Rep. Larry Byrd

Maddy summaryHB 1525 allows Mississippi counties to join group purchasing programs run by the Mississippi Association of Supervisors (MAS) for supplies, commodities, and equipment. County boards of supervisors can authorize participation via resolution if they determine it would promote economy, efficiency, or effectiveness in county operations. Purchases made through MAS programs are exempt from standard procurement rules in Sections 31-7-12 and 31-7-13 of Mississippi law. This bill directly affects all Mississippi counties seeking to use MAS’s group purchasing system for non-competitive procurement.

Maddy summaryThis bill's title contains an error - it's not about dyslexia but concerns school calendar exceptions after Winter Storm Fern. HB 1207 allows school districts in northern Mississippi affected by "Winter Storm Fern" (for which a state of emergency was declared January 22-27, 2026) to operate beyond the standard 180-day school year. Specifically, it extends the allowable days for receiving state per-pupil funding from 10 to 15 days for districts still impacted after the emergency ended, for the 2025-2026 school year. The bill modifies existing statutes to provide this temporary exception for affected school districts.

Maddy summaryHB 2000 authorizes Mississippi to issue state general obligation bonds to fund the City of Petal's wastewater infrastructure improvements. The bill specifically provides funds for Petal to construct and expand its system to transport wastewater to Hattiesburg's sewer lagoon. The bonds, backed by the full faith and credit of the state, will mature within 25 years, with proceeds flowing directly to Petal for these infrastructure upgrades. This legislation directly affects Petal residents and taxpayers through improved wastewater services, while state taxpayers bear the bond obligation.

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 1946 authorizes $650,000 in state funds from the General Fund for the Mississippi Military Department to purchase land adjacent to Camp Shelby in Forrest and Perry Counties. The funds will cover costs for acquiring land specifically to create military training areas and buffer zones at Camp Shelby, effective July 1, 2026, for the 2027 fiscal year. This is a straightforward funding allocation with no new policy requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 4002 appropriates $2 million from the State General Fund to Forrest County's Board of Supervisors to fund critical emergency-staging upgrades at The Center at Forrest County. The funds will directly support infrastructure improvements, a dedicated communication center, additional storage space, and Americans with Disabilities Act compliance to enhance the center's role as a centralized emergency staging site for fiscal year 2027. This legislation affects Forrest County residents and emergency response operations by improving the facility's readiness for disaster coordination. The bill specifies that funds must be used for these defined infrastructure enhancements during the 2026-2027 fiscal period.

Maddy summaryHB 1877 authorizes Mississippi to issue state bonds to fund the purchase of land near Camp Shelby in Forrest and Perry Counties. The Mississippi Military Department would use these funds to buy land adjacent to Camp Shelby for military training areas and buffer zones. The state would repay the bonds from general funds, backed by the full credit of Mississippi. This mechanism avoids immediate budget allocation while securing land for military operations.

Maddy summaryHB 4001 provides $1.2 million in state funding to the City of Petal to cover costs for expanding its wastewater infrastructure. This appropriation directly assists Petal in constructing improvements needed to transport wastewater to Hattiesburg's sewer lagoon during fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). The funds come from the state general fund and are specifically designated for infrastructure upgrades required to connect to Hattiesburg's system. As a procedural funding bill, it does not establish new policy but provides financial support for a defined infrastructure project.

Maddy summaryHB 640 appropriates $400,000 from the state general fund to Alcorn County's Board of Supervisors for the Alcorn County Fire Department to purchase turnout gear (protective firefighter clothing) during fiscal year 2026-2027. The bill directly affects Alcorn County firefighters by funding essential safety equipment. It provides a one-time state funding allocation to cover the costs of this specific equipment purchase, with funds to be disbursed by the State Treasurer upon proper requisition. This is a straightforward funding measure with no policy changes or broader implications.

Maddy summaryHB 954 reduces the Mississippi sales tax rate on retail motorcycle sales from 7% to 5%. This change directly affects motorcycle buyers and dealers within the state. The bill amends Section 27-65-17 of Mississippi's tax code to implement this specific tax rate adjustment for motorcycles. It does not alter other tax categories or add new eligibility requirements for the reduced rate.