Maddy summaryHB 703 requires Mississippi state agencies to reserve at least 5% of annual commodity purchases for businesses owned by veterans and people with disabilities, expanding an existing requirement that previously applied only to minority-owned businesses. This law amends public purchasing regulations to explicitly include veteran- and disability-owned businesses as eligible for set-aside contracts, while maintaining existing bidding rules (e.g., lowest bid must be accepted unless 2% higher than a qualified minority bid). The policy affects all state agencies purchasing goods, ensuring these businesses can compete for a portion of procurement contracts. The bill does not change the 20% maximum set-aside cap for minority businesses or alter the process for awarding contracts.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 869, the "One Fair Wage Act," establishes a phased increase in Mississippi's minimum wage for most workers, starting at $15.00 per hour on January 1, 2027, rising to $17.50 by 2030, and then adjusting annually based on the Consumer Price Index. It specifically addresses tipped employees by allowing employers to pay a lower base wage (as low as $12.00/hour in 2028) if total wages plus tips meet the minimum wage requirement, with the tip credit phasing out entirely by 2029. The law applies to most employers and employees in Mississippi, excluding state government, the U.S. government, tribal entities, and certain domestic workers. It explicitly states that federal law takes precedence and ensures the wage schedule is prospective, not retroactive.
Maddy summaryHB 857 requires Mississippi's Secretary of State to create rules enabling military personnel and overseas voters to vote early for all elections, including special elections and runoffs. This bill directly affects Mississippi residents serving in the military overseas by expanding their access to early voting, which previously may not have been uniformly available. Key provisions include establishing electronic delivery options (email or fax) for ballots and materials, aligning Mississippi's process with federal requirements under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act. The bill mandates that registrars accept electronically submitted ballots and federal postcard applications, streamlining the voting process for military voters. It takes effect July 1, 2026.
Maddy summaryHB 1554 would exempt Medicare-certified long-term acute care hospitals (LTACHs) from Mississippi's Medicaid hospital assessment. These specialized hospitals, which provide extended care for critically ill patients, would no longer be required to pay this state fee under the Medicaid program. The exemption would apply only after approval from federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Currently, similar exemptions exist for VA facilities, the University of Mississippi Medical Center, and other specific providers. The bill died in committee in February 2026 and did not become law.
Maddy summaryHB 573 establishes a formal process for removing Mississippi school board members who commit misconduct, including intentional wrongdoing (malfeasance), improper conduct (misfeasance), failure to act (nonfeasance), neglect of duties, breach of public trust, or abuse of authority. It requires the school board to formally recommend removal to the local governing authority, which must hold a hearing with notice to the member, allow testimony, and vote by majority to approve removal. The bill specifically adds chronic absenteeism from board meetings as grounds for removal due to neglect of duties. An aggrieved party may appeal the governing authority’s decision to circuit court.
Maddy summaryHB 1446, the "Robert G. Clark, Jr., Voting Rights Act of Mississippi," would create a Mississippi Voting Rights Commission to prevent voter suppression and protect voting rights. It prohibits political subdivisions (like counties and cities) and state agencies from implementing election policies that disproportionately affect racial, ethnic, or language minority voters, requiring such policies to be reviewed by the Commission before implementation. The bill also mandates protections for limited English proficient voters and voters with disabilities, requires advance notice of election policy changes, and establishes a statewide voting database with universities. The bill died in committee on February 3, 2026, and was never enacted.
Maddy summaryHB 1367, the Mississippi Farm and Food Security Act of 2026, requires Mississippi public schools (K-12) to integrate local food systems and nutrition education into health curricula, including topics like agricultural production and consumer awareness. It creates the Mississippi Farm, Food, and Nutrition Commission to coordinate statewide efforts for purchasing locally grown food through schools and food banks, while also establishing a Farm to Food Bank Program to support local food distribution. The bill mandates that physicians renew licenses by completing continuing education on nutrition and metabolic health, and amends school health education standards to require specific weekly physical activity and nutrition instruction. These changes directly affect schools, local farmers, food banks, and healthcare providers by connecting agricultural production with public health initiatives.
Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 17) formally commends The Tammie Nichols TV Show for its 15 years of television ministry and community impact in Mississippi. It recognizes the show's founder, host, and executive producer, Tammie Nichols, for using faith-based programming to uplift viewers, share testimonies, and model perseverance through adversity. The resolution specifically highlights the show's historical significance as Mississippi's first African-American woman serving as both Executive Producer and Host of her own television program. As a commemorative resolution, it does not create new laws or allocate funds but serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment of the show's community and cultural contributions.
Maddy summaryHB 4004 would restore voting rights to William Roberts, a Harrison County, Mississippi resident disqualified after a 1986 grand larceny conviction. The bill states Roberts was released from probation in 1986 and has lived as a law-abiding citizen since. It directly affects only William Roberts, not general voting policies. The bill died in committee in April 2025 and did not become law.
Maddy summaryThis bill restores voting rights to Janice Johnson-Ball of Harrison County, Mississippi, who was disqualified due to past criminal convictions. It specifically addresses her 1993 manslaughter conviction (12-year sentence, released 1998) and 2001 probation for false pretenses (completed 2004), citing her subsequent law-abiding conduct. The legislation directly affects only this individual, with no broader policy changes to voting laws. The bill passed the legislature but died in committee in April 2025.