Rep. Jansen Owen

Maddy summaryHB 1308 establishes a new criminal offense for "grooming of a child" in Mississippi, making it illegal for anyone over 21 to engage in a pattern of communication or conduct (including via electronic devices) intended to prepare a child under 16 for sexual exploitation, human trafficking, or sexual servitude. The bill sets penalties ranging from 2 to 20 years in prison and fines up to $30,000, with harsher sentences for offenders in positions of trust (like teachers or coaches) or for repeat offenses. Fines collected will fund a Victims of Human Trafficking and Commercial Sexual Exploitation Fund, and the law explicitly states that prosecution is possible even if no actual sexual exploitation occurs.

Maddy summaryHB 1123 prohibits "spread pricing" by pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and pharmacy services administrative organizations (PSAOs) in Mississippi, meaning they cannot charge more than the actual drug cost plus dispensing fees. It requires drug manufacturers to report wholesale acquisition costs to the Mississippi Board of Pharmacy quarterly and mandates PBMs/PSAOs to submit detailed pricing reports, ownership information, and anti-retaliation protections for pharmacists. The bill also authorizes the Board to publish pricing data online, conduct investigations, and impose monetary penalties for violations. This directly affects drug manufacturers, PBMs, PSAOs, and pharmacies by increasing transparency in drug pricing and limiting certain revenue practices.

Maddy summaryHB 624 increases salary flexibility for criminal investigators employed by Mississippi district attorneys. It allows district attorneys to provide supplemental pay to investigators holding law degrees, up to the maximum salary level for legal assistants (currently $75,000 annually plus supplements), without raising the base salary cap. This directly affects criminal investigators in district attorney offices across Mississippi, particularly those with law degrees who may receive higher compensation. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, and does not change appointment limits or other existing provisions for investigators.

Maddy summaryHB 1435 removes the requirement for a student's home school district to approve transfers, allowing students to move to another district with only the receiving district's board approval. It mandates that districts publish available transfer seats by school, disclose their selection processes, and prohibit denials based on disability. The bill also creates a state fund to cover the state portion of funding for transferred students and requires districts to report transfer data, including reasons for denials. The bill died in committee on March 4, 2025, and did not become law.

Maddy summaryHB 1522 allows Mississippi public school districts to sell district-issued computers, peripherals, and adaptive devices to graduating seniors (Grade 12) who have met all graduation requirements. Students would pay the residual value (what’s left after depreciation) for these used devices, with no warranties, and proceeds would go to the school’s maintenance fund. The bill specifically authorizes this sale for devices previously provided during the academic year and applies to both traditional schools and charter schools. However, the bill died in committee on March 4, 2025, and did not become law.

Maddy summaryHB 1610 transfers the responsibility for hiring and managing school attendance officers from Mississippi's State Department of Education (MDE) to local school districts. It abolishes three regional officer positions, requires districts to employ one officer for every 3,000 students in public school enrollment, and mandates state funding for this staffing. Current MDE-employed officers as of July 1, 2025, will transfer to local districts with salary protections (25% increase over 2025 rates) and uninterrupted benefits. The bill also clarifies officer qualifications, requires districts to report student absences to officers within 24 hours, and directs MDE to report on the transition to the legislature.

Maddy summaryHB 1617, the "Tim Tebow Act," would allow homeschool students in Mississippi to join public school sports and activities like band or athletics. It requires homeschool students to provide proof of academic progress (through test scores, a portfolio, or prior school records) and follow the same rules as public school students regarding behavior, academics, and registration. The bill prohibits schools from discriminating against eligible homeschool students in team selections and states participation is a privilege, not a right. It also clarifies that schools cannot require additional documentation beyond what public students provide and specifies parents must arrange transportation. The bill died in committee in March 2025 and was never enacted.

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.

Maddy summaryHB 1850 creates a property tax exemption for Mississippi homeowners and property owners whose assessed value increases by more than 5% in a single year starting in 2026. Specifically, the portion of a property's value exceeding a 5% annual increase is exempt from ad valorem (property) taxes, but this exemption does not apply to value increases from construction, renovations, or improvements - except those enhancing energy efficiency, safety, or access. It also excludes the first year when a property's use or classification changes (e.g., from residential to commercial). The bill applies to all property types and adds this exemption to existing tax breaks without altering how property value is calculated.

Maddy summaryHB 1519 would have exempted sales of children's diapers, diaper bags, diaper rash cream, baby wipes, baby powder, and baby formula from Mississippi's sales tax. This change would directly affect parents and caregivers purchasing these essential baby products, as well as retailers selling them. The bill amended Mississippi's tax code to add these specific items to the existing list of exempt goods, meaning customers would pay no sales tax on these purchases. The policy change would have taken effect if the bill had been enacted.