Rep. Steve Lott

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 summaryHB 1371, the Domestic Violence Transparency Act, would require Mississippi to create a public online registry for individuals convicted of domestic violence two or more times. The registry would include names, aliases, dates of birth, and photographs (but not Social Security numbers or addresses) and would be maintained by the Department of Public Safety. Court clerks would automatically send conviction details to the registry after a conviction or release, and registrants would pay a $150 fee within 30 days. Information would be removed after 5 to 20 years (depending on prior convictions) once all fines and restitution are paid, with disclaimers noting the registry only includes Mississippi state court convictions.

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 1100, the "Mississippi Teachers' Bill of Rights," would require teachers to create annual classroom management plans and grant teachers immediate authority to remove students for disruptive, threatening, or dangerous conduct (like persistent refusal to follow directions or verbal outbursts) without prior administrative approval. It mandates schools to notify parents about removal authority, establish clear timelines for plan approvals, and ensure removed students are placed under supervised administrative control - not suspended - while requiring written documentation and behavioral support plans for repeated removals. The bill directly affects Mississippi teachers, students, and school administrators by clarifying classroom management procedures, prohibiting principal interference with teacher removal decisions, and protecting teachers from retaliation for using these rights. The bill died in committee on February 3, 2026, and was never enacted.

Maddy summaryHB 1230 requires the Michigan Department of Corrections (MBI) and local law enforcement agencies to notify other law enforcement entities when an inmate or detainee escapes from their facility. This bill directly affects MBI and local police departments by mandating specific notification procedures upon an escape. The key provision is a requirement for timely communication to other agencies to aid in locating and apprehending escaped individuals. The bill died in conference on March 31, 2025, and did not become law.

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 summaryHB 1293 revises eligibility rules for appointing members to the Pat Harrison Waterway District board of directors. It removes restrictions that previously barred current county board members, full-time elected officials, and county employees from serving on the board. The bill allows the Governor and county boards of supervisors to appoint individuals holding these positions without requiring them to resign their existing roles. This change directly affects potential appointees in the 10 counties served by the district, streamlining board membership eligibility. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025.