. This is a straightforward funding allocation with no new policy requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 1877 authorizes Mississippi to issue state bonds to fund the purchase of land near Camp Shelby in Forrest and Perry Counties. The Mississippi Military Department would use these funds to buy land adjacent to Camp Shelby for military training areas and buffer zones. The state would repay the bonds from general funds, backed by the full credit of Mississippi. This mechanism avoids immediate budget allocation while securing land for military operations.

Maddy summaryHB 419 increases Mississippi's homestead property tax exemption for a specific group: unremarried surviving spouses of veterans who were honorably discharged and are 85 years or older. The bill amends existing law to grant these individuals a full exemption from all ad valorem taxes on their homestead property's assessed value, rather than a partial reduction. This expands the current homestead exemption program to include this veteran spouse demographic, providing complete tax relief on their primary residence. The exemption applies to the entire assessed value of their home, not just a portion of it.

Maddy summaryHB 640 appropriates $400,000 from the state general fund to Alcorn County's Board of Supervisors for the Alcorn County Fire Department to purchase turnout gear (protective firefighter clothing) during fiscal year 2026-2027. The bill directly affects Alcorn County firefighters by funding essential safety equipment. It provides a one-time state funding allocation to cover the costs of this specific equipment purchase, with funds to be disbursed by the State Treasurer upon proper requisition. This is a straightforward funding measure with no policy changes or broader implications.

Maddy summaryHB 652 appropriates $50,000 from the state general fund to the City of Farmington, Mississippi, to cover costs for upgrading and renovating Farmington City Park during fiscal year 2027 (July 2026-June 2027). The funds are intended to support physical improvements to the park, directly benefiting residents who use the park and the city government managing the facility. The bill specifies that the state treasurer will disburse the funds upon proper requisitions from city officials, with the appropriation effective July 1, 2026. This is a straightforward funding measure with no policy changes or broader implications beyond the park renovation project.

Maddy summaryHB 651 provides $50,000 in state funding to the Town of Glen, Mississippi, to cover costs for renovating and upgrading its owned properties and facilities during fiscal year 2027 (July 2026-June 2027). The bill is a straightforward appropriation from the State General Fund, requiring the State Treasurer to disburse the funds upon proper requisitions. It directly affects the Town of Glen by enabling specific infrastructure improvements. This procedural bill does not create new policies or regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 657 appropriates $500,000 from the State General Fund to the City of Iuka for road paving and improvements during fiscal year 2027 (July 2026-June 2027). The funds are specifically designated to assist the city with costs for maintaining and upgrading its local road infrastructure. This is a direct funding allocation with no new policy requirements or broader regulatory changes. The appropriation becomes effective July 1, 2026, and the funds will be disbursed by the State Treasurer upon proper requisitions.

Maddy summaryHB 658 allocates $800,000 from Mississippi's general fund to fund scholarships for paramedic students through the Paramedics Recruitment and Retention Scholarship Program. The money will support education costs for individuals training to become paramedics in Mississippi during the 2027 fiscal year (July 2026-June 2027). The Mississippi Department of Employment Security will administer these funds on behalf of the Office of Workforce Development. This program directly assists prospective paramedics by reducing financial barriers to education and training.

Maddy summaryHB 696 allocates $6 million from the state general fund to cover salary increases and required state-funded fringe benefits for active sworn officers of the Mississippi Highway Safety Patrol, Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, and Capitol Police. This funding is specifically designated for the 2026-2027 fiscal year (July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027), aligning with existing salary increases authorized under Mississippi law. The bill directs the State Treasurer to disburse these funds upon proper requisitions and becomes effective on July 1, 2026.