Rep. Elliot Burch

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 530 would increase penalties for drivers who pass a stopped school bus with flashing red lights or an extended stop sign. A first violation would carry a $1,000-$2,000 fine (or up to one year in jail) plus a 60-day license suspension. Subsequent violations within five years would require a $2,000-$3,000 fine (or up to one year in jail) and a one-year license suspension. The bill also specifies that violations causing injury to a child would be prosecuted under a separate law (Section 97-3-7).

Maddy summaryHB 675 gives Mississippi law enforcement officers who test positive for drugs in a urine test the right to request a more reliable hair follicle test before facing termination or unpaid suspension. Officers have two business days to contest the initial test result and up to five additional days to get a hair test (paid by the officer initially, but reimbursed if negative). If the hair test is negative, the officer is reinstated immediately and reimbursed for the test cost; if positive, they keep the cost and face disciplinary action. The bill directly affects all full- or part-time law enforcement officers in Mississippi who receive a positive drug test result under current policies.

Maddy summaryHB 700 amends Mississippi law to allow county law libraries to use existing funding for technological upgrades. Specifically, it authorizes counties to spend collected court fees on digital tools like computers, legal research software, internet access, and courtroom technology such as audio systems and digital evidence displays. This directly affects county law libraries and courtrooms across Mississippi, expanding how existing fees can be used beyond physical books. The bill does not create new taxes but modifies how current court cost revenue is allocated for modernization purposes.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Mississippi's insurance commissioner to suspend a bail agent's license if a court rules against them for owing money to an insurer or former employer related to their work. The suspension can be lifted after the debt is paid and a hearing is held to reinstate the license. It also clarifies that certain transaction fees, like credit card processing charges and bond transfer fees, should not be counted as part of the premium or commission charged by bail agents. These changes aim to strengthen financial accountability and clarify fee structures within the state's bail industry.

Maddy summaryHB 1149 would allow Mississippi defendants to post cash bail equal to 10% of the total bail amount instead of the full amount, provided they meet eligibility requirements and sign a sworn affidavit. Courts would be required to give defendants a written notice explaining this cash option and the alternative of using a bail bondsman (which typically charges a 10-15% nonrefundable fee). Cash deposits would be held in a special "Cash Bail Fund" managed by the county treasurer. This bill aimed to provide a more affordable bail alternative while maintaining court oversight of the process.

Maddy summaryHB 1144, the "Released-Time Moral Instruction Act of 2026," would allow Mississippi public school students to receive religious instruction off-site during school hours. It requires school boards to survey students and obtain parental consent to excuse them for one hour weekly to attend religious programs at their place of worship or a designated location. The bill prohibits schools from providing or facilitating instruction on campus, ensures students aren’t penalized for missing class, and mandates they continue regular academic work if not participating. It specifically applies to students with parental consent and does not require schools to cover costs beyond an initial survey. The bill died in committee in February 2026 and was never enacted.

Maddy summaryHB 1405 would change Mississippi's unemployment benefits system by linking the maximum benefit duration to the state's actual unemployment rate. Instead of fixed time limits, the maximum weeks of benefits (ranging from 12 to 26 weeks) would be determined using the average, seasonally adjusted statewide unemployment rate from the three months before a claimant files their first claim. This directly affects unemployed workers in Mississippi, as their benefit period would automatically adjust based on current economic conditions - e.g., 26 weeks if the rate exceeds 10%, 12 weeks if below 5%. The bill aims to balance worker support during high unemployment with incentives to return to work when job opportunities rise.

Maddy summaryHB 1236 creates a new legal framework allowing Mississippi associations (like fire service groups) to use self-funded health benefit plans regulated by another state or federal government instead of Mississippi insurance laws. To qualify, these plans must meet strict requirements, including operating as nonprofits for at least three years, complying with federal ERISA rules, maintaining proper reserves, and not being marketed to the public. The bill requires written notice to participants that Mississippi does not regulate these plans or their benefits, and exempts qualifying plans from Mississippi’s insurance laws once approved by the state insurance commissioner. This directly affects associations seeking alternative health coverage options for their members without Mississippi regulatory oversight.

Maddy summaryHB 1312, the "Purple Angels Law," would require Mississippi to create a public registry of individuals convicted of multiple domestic violence offenses against the same victim (defined as having at least one prior conviction for such an offense). It mandates courts to send offender details to the Department of Public Safety, which would maintain the registry online with basic information like name, date of birth, and photo (excluding Social Security numbers). Offenders would pay a $250 registration fee, with $150 directed to domestic violence prevention services. The registry would automatically remove names after 5-20 years based on prior convictions or permanently for felony repeat offenders, but the bill died in committee in February 2026.