Maddy summaryHB 1529 aims to improve state government efficiency and transparency through several key changes. It requires departments to identify underused vehicles and flag employees claiming over $15,000 in annual mileage reimbursements, while giving the IT department oversight authority over agency cell service contracts and electronic payment security. The bill mandates school districts to develop technology disaster plans and nutrition program efficiency guidelines, and revises veterans' home board rules to require ethics training and interest rates 1-2% below market. These provisions directly affect state agencies, school districts, and veterans' home operations by standardizing processes and requiring new reporting. The bill focuses on operational transparency rather than new funding or major program changes.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 1714 creates the "Mississippi Windstorm Mitigation Association" to provide grants for property owners to retrofit homes and businesses to withstand hurricanes and tornadoes. The bill requires property insurers in Mississippi to pay a supplemental fee to fund the association, which will award grants of up to $15,000 per property for upgrades meeting standards like the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety's "fortified roof" certification. It directly affects residential and commercial property owners seeking storm-resistant retrofits and property insurers operating in the state. The association will manage grant applications and certification, with funding coming from a new state treasury fund established by the bill.
Maddy summaryHB 430 requires Mississippi health insurers and group health plans to cover genetic testing for inherited cancer mutations (for people with personal or family cancer history) and evidence-based cancer imaging (for those at increased risk, per NCCN guidelines), with no out-of-pocket costs. It directly affects individuals at higher cancer risk who would otherwise face deductibles or copays for these preventive services. The bill mandates coverage for services recommended by healthcare providers and aligns with National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) clinical guidelines. It also updates state employee health plan requirements under Section 25-15-9 of Mississippi law.
Maddy summaryHB 1034, the "Compassionate Access to Medical Cannabis Act" (or "Ryan's Law"), allows terminally ill patients in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and hospice care to use medical cannabis under specific rules. It requires facilities to permit use (prohibiting smoking/vaping), mandate secure storage in locked containers within the patient’s room, and place responsibility for acquiring, administering, and removing cannabis solely on the patient or their designated caregiver. Health care staff cannot administer or retrieve cannabis, and facilities must not deny admission based on medical cannabis use. The bill does not apply to emergency departments or chemical dependency hospitals and includes provisions for federal compliance but does not alter existing federal scheduling of cannabis.
Maddy summaryHB 999 establishes the Mississippi Parkinson's Disease Research Registry within the State Department of Health to track the incidence and prevalence of Parkinson's disease and related conditions (Parkinsonisms) across the state. It requires movement disorder centers and certified healthcare providers treating these conditions to submit patient data to the registry starting January 1, 2027, with patients able to opt out of data collection. The registry will collect epidemiological data while keeping all information confidential, and the Department must make anonymized data available to approved researchers. The bill also mandates public website updates, annual reports to health committees, and requires the State Health Officer to appoint an advisory committee with patient and medical expertise to guide the registry.
Maddy summaryHB 1126 increases base teacher salaries by $5,000 annually starting with the 2026-2027 school year, with an additional $3,000 annual supplement for licensed special education teachers and $6,000 for certified occupational therapists and school psychologists. It also raises assistant teachers' pay by $5,000 and caps superintendent salaries at 250% of equivalent teacher pay, including district supplements. The bill includes related provisions for retirement benefits for first responders and revised roles for student success coaches, but its core focus is direct compensation increases for educators.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial House Resolution (not a bill) honoring Matt McDonnell upon his retirement as Executive Director of the Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center after 40 years of service. It recognizes his career at the facility since 1986, including roles as Director of Operations, Assistant Executive Director, and Executive Director, as well as his prior work in event management, public service as an Ocean Springs Alderman, and business ventures. The resolution has no policy impact - it is purely a formal expression of appreciation with no legal effect or direct impact on any individuals or policies.
Maddy summaryHB 1845 imposes a new excise tax on "ENDS products" (nicotine vape cartridges) and "vapor products" (e-cigarettes), which are now explicitly defined under Mississippi's tobacco tax law. This tax applies to sellers of these products and generates revenue that must be deposited into a dedicated fund for the University of Mississippi Medical Center's Cancer Center and Research Institute. The bill creates a special state fund to ensure these tax revenues directly support the cancer center's operations and research, as specified in the law. It does not affect traditional tobacco products like cigarettes or cigars.
Maddy summaryThis bill allows dental hygienists employed by the Mississippi State Board of Health or public school boards to perform oral hygiene instruction, screening, and fluoride applications (as part of education) under general supervision by a licensed dentist - without needing to meet standard practice requirements like 5 years of experience or CPR certification. It also permits hygienists making public dental hygiene demonstrations for educational purposes to operate under similar general supervision. These exemptions apply exclusively to educational activities, not regular patient care. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026.
Maddy summaryHB 1322 requires Mississippi's State Department of Health to study how to prevent and reduce diabetes-related amputations. The study must examine the prevalence and state costs of these amputations, evaluate evidence-based prevention methods (like early screening), and identify strategies to expand access to limb-saving care (including foot care and patient education). The department must form a workgroup of experts and submit a final report with recommendations to key legislative committees by December 1, 2026. This bill directly affects Mississippi residents with diabetes who face amputation risks, focusing on data collection and future policy options rather than immediate funding or service changes.