Rep. John Read

Maddy summaryHB 38 is a funding bill that allocates $75.9 million in state funds for Mississippi's judicial system for fiscal year 2026. It provides specific appropriations for the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, trial judges (including special judges and chancellors), the Administrative Office of Courts, and specialized programs like Drug Courts, Mental Health Treatment Courts, and the Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program. The bill does not create new laws or policies but ensures funding for existing court operations, staff positions, and court-related services as detailed in the appropriations sections.

Maddy summaryHB 29 appropriates $33.68 million from general funds and $227.77 million from special funds to cover the Department of Rehabilitation Services' expenses for fiscal year 2026 (July 2025-June 2026). It specifically allocates $3.68 million from the Health Care Expendable Fund to match federal funds and support the Independent Living Program, including the State Attendant Care Program. The bill strictly limits $66.12 million in "Personal Services" funds to salaries, wages, and fringe benefits, requiring the department to maintain headcount limits (875 permanent, 201 time-limited) and prohibiting fund transfers to other categories or salary increases without new funding. This directly affects the department’s operations, its employees’ compensation, and the delivery of rehabilitation services to Mississippi residents.

Maddy summaryHB 34 allocates approximately $34 million in state funds to cover salaries, travel expenses, and office costs for Mississippi's district attorneys, assistant district attorneys, and related staff during the 2025-2026 fiscal year. It specifically prohibits reimbursing taxable meals and sets aside $1.68 million for office expenses, $371,679 for two new assistant attorneys and a criminal investigator, and $789,120 for criminal investigator salary increases. The bill also requires district attorneys to maintain detailed financial records and submit strategic plans, with funds effective July 1, 2025. This is a funding bill, not a policy change, directly affecting all 44 district attorney offices across Mississippi.

Maddy summaryHB 50 directs the State Treasurer to transfer $2.5 million from Mississippi's Capital Expense Fund to the Victims of Human Trafficking and Commercial Sexual Exploitation Fund. This bill specifically targets existing state funds to support victims of human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation, as defined by Section 97-3-54.11 of Mississippi law. The transfer would occur upon the bill's effective date, with no new tax revenue or spending required. The legislation was passed by the legislature in 2025 but was later vetoed.

Maddy summaryHB 30 appropriates $305,129 from state special funds to cover the operating costs of Mississippi's Board of Examiners for Social Workers and Marriage and Family Therapists for fiscal year 2026. The funds specifically support employee salaries and benefits (totaling $191,115), with strict rules prohibiting use for promotions, title changes, or exceeding salary caps set by state personnel rules. An additional $5,500 is allocated for upgrading the Board's licensing system to a cloud-based platform. This bill directly affects the Board’s operations, ensuring its budget for staff and technology aligns with state fiscal regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 21 appropriates $7,384,650 (including $7,084,650 from general funds and $300,000 from special funds) to cover the State Fire Academy's expenses for fiscal year 2026. The bill specifically restricts $5.3 million to "Personal Services" (employee salaries, wages, and benefits) for 62 authorized positions, requiring compliance with Mississippi's salary rules and preventing funds from being used for promotions or salary increases beyond the appropriation. It mandates training 8,100 students at an average cost of $1,151.60 per student and requires detailed financial reporting to the legislature. The funding directly affects the State Fire Academy's operations and staff compensation.

Maddy summaryHB 11 authorizes $23.3 million in state funds for the Pearl River Valley Water Supply District to cover its operating expenses during fiscal year 2025-2026. The bill specifies funding for 102 permanent staff positions, dredging operations in Ross Barnett Reservoir, a study on spillway gates, and construction of a new office building. It also includes conditions requiring the district to waive traffic control fees for "REZ" tag vehicles and exempt certain fishing tournaments (like the ESPN Bass Masters Classic) from launch fees and lottery systems. The funds must be spent per state accounting rules and cannot replace federal or other special funds. This is a funding bill directly affecting the district's budget and operational planning.

Maddy summaryHB 39 appropriates $84,693,202 for Mississippi's Veterans' Home Purchase Board to cover operational expenses and fund new home loans for veterans during fiscal year 2026. It specifically allocates $1,528,917 for personnel costs, including salaries, fringe benefits, and vacancy funding to fill authorized positions, with strict rules preventing salary increases beyond the budgeted amount. The bill requires the Board to maintain detailed financial records, prioritize contracts with Mississippi Industries for the Blind when bidding is equal, and comply with state budgeting laws. This directly affects veterans seeking home loans through the Board and the Board's staff managing these funds.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $23.88 million from state funds for Mississippi's Public Employees' Retirement System during fiscal year 2026 (July 2025-June 2026). It specifically allocates $12.99 million for employee salaries, benefits, and filling 168 authorized positions (including one new "Retirement Benefits" role), with $731,871 reserved exclusively for filling unfilled vacancies - not for promotions or salary increases. The bill strictly prohibits exceeding these funds for personnel costs, requires maintaining detailed financial records matching prior years, and establishes a separate fund for building maintenance using rental income from the system's Jackson office. It directly affects Retirement System staff and their operational budgeting.

Maddy summaryHB 44 appropriates $11.16 million from general funds and $4.86 million from special funds to support the Mississippi Library Commission for fiscal year 2026 (July 2025-June 2026). It specifically restricts $3.48 million of these funds for "Personal Services" (salaries, wages, and fringe benefits), prohibiting transfers to other categories and requiring compliance with state salary caps. The bill also mandates at least $1.35 million be spent on the Magnolia Database and requires detailed accounting for all funds, including quarterly payments to public libraries under the Personnel Incentive Grants Program. This directly affects the Library Commission’s operations, staff compensation, and public library funding.