Maddy summaryHB 1296 revises Mississippi's Plant and Soil Amendment Law to replace the term "amending ingredient" with "beneficial substance" and formally define "plant biostimulant" to align with standards set by the Association of American Plant Food Control Officials (AAPFCO). The bill requires that labels for soil amendments and plant biostimulants display specific information, including brand, net weight, purpose statement, usage directions, and ingredient composition. This change directly affects manufacturers and sellers of these agricultural products in Mississippi, who must update their labeling to meet the new requirements. The legislation ensures consistency with industry guidelines without altering the underlying regulatory framework for these products.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a law) commending Purvis High School's volleyball team for winning the 2024 MHSAA Class 4A State Championship. It recognizes the team's 32-9 record, undefeated district play, and sixth-season rise to state title, listing key players and coaches. The resolution has no policy impact - it simply expresses legislative praise and sends copies to the coach and school. It was formally adopted by both legislative chambers in March 2025.
Maddy summaryHB 816 proposes requiring Mississippi hunters to report white-tailed deer harvests through an electronic system (like a mobile app or website) developed by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks. This mandatory reporting would affect all deer hunters in the state, with penalties including fines starting at $100 for first violations (up to $500 for subsequent offenses). The bill also mandates an annual report to legislative committees and specifies that funds for the program cannot come from the department’s existing budget. However, the bill "died in committee" on March 4, 2025, meaning it has not become law and is not currently in effect.
Maddy summaryHB 1656, the STRONG Act, would provide tax benefits and health care support for Mississippi National Guard members and their families. It increases income tax exemptions for Guard and Reserve members, creates a $250 annual credit against motor vehicle taxes for service members and their spouses, and establishes a program to reimburse National Guard members for Tricare Reserve Select health insurance premiums. The Adjutant General would administer the program and report its progress to the legislature. The bill passed the legislature in February 2025 but died on calendar before becoming law.
Maddy summaryHB 1255 increases the homestead property tax exemption for Mississippi homeowners aged 65 or older. Starting January 1, 2026, qualifying seniors will receive an exemption covering up to $12,500 of their home's assessed value (up from the current $7,500 limit for this group). This applies to primary residences (homestead property) and reduces property taxes levied for both school districts and county general funds. The change affects Mississippi residents aged 65+ who own and occupy their primary home as of the tax year.
Maddy summaryHB 722 is a funding bill that would have provided $1,000,000 from the state general fund to the Progress Community Water Association in Lamar County for purchasing and installing automated water meters. It directly affects the water association and its customers by covering costs for upgrading their metering system. The bill specified funding for the 2025-2026 fiscal year but died in committee on February 26, 2025, meaning it did not become law. This is a straightforward appropriation with no policy changes beyond the funding allocation.
Maddy summaryHB 815 prohibits the removal or assistance in removing street, road, or highway signs, with penalties including misdemeanor fines up to $1,000 per offense or felony charges (up to 5 years in prison and $10,000 fines) if the sign's value exceeds $1,000. The bill directly affects anyone who removes or aids in removing these signs, whether for personal gain or other reasons. It also amends Mississippi law to add street/road/highway signs to the list of metals scrap dealers cannot purchase, aligning them with existing restrictions on materials like copper and aluminum. The law aims to protect public infrastructure by deterring theft and unauthorized removal of signage.
Maddy summaryThis bill (HB 1212) died in committee on February 4, 2025, and never became law. If enacted, it would have created a 9-member study committee to examine unintended impacts of wind turbines on agriculture, including property rights (e.g., pesticide drift), aquifer safety, and aviation pilot concerns. The bill also included a temporary moratorium on new wind turbine construction permits until July 1, 2026, to allow time for the committee’s study. The committee was required to report findings and recommendations to the legislature by December 1, 2025, but the bill did not advance beyond the committee stage.
Maddy summaryHB 1244 allows solid waste hauling vehicles to operate with a 3% tolerance increase above their maximum gross weight limit, while maintaining other restrictions. It directly affects waste management companies that use specialized vehicles unable to meet standard weight laws due to design limitations. Key provisions include capping the weight at 60,000 pounds (with the 3% tolerance), restricting operations to within 50 miles of their home base, requiring all-wheel brakes, and prohibiting travel on roads or bridges posted as incapable of supporting the load. The bill does not change the base weight limit but provides a small allowance for compliance with existing infrastructure constraints.
Maddy summaryHB 1119 (the "Representative Andy Stepp Pharmacy Benefit Prompt Pay Act") requires pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) to reimburse pharmacies at least the National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NADAC) for drugs plus a standard dispensing fee, ensuring pharmacies are paid fairly for medications. It prohibits PBMs from charging patients more than the amount retained by the pharmacy and bans PBMs from penalizing patients for choosing specific pharmacies or favoring certain pharmacies in networks. The bill also mandates clear appeal processes for pharmacies disputing low reimbursements and prohibits PBMs from retaliating against pharmacies for exercising rights under the law. These provisions directly affect PBMs, pharmacies, and patients in Mississippi by setting fair reimbursement standards and protecting patient choice.