Rep. Elliot Burch

Maddy summaryThis bill would add kratom to Mississippi's Schedule III controlled substances under the Uniform Controlled Substances Act. It directly affects individuals who use or sell kratom products in Mississippi, as possession or distribution would become regulated under state law. The key mechanism is reclassifying kratom as a Schedule III substance, placing it alongside drugs like ketamine and certain barbiturates with recognized medical use but potential for abuse. The bill died in committee on February 3, 2026, and is not currently law.

Maddy summaryHB 1193 prohibits Mississippi public K-12 schools and public postsecondary institutions from maintaining diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) offices, requiring diversity statements from staff or students, or teaching "divisive concepts" related to race, sex, color, or national origin. The law bans programs favoring individuals based on protected characteristics and mandates annual reports to school boards and the legislature on incidents related to prohibited practices. It directly affects all public schools, colleges, and universities under Mississippi’s State Board of Education, Community College Board, and higher education governing bodies. Signed into law by the governor in April 2025, the bill requires institutions to base decisions solely on merit and qualifications.

Maddy summaryMississippi's House Concurrent Resolution 12 (HC 12) is a state application urging Congress to call a constitutional convention under Article V of the U.S. Constitution. It proposes a specific amendment to limit congressional terms: capping re-elections for both House members (max 6 terms) and Senators (max 2 terms). The resolution requests that Mississippi's application be counted toward the 34-state threshold needed to compel Congress to convene such a convention, aggregating with similar applications from other states. This is a procedural request, not a law, and does not change current term limits or directly affect voters or legislators.

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 1268 creates the Mississippi Save Our Service Member Task Force to study mental health needs and suicide prevention for Mississippi National Guard members and veterans. The 15-member task force - including military leaders, mental health experts, and legislative representatives - will assess current services, identify gaps in support, and develop recommendations for improved mental health resources. It must submit a final report with proposed legislation and funding needs to the legislature by January 1, 2026. The bill also establishes a separate task force for first responders, but its primary focus is on military service members' mental health.

Maddy summaryHB 1295 revises Mississippi's definition of "agritourism activity" to include public viewing of farming, ranching, or cultural/historical attractions on commercial agricultural properties. It requires agritourism professionals (like farms offering public tours) to post a specific warning sign at entrances - using black letters at least 1 inch tall - stating participants assume risks inherent to farm activities, such as land conditions, equipment, animals, or participant negligence. Failure to post this sign means professionals lose liability protection for injuries caused by these inherent risks. The bill directly affects farm operators hosting public agritourism activities and visitors participating in them.

Maddy summaryHR 70 is a ceremonial resolution commending the George County High School Boys Soccer Team and Head Coach Tyler Williams for winning the 2025 Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 6A State Championship. It formally recognizes their achievement - a historic first title after an 18-4 season - with no policy changes or direct impact on laws or regulations. The resolution was adopted by the Mississippi House of Representatives on March 5, 2025, and serves solely as a symbolic expression of support for the team's athletic success. It does not create new obligations or affect any individuals or entities beyond the named team and coaches.

Maddy summaryHR 57 is a commemorative resolution passed by the Mississippi House of Representatives to formally commend the George County High School Boys Soccer Team and Head Coach Tyler Williams for winning the 2025 Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 6A Boys Soccer State Championship. The resolution highlights their 1-0 victory in double-overtime against Center Hill High School, their 18-4 season record, and individual honors like Sam Rogers being named State Most Valuable Player. It serves solely as a ceremonial recognition of their athletic achievement, with no policy changes or direct impact on any individuals or programs beyond this formal acknowledgment. As a procedural resolution, it does not create new laws or obligations.

Maddy summaryHB 1285 requires all felony warrants for nonappearance to be listed on the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) index without restrictions until the defendant is returned to custody. It extends the time between a surety’s (bail bondsman) notification of potential license revocation and the revocation’s effective date, allowing sureties to submit proof of defendant surrender or bond payment (e.g., receipts or surrender certificates) to prevent revocation. The bill also establishes an 18-month window for sureties to request refunds of bail amounts if the defendant later appears in court or is surrendered. These changes primarily affect felony defendants who skip court, sureties, and the Department of Insurance overseeing bail bonds.

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.