Rep. Hank Zuber

Maddy summaryHB 256 increases the procurement threshold for public schools, school districts, and charter schools under Mississippi's public purchasing law from $5,000 to $10,000. This means these schools can now make purchases under $10,000 without requiring competitive bids, whereas previously they needed bids for purchases over $5,000. The bill amends Section 31-7-13 of Mississippi Code to reflect this change, specifically updating the "bidding procedure for purchases by public schools" in subsection (a)(ii). The change simplifies purchasing for smaller school expenditures but does not affect higher-value procurement rules ($75,000+).

Maddy summaryHB 1376 would legalize the manufacture and sale of hemp beverages in Mississippi, defined as nonalcoholic drinks containing no more than 5 milligrams of THC per 12-ounce container. The bill classifies hemp beverages under "light intoxicating beverages," subjecting them to the same regulations as beer, light wine, and light spirits, including container size limits (12 ounces only) and THC concentration rules (max 0.3% in finished product). It requires businesses selling these beverages to pay increased privilege taxes, similar to alcohol vendors, and aligns their licensing and sales rules with existing alcohol regulations. The bill directly affects hemp beverage producers, retailers, and regulators under Mississippi’s alcohol control framework.

Maddy summaryHB 1333 requires all Mississippi state agencies - including universities and other institutions of higher learning - to purchase computer equipment and services exclusively through the state's Department of Information Technology Services (MDITS). It removes previous exemptions allowing agencies to contract directly with third parties for IT needs and clarifies that "agency" includes all state entities. The bill standardizes procurement by mandating that all computer-related purchases (including software, hardware, and storage) must be handled through MDITS, eliminating separate contracting authority. This centralizes IT purchasing across state government to streamline operations and coordination.

Maddy summaryHB 389 removes the requirement for Mississippi pawnbrokers to store purchased goods on their premises. Instead, it allows pawnbrokers to store items off-site at secure, nonresidential locations approved by the commissioner. This replaces the current rule that mandated on-premises storage for 14 days (if electronic records are provided) or 21 days (otherwise). The change applies to all pawnbrokers in Mississippi starting July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 263 revises Mississippi law to remove distance restrictions that previously prohibited the sale or storage of alcoholic beverages within certain distances of churches, schools, kindergartens, and funeral homes. The bill specifically exempts certain locations from these restrictions, allowing alcohol sales at those designated places near the mentioned institutions. This change would directly affect alcohol retailers seeking to operate in proximity to schools, churches, or funeral homes at the exempted locations. The bill does not alter other existing alcohol regulations in Mississippi.

Maddy summaryHB 1489 establishes the Technology Innovation Fund, managed by Mississippi's Department of Information Technology Services, to provide grants for technology projects that improve government services and address community needs. The fund will support state agencies, schools, non-profits, and private companies collaborating on initiatives using AI, cloud computing, blockchain, and data analytics to enhance efficiency, cybersecurity, and equitable technology access. Initial funding includes a $5 million state appropriation and ongoing revenue from 1% of cloud service sales, with projects requiring measurable public benefits and regular progress reporting. Recipients must demonstrate scalability, partnership collaboration, and alignment with state digital modernization goals.

Maddy summaryHB 384 creates a grant program administered by the Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) to help public universities establish endowments for hiring professors specializing in quantum computing and artificial intelligence engineering. State institutions of higher learning must apply to the MDA, detailing their endowment plans, matching funds, and requested grant amounts. The bill establishes a dedicated "State Institutions of Higher Learning Quantum Computing and Artificial Intelligence Engineering Professors Fund" in the state treasury, with unspent funds rolling over annually. Grants are disbursed at the MDA's discretion after legislative appropriation, focusing solely on recruiting and employing professors in these two specific fields.

Maddy summaryHB 260 allows licensed check cashing businesses and credit availability licensees in Mississippi to pass third-party debit/credit card processing fees directly to customers. It requires clear, upfront disclosure of the fee amount, that it applies to alternative payment methods, and which specific payment types are affected. The bill does not change existing fee limits for check cashing services (like the 3% cap for government checks) but permits passing through the actual cost charged by payment processors. This affects businesses that handle cash transactions and customers using cards at these locations.

Maddy summaryHB 622 allows wineries and distilleries (with specific permits) to ship wine and distilled spirits directly to Mississippi residents aged 21 or older. It prohibits shipments of beer, light wines, or products already sold through state liquor stores, sets annual purchase limits per customer, and requires sellers to maintain records and verify buyer age. Sellers must obtain a "direct shipper" permit, report shipment details annually, and pay a tax on sales that funds mental health programs. The bill also creates new rules for shipping companies handling these deliveries.

Maddy summaryHB 388 amends Mississippi's DUI law (Section 63-11-30) to allow judges to increase fines beyond current maximums for DUI convictions. The bill specifically authorizes courts to impose higher fines for first, second, third, and fourth+ DUI offenses, while keeping existing minimum penalties and other requirements (like jail time, alcohol education, or treatment) unchanged. It directly affects anyone convicted of driving under the influence in Mississippi, including those with prior offenses. The change only modifies the upper limit of fines - judges cannot reduce minimum fines or alter other penalties like license suspension or mandatory treatment.