Rep. Percy Watson

Maddy summaryHB 1925 appropriates $117,462 for the Mississippi Auctioneers Commission to cover its operating expenses during fiscal year 2027 (July 2026-June 2027). The bill requires the commission to maintain detailed financial records matching its FY2026 standards and submit future budget requests in a comparable format. It also mandates that the commission give preference to Mississippi Industries for the Blind when purchasing goods or equipment, both with and without competitive bids. The funds must be spent in compliance with existing state budget laws prohibiting overspending.

Maddy summaryHB 1933 reappropriates unspent funds from prior fiscal years to continue construction and renovation projects at Mississippi state agencies, institutions, and higher education facilities for fiscal year 2027 (July 2026-June 2027). It allocates specific amounts from previously authorized budgets (including $70 million for higher education and $75 million for general state projects) but requires that funds not exceed remaining unspent balances as of June 30, 2026, and cannot change the original purpose of the spending. The bill does not create new funding or policy changes - it simply allows existing, unspent allocations to be reused for ongoing projects.

Maddy summaryHB 1402 designates a one-mile segment of Mississippi Highway 537 in Yazoo County as the "Colonel Donnell Berry Memorial Highway" to honor Colonel Donnell Berry. The Mississippi Department of Transportation will install and maintain signage along this highway segment. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2026. This is a commemorative designation with no policy or funding changes.

Maddy summaryHB 4009 exempts admissions charged for athletic games or contests between universities or colleges from Mississippi's 7% sales tax. This directly affects colleges and universities that charge admission to intercollegiate sporting events. The bill amends Mississippi's tax code to explicitly include these admissions under the existing exemption listed in Section 27-65-22(3)(c), removing them from the standard sales tax calculation. The change applies only to admissions for games between educational institutions, not to professional sports or other event types covered under separate exemptions.

Maddy summaryHB 510 creates a refundable Mississippi state income tax credit equal to 10% of a taxpayer's federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) amount. It directly affects Mississippi taxpayers who qualify for and claim the federal EITC on their federal tax return. The credit is refundable, meaning if it exceeds the taxpayer's state income tax liability (after other credits), they receive a cash refund from the Mississippi Department of Revenue. The bill takes effect January 1, 2026, and requires taxpayers to submit their federal tax return as proof of eligibility.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic resolution (not a binding law) passed by the Mississippi House of Representatives. It expresses support for strengthening economic ties and friendship between Mississippi and the Republic of China (Taiwan), highlighting Taiwan's role in global trade and technology. Key provisions include supporting the establishment of a Mississippi Trade and Investment Office in Taiwan, advocating for Taiwan's participation in international organizations like the WHO and UN climate talks, and celebrating the U.S.-Taiwan relationship. The resolution does not create new policy but formally encourages deeper economic collaboration and diplomatic engagement.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a policy bill) passed by the Mississippi House of Representatives to honor the late former State Representative Edwin Jerome "Jerry" Wilburn following his death on January 13, 2026. The resolution commemorates his 20-year service in the legislature, his advocacy for community initiatives like the North Mississippi Regional Center, and his dedication to helping vulnerable residents through the Wilburn Family Foundation. It expresses the House's deepest sympathy to his family and community while recognizing his legacy as a "fierce advocate" and "community treasure" from Itawamba County. The resolution has no legislative effect beyond this commemoration.

Maddy summaryHB 381 requires all motor vehicle liability insurance policies sold in Mississippi to include medical payment coverage of at least $10,000 per policy. This affects every driver purchasing auto insurance in the state, mandating coverage for medical expenses following accidents. The bill amends existing insurance law to explicitly require this provision in all certified policies. The bill died in committee on February 3, 2026, and did not become law.

Maddy summaryHB 385 increases the civil filing fee by $15 (from prior amounts) for all civil cases filed in chancery and circuit courts. This fee is required to be deposited exclusively into the Civil Legal Assistance Fund, which must then allocate all funds to the Mississippi Center for Legal Services. The bill specifies that these funds must provide legal services to low-income Mississippans only, following guidelines set by the Legal Services Corporation in Washington, D.C. It also prohibits using these funds for matters prohibited by the Legal Services Corporation or for non-eligible individuals.

Maddy summaryHB 384 adds a $1 state assessment to criminal fines for specific offenses, including traffic violations exceeding speed limits by 10+ mph, DUI-related offenses under the Implied Consent Law, and game/fish law violations. This fee directly affects individuals convicted of these offenses, with the revenue funding the Civil Legal Assistance Fund to support free legal aid for low-income residents. The bill modifies existing assessment structures to redirect $1 from traffic fines and $1 from DUI fines into this fund, while other assessments (like those for public defenders) remain unchanged. The bill died in committee in February 2026 and was never enacted.