Rep. Jansen Owen

Maddy summaryHB 1143 allows electronic signatures on warrants and domestic abuse protection orders in Mississippi, meaning these legal documents can be signed digitally without losing legal validity. It requires secure digital systems with encryption and authentication to verify signatures, and electronic signatures satisfy constitutional oath requirements if made under penalty of perjury. The bill specifically excludes no-knock warrants from this electronic process and mandates that applicants still meet with a judge via video or in person before electronic warrants are issued. This change directly affects law enforcement, courts, and individuals seeking protection orders or warrants in Mississippi.

Maddy summaryHB 1141, "Trey's Law," prohibits agreements that prevent survivors of sexual abuse from disclosing abuse details to others. It makes any non-disclosure clause in settlements, employment contracts, or other agreements related to sexual abuse void and unenforceable, protecting survivors' ability to speak freely. The law applies to agreements signed on or after July 1, 2026, and only affects the sexual abuse disclosure portion - not other terms like compensation. It directly affects survivors, institutions (like employers or organizations), and legal agreements involving sexual abuse claims. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026, after being referred to committee but not passed.

Maddy summaryHB 1157 proposes creating a state-funded Law Enforcement Supplemental Pay Program administered by Mississippi's Department of Public Safety. It would provide eligible local sworn law enforcement officers with an additional $2,000 per year after completing five years of service in Mississippi, paid on top of their existing municipal or county salary. The program applies to full-time officers in jurisdictions employing at least one sworn officer, with the supplemental pay not reducing any other compensation they receive. The bill died in committee on February 3, 2026, and was never enacted.

Maddy summaryHB 1158 would require a judicial probable cause hearing to determine if an arrest is necessary before law enforcement can detain someone, directly affecting law enforcement officers and individuals subject to arrest. The bill amends Mississippi law to mandate this hearing for all arrests (except during active crimes or immediate threats), replacing current practices where officers could make arrests without prior judicial review. Exceptions would still apply for arrests during ongoing offenses or when a warrant is already issued. The bill died in committee in February 2026 and never took effect.

Maddy summaryHB 1293 creates a new "capital rape" offense in Mississippi for individuals aged 18+ who sexually assault a child under 12 years old and cause damage to the child's sexual organs. This provision would subject offenders to mandatory death or life imprisonment sentences, replacing the existing statutory rape framework for this specific scenario. The bill directly affects individuals convicted of this aggravated child sexual assault, with penalties triggered only when physical damage to the child's sexual organs occurs during the crime. The legislation died in committee on February 3, 2026, and was never enacted.

Maddy summaryHB 1298 requires Mississippi school boards to publish detailed reports of all compensation paid to school board members (including per diems and travel reimbursements) and all district employees (teachers, administrators, staff). The bill mandates that these reports specify exact amounts for each individual, covering both salaried and non-salaried personnel. It would have taken effect July 1, 2026, but died in committee on February 3, 2026, and never became law. This requirement directly affects school districts, board members, and all employees receiving compensation from public schools.

Maddy summaryHB 1297 would require the Mississippi Legislature to reduce state funding for the Authority for Educational Television (ETV) by 20% annually from fiscal year 2028 through 2032, based on the 2027 funding level. After fiscal year 2032, the bill mandates that the Legislature eliminate all general fund appropriations for ETV. The authority would then need to become self-sustaining through non-state sources like donations, private funds, or fees. The bill does not affect existing state bond obligations for ETV projects.

Maddy summaryHB 1407 would prohibit Mississippi from issuing driver's licenses or learner's permits to non-U.S. citizens. It would require non-citizen license holders to present a Certificate of Naturalization to renew their licenses. The bill directly affects non-citizen residents of Mississippi who currently hold or seek a driver's license. Key provisions amend state law to explicitly bar non-citizens from obtaining licenses and mandate naturalization documentation for renewal. The bill died in committee in 2026 and did not become law.

Maddy summaryHB 1549, "Alyssa's Law," requires all public and charter schools in Mississippi to install silent panic alarm systems by the 2025-2026 school year. The bill mandates that schools provide staff with wearable alert devices to immediately contact law enforcement during emergencies and establish coordination protocols with local police. It also creates a state grant program to help school districts cover costs, requires annual reporting on system use and compliance, and protects school security data from public disclosure under certain conditions. The law directly affects every public and charter school in Mississippi, focusing on enhancing emergency response capabilities through technology and training.

Maddy summaryHB 1338 requires police departments to follow specific rules when using unmarked vehicles and bans anyone from impersonating a law enforcement officer. The law directly affects law enforcement agencies (by setting vehicle use standards) and the public (by criminalizing deceptive impersonation). Key provisions include mandating clear identification for unmarked police vehicles and prohibiting false claims of authority. The bill was signed into law by the governor in April 2025.