Rep. Ken Morgan

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 1155 appropriates $1,000,000 from the state general fund to the Progress Community Water Association in Lamar County for acquiring and installing an automated water meter system during fiscal year 2026-2027. The bill directly affects this specific water association by funding equipment costs, with no broader policy changes or additional requirements for residents or other entities. The funds will be paid by the State Treasurer upon proper requisitions, effective July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 641 designates January as National Blood Donor Month in Mississippi through an amendment to state law. The bill symbolically recognizes the importance of blood donation by encouraging Mississippi citizens to honor donors and participate in blood drives, particularly during a historically low supply period. It does not create new legal requirements or change existing blood donation policies - it simply adds January to the list of designated observances in Mississippi Code Section 3-3-7. The designation aligns with the national observance established over 55 years ago and emphasizes the critical role of volunteer donors in supporting patients needing transfusions. This is a non-binding observance, not a legal holiday or policy change.

Maddy summaryHB 646 would allow U.S. Coast Guard Health Services Technicians to qualify for a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license by taking the state exam, after completing their Coast Guard training and two years of direct patient care experience. This expands an existing provision that already covers other military medics (like Army Combat Medics and Navy Corpsmen) but specifically adds Coast Guard Health Services Technicians to the list of eligible applicants. The bill does not change exam requirements or create new pathways - it simply extends current military licensure eligibility to this specific Coast Guard role. The proposal died in committee on February 3, 2026, and was never enacted.

Maddy summaryHB 659 would allow Mississippi public school districts and charter schools to hire or accept chaplains as volunteers to provide student support services, without requiring chaplains to hold teaching certifications. Schools employing chaplains must conduct criminal background checks and prohibit individuals required to register as sex offenders from serving. The bill also mandates that school boards adopt chaplain policies by December 2026, requires schools to fund chaplain-related safety programs, and integrates chaplains into state crisis response teams under amended education codes. This bill died in committee on February 3, 2026, and has not advanced.

Maddy summaryHB 1363 increases the percentage of funds from the Mississippi Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund that the board of trustees and Department of Finance and Administration can use to cover their operational expenses. This change affects how the fund's administrative costs are managed, without altering the fund's primary purpose of supporting outdoor recreation and conservation projects. The bill specifically amends Section 49-39-7 to raise the allowable percentage for board expenses (currently capped at 3%). It is a procedural adjustment to administrative funding rules, not a policy change for conservation projects.

Maddy summaryHB 1567 requires Mississippi deer hunters to report their harvests through an electronic system (like a mobile app or website) developed by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks. The program aims to collect accurate data for managing white-tailed deer populations, with hunters facing fines of $100-$1,000 for failing to report. The department must also submit annual reports to the legislature on the program's implementation. This bill directly affects all deer hunters in Mississippi who participate in the sport.

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 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 565 requires Mississippi law enforcement agencies to report officer resignations and terminations to the Board on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Training. Agencies must provide timely notification within a specified timeframe and include an explanation if the resignation or termination resulted from disciplinary action. Failure to report carries penalties, though agencies may appeal the board's decision. This bill directly affects all law enforcement agencies in Mississippi, aiming to improve transparency in officer employment history.