Rep. Kevin Felsher

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 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 1404 exempts individuals already receiving treatment in a licensed acute psychiatric hospital with two prior professional evaluations from needing a pre-affidavit screening before a relative or interested person can file a legal commitment request. This directly affects families seeking to commit a loved one, hospitals treating patients, and community mental health centers that must be notified 24 hours in advance. The key mechanism requires hospitals to notify the community mental health center 24 hours before filing the commitment affidavit, streamlining the process for these specific cases. The bill also updates related reporting requirements for mental health centers and defines terms in Mississippi's mental health laws.

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 1063 creates Mississippi's first state-level paid parental leave policy for eligible state employees. It provides six weeks (240 hours) of paid leave at 100% salary for primary caregivers after a child's birth or adoption, requiring at least 12 months of full-time state employment. The leave must be taken within 12 weeks of the event, used only once per year, and runs concurrently with federal FMLA without counting against other leave types. Public school and community college districts may adopt similar policies for their employees. The law became effective after Governor approval on March 25, 2025.

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.

Maddy summaryHB 565 requires Mississippi law enforcement agencies to report officer resignations and terminations to the Board on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Training. Agencies must provide timely notification within a specified timeframe and include an explanation if the resignation or termination resulted from disciplinary action. Failure to report carries penalties, though agencies may appeal the board's decision. This bill directly affects all law enforcement agencies in Mississippi, aiming to improve transparency in officer employment history.

Maddy summaryHB 807 establishes a new Division of Autism Services within Mississippi's Department of Mental Health to coordinate autism care for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families across all ages. The division will develop annual statewide plans based on research and best practices, set program standards, and ensure collaboration between agencies and families. It directly affects Mississippi residents with ASD, their families, and service providers by creating a centralized coordination hub for existing autism services. The division becomes operational on July 1, 2025, and will work under the Bureau of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. This bill does not create new services but structures how current resources are organized and delivered.

Maddy summaryHB 810 exempts the statewide JROTC Coordinator position (within Mississippi's State Department of Education) from standard State Personnel Board qualification requirements. Instead, the role will be classified as equivalent to an Education Program Administrator/Supervisor. This change directly affects the coordinator, who oversees JROTC program coordination, instructor training, curriculum development, and community engagement across public high schools. The bill streamlines the position's structure without altering JROTC program operations or funding.

Maddy summaryHB 848 creates the Opioid Settlement Fund Committee to annually allocate money from Mississippi’s opioid litigation settlements (e.g., from Janssen, Johnson & Johnson, and pharmacy chains). The committee, including the Governor, Attorney General, health officials, and public safety leaders, determines grant recipients for specific programs like school drug prevention, treatment centers, and healthcare for uninsured patients with addiction or mental health needs. Funds must follow settlement agreement rules, and the Attorney General must report annual disbursements to the legislature. The bill specifies unspent funds won’t roll into the general budget, ensuring dedicated use for opioid-related initiatives.