Rep. Bubba Carpenter

Maddy summaryHB 1531 would have established the Mississippi Bullion Depository to hold gold and silver bullion, allowing individuals, businesses, and entities to deposit precious metals and receive receipts recorded in troy ounces. The bill defined "legal tender" to include gold- or silver-backed digital currencies and required the State Treasurer to manage the depository, set exchange rates for transactions, and submit annual reports to the legislature. Depositors could withdraw or transfer metals without earning interest, and the depository would use licensed agents for retail transactions. However, the bill died in committee in February 2026 and did not become law.

Maddy summaryHB 1557 proposes to amend Mississippi law by adding body camera audio and video recordings to the definition of "investigative report" under public records law. This means law enforcement agencies would treat body camera footage as part of investigative records, potentially subject to existing exemptions (such as protecting ongoing investigations or sensitive information). The bill directly affects Mississippi law enforcement agencies and public access to body camera recordings through public records requests. It does not change current exemption rules but explicitly includes body camera footage within the existing investigative report framework.

Maddy summaryHB 1560 amends Mississippi law to allow county sheriffs and deputies to use radar speed detection equipment on public roads outside incorporated municipalities. This specifically authorizes enforcement of speed limits on county-maintained roads located beyond city limits, which were previously restricted under Section 63-3-519. The bill removes the existing prohibition preventing sheriffs from using radar on these county roads, while maintaining current allowances for municipal police in larger cities and campus police. The bill died in committee on February 3, 2026, and would have taken effect July 1, 2026, if passed. It directly affects county law enforcement agencies and drivers on rural county roads.

Maddy summaryHB 1100, the "Mississippi Teachers' Bill of Rights," would require teachers to create annual classroom management plans and grant teachers immediate authority to remove students for disruptive, threatening, or dangerous conduct (like persistent refusal to follow directions or verbal outbursts) without prior administrative approval. It mandates schools to notify parents about removal authority, establish clear timelines for plan approvals, and ensure removed students are placed under supervised administrative control - not suspended - while requiring written documentation and behavioral support plans for repeated removals. The bill directly affects Mississippi teachers, students, and school administrators by clarifying classroom management procedures, prohibiting principal interference with teacher removal decisions, and protecting teachers from retaliation for using these rights. The bill died in committee on February 3, 2026, and was never enacted.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates February 14, 2026, as Congenital Heart Defect (CHD) Awareness Day in Mississippi. It does not create new laws or allocate funds but serves as a symbolic recognition to raise public awareness about CHDs, which affect about 1 in 100 babies and require lifelong care. The resolution highlights the importance of early detection, ongoing medical support, and reducing stigma for those living with CHDs. This is a procedural resolution, not a policy change, and its primary effect is to encourage community awareness efforts.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (HR 5), not a policy bill. It formally honors Major David Gist for his 36 years of law enforcement service in Mississippi, including roles with Tishomingo County Sheriff's Department, MDOT Law Enforcement, and the Mississippi Public Service Commission. The resolution expresses the House of Representatives' gratitude for his "distinguished service" and "steadfast commitment" to public safety, with no new laws or policy changes enacted. It is purely ceremonial, with no direct impact on citizens, agencies, or legislation.

Maddy summaryHB 913 requires food processors, retailers, and restaurants to clearly label meat and non-meat products (like plant-based or lab-grown alternatives) at the final point of sale to prevent consumer confusion. It defines terms like "cultivated-protein food product" and mandates that businesses must state whether a product is meat-based or not, using plain language on labels or signage. The Mississippi Department of Agriculture will enforce these rules based on complaints, with civil penalties for violations, but cannot revoke business licenses for noncompliance. This directly affects food businesses selling meat substitutes, ensuring consumers know if a product is actual meat or a non-meat alternative.

Maddy summaryHB 1284 renames Mississippi's "Native Spirit Law" to the "Native and Craft Spirits Law" and defines "craft distillery" and "craft spirit" for the first time. The bill legalizes the production and sale of craft spirits under the same regulations as native spirits, while allowing both types of distilleries to operate one permanent satellite tasting room in any location that permits alcohol sales (previously limited to within 5 miles of the main facility). It also revises permit requirements, sales rules, and distance restrictions for distilleries, directly affecting Mississippi distilleries producing craft spirits and native spirits. These changes aim to modernize the regulatory framework for small-scale spirit producers in the state.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (not a policy bill) that formally commends Major General John Trent Kelly for his 40-year military career and congratulates him upon his retirement in May 2025. It specifically recognizes his service in the Mississippi Army National Guard, including deployments to Desert Storm and Iraq, his leadership roles, and his awards. The resolution has no policy impact or direct effect on any laws, regulations, or people beyond expressing the Mississippi House of Representatives' gratitude for his service. It was adopted and signed by the legislature in March 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1268 creates the Mississippi Save Our Service Member Task Force to study mental health needs and suicide prevention for Mississippi National Guard members and veterans. The 15-member task force - including military leaders, mental health experts, and legislative representatives - will assess current services, identify gaps in support, and develop recommendations for improved mental health resources. It must submit a final report with proposed legislation and funding needs to the legislature by January 1, 2026. The bill also establishes a separate task force for first responders, but its primary focus is on military service members' mental health.