Rep. Hank Zuber

Maddy summaryHB 1666, the Pharmacy Benefit Prompt Pay Act, proposed reforms to Mississippi's pharmacy reimbursement system. It would have required pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) to provide appeal processes for disputed payments, banned practices like "spread pricing" (charging different rates for the same drug), and prohibited PBMs from paying independent pharmacies less than their own affiliate pharmacies for identical drugs. The bill also created a grant program to financially assist independent community pharmacies and mandated reporting on drug pricing from manufacturers, PBMs, and insurers to the State Board of Pharmacy. However, the bill died in committee on February 3, 2026, and did not become law.

Maddy summaryHB 1727 creates a State Security Operations Center (SSOC) within Mississippi’s Department of Information Technology Services (ITS) to serve as the operational hub for statewide cybersecurity. The SSOC will provide centralized monitoring, threat detection, incident response, and technical support to all state agencies subject to existing cybersecurity requirements under Section 25-53-201. It mandates that state agencies report suspected cyber incidents to the SSOC, cooperate with its efforts, and implement corrective actions. The SSOC must submit annual reports detailing cybersecurity incidents, operational challenges, and resource needs. The bill died in committee on February 3, 2026, and does not alter the existing Enterprise Security Program’s strategic or regulatory authority.

Maddy summaryHB 1724 creates a centralized "Statewide Information Technology Optimization Program" managed by Mississippi's Department of Information Technology Services (ITS). The bill requires all state agencies to align their technology plans, projects, and systems with ITS-defined statewide IT standards, using shared platforms instead of duplicative systems. Key provisions include ITS establishing IT architecture standards, reviewing agency projects for compliance, maintaining a statewide inventory of IT systems, and creating an IT Optimization Fund. The bill also exempts certain IT planning discussions from public records and open meeting laws. Note: This bill died in committee on February 3, 2026, and was never enacted.

Maddy summaryHB 958 exempts certain information technology acquisitions from standard procurement rules when they are part of projects managed by the Department of Finance and Administration's Bureau of Building. Specifically, it removes procurement requirements for IT services tied to building projects administered by this bureau. The bill directly affects state agencies and contractors working on building-related projects that include technology components. As a procedural amendment to existing procurement rules, it streamlines processes for these specific IT purchases without creating new policy. The bill was enacted after approval by the governor on April 17, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1491 establishes a Cloud Center of Excellence (CCOE) within Mississippi's Department of Information Technology Services to guide state agencies and local governments (including school districts and municipalities) in adopting cloud computing. The CCOE will develop a two-year implementation plan by July 2027, requiring agencies to prioritize cloud-compatible systems when purchasing new IT software and report on cloud adoption progress annually. Key provisions include creating standardized migration processes, enhancing cybersecurity, and mandating justification reports for exceptions to cloud adoption. The bill directly affects all state agencies and local governing authorities through new procurement requirements and centralized technical support.

Maddy summaryHB 1203 prohibits camping on most public property in Mississippi, including sidewalks, streets, highways, and alleys, unless the area is specifically designated for camping by local authorities or state law. It defines "camping" to include setting up tents, sleeping bags, or other personal items and requires all camping to occur only in authorized locations. Local governments can remove camping materials after 24 hours' notice (or immediately for unsanitary or dangerous items) and must provide information about housing or health resources when removing individuals. Violations may result in penalties, but courts can consider mitigating factors like access to services when determining punishment.

Maddy summaryHB 1201 creates a 25% income tax credit for developers who rehabilitate blighted, tax-forfeited properties in Mississippi, requiring costs to exceed $50,000 for owner-occupied homes or $100,000 for commercial buildings. The credit applies to eligible properties declared unsafe by local authorities and placed into use as residences or businesses within 36 months. Developers can carry forward unused credit amounts for up to 10 years if the credit exceeds their annual tax liability, or opt for a 75% rebate instead. This law directly affects developers who redevelop qualifying properties, aiming to increase property values and community safety through tax incentives.

Maddy summaryHB 1200, the "Real Property Owners Protection Act," creates a legal framework for property owners to quickly remove unauthorized occupants (defined as "squatters") who remain on property without the owner's consent after being asked to leave. The bill requires owners or their agents to file a sworn affidavit with local law enforcement, triggering a 24-hour deadline for the alleged squatter to vacate or request a hearing. If contested, a hearing must occur within seven days to determine if the occupant is a squatter, using a "preponderance of evidence" standard. The law also clarifies that owners (or their designated agents) exclusively control property rights, rental income, and eviction processes, while imposing penalties for false complaints and specifying procedures for handling abandoned property.

Maddy summaryHB 20, the "Statewide Digital Services and Procurement Modernization Act," requires all Mississippi state agencies to transition to a centralized cloud storage system by July 1, 2030, to improve efficiency, security, and cost-effectiveness in government operations. The bill establishes a Procurement Modernization Advisory Council to oversee implementation, develop cybersecurity plans, and guide data integration across state, county, and municipal governments. It directs the Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services (MDITS) to create the cloud center, enforce cybersecurity standards, and provide training and technical support for agencies during the transition. MDITS must also report annually to the legislature on progress, cost savings, and cybersecurity enhancements.

Maddy summaryHB 1197, the "Safe Solicitation Act," requires anyone soliciting money or goods in public spaces (like streets or sidewalks) to obtain a permit from their local municipality, county, or political subdivision. It limits solicitation to daylight hours, prohibits blocking traffic, restricts activities to within 100 feet of an approved intersection, and bans harassment or amplification devices. Violations can result in fines up to $300 or jail time for forgery, while permits cost no more than $25. The law amends existing traffic obstruction statutes to align with these requirements and allows local governments to opt out within six months of enactment.