Rep. Bubba Carpenter

Maddy summaryHB 746 removes a limit preventing counties from receiving additional fire truck funding after obtaining assistance for eight rounds (sets of trucks) under Mississippi's Rural Fire Truck Acquisition Assistance Program. This change directly affects counties that had previously received funding for eight rounds and wished to apply for more assistance. The bill modifies Section 17-23-1 of the Mississippi Code to eliminate the "eight rounds requirement," allowing counties to continue applying for matching funds regardless of prior participation. The program itself continues to fund fire truck purchases meeting NFPA standards, with county-specific funding caps based on previous acquisitions.

Maddy summaryHB 1021 authorizes Mississippi's Commissioner of Insurance to apply for a State Innovation Waiver under Section 1332 of the federal Affordable Care Act. This amendment to state law (adding subsection (f) to Section 83-9-253) gives the Commissioner explicit authority to seek waivers that would allow Mississippi to modify certain ACA requirements for its health insurance marketplace. The bill directly affects the Commissioner's office, enabling it to pursue federal waivers without needing additional legislative approval for that specific action. It does not change existing insurance rules or coverage but creates a pathway for potential state-level adjustments to healthcare policy.

Maddy summaryHB 1050 changes Mississippi's retirement system for certain first responders. It allows law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency medical services providers who join the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) on or after March 1, 2026, to receive retirement benefits after 25 years of service, regardless of age. This specifically applies to new hires in these roles after that date, reducing the required service period compared to current rules. The bill does not affect current or earlier-hired first responders.

Maddy summaryHB 1070 removes a prohibition that previously prevented the Mississippi Department of Public Safety (DPS) from providing security at two specific locations: the Mississippi Department of Agriculture building at 121 North Jefferson Street and the new Farmers Market Building at High and Jefferson Streets in Jackson. The bill authorizes DPS to post security personnel, conduct regular vehicle patrols, and respond to security system alarms at these properties through a contract with the Department of Agriculture. This is a procedural change to enable existing security services at these state-owned facilities, without altering broader security policies or affecting other entities.

Maddy summaryHB 1068 amends Mississippi's Capitol Complex Improvement District Project Fund to allow up to 10% of its funds to pay the Office of Capitol Police for police coverage during major events in the Capitol Complex district. This directly affects the Capitol Police unit within the Department of Public Safety, expanding the fund's existing use for compensating city police/fire services. The bill does not change the fund's primary purpose of financing district improvement projects (requiring 85% of funds for this), nor does it alter tax revenues or debt limits. It simply adds Capitol Police event coverage as an eligible expense under the fund's current spending rules.

Maddy summaryHB 1071 would authorize Mississippi's Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce to issue subpoenas for department hearings and require witnesses to appear or produce documents, with enforcement through circuit courts. It also allows the Bureau of Plant Industry to seek court-issued administrative inspection and search warrants when denied access to regulated facilities (like farms or agribusinesses), detailing how warrants must be obtained, executed, and documented. The bill specifies that warrants require probable cause showing a public interest in enforcement, must be served during business hours, and include strict procedures for seizing property and documenting inventory. This bill died in committee on February 3, 2026, and would have directly affected licensed agricultural entities subject to the Bureau’s oversight.

Maddy summaryHB 1227 would allow Mississippi residents who support the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary to obtain a special license tag for their vehicles. Owners would pay a $30 annual fee (in addition to regular registration costs), with $24 of that fee going directly to the Coast Guard Auxiliary, $1 to the Mississippi Burn Care Fund, $2 to the State Highway Fund, and $1 to another state fund. The bill specifies that these tags would be issued by county tax collectors following a standard application process, and the regular license tag must be surrendered upon receiving the distinctive tag. This is part of a broader program authorizing similar tags for various organizations, but HB 1227 specifically adds the Coast Guard Auxiliary to the list. The bill died in committee in February 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 1556, the "Transparency in Consumer Legal Funding Act," regulates consumer legal funding contracts to protect individuals involved in legal claims. It requires funding companies to disclose all fees and charges in clear language, including the total amount owed, payment schedules, and a 10-day right to cancel without penalty after receiving funds. The bill mandates contracts to detail how charges accrue, provide translations for non-English speakers upon request, and state that consumers owe nothing if their case is unsuccessful (unless fraud occurs). It also establishes registration fees for companies and penalties for violations, aiming to increase transparency in these nonrecourse funding arrangements.

Maddy summaryHB 1559 changes Mississippi's retirement system rules for new first responders hired after March 1, 2026. It requires that law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency medical service providers joining the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) on or after that date be placed in Tier 4 membership. This specifically alters how their retirement benefits are calculated, using a different average compensation method (based on the highest four years of earnings) compared to other new members. The bill directly affects future first responder hires in Mississippi state and local government positions.

Maddy summaryHB 1530 establishes the Mississippi Bullion Depository under the State Treasurer's Office to securely hold precious metals (bullion) and coins (specie) for the state, its agencies, and eligible individuals or entities. It requires deposits to be recorded in troy ounces, prohibits paying interest on deposits, and sets rules for withdrawals, transfers, and account management. The depository must report annually to the legislature and use licensed third-party agents for retail transactions. This procedural bill creates a storage system for precious metals but does not alter tax laws or create new financial products.