Rep. Jeffrey Hulum

Maddy summaryThis bill restores voting rights to Quintin Purnell of Grenada County, Mississippi, who lost his right to vote following two past grand larceny convictions (1992 and 1993) and subsequent probation violations. It directly affects only Purnell, stating he has been law-abiding since his release from supervision in 1996. The bill contains no new policy mechanisms - it simply restores his voting rights as a specific legislative action. The bill passed the House in March 2025 but died in committee in April 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1284 renames Mississippi's "Native Spirit Law" to the "Native and Craft Spirits Law" and defines "craft distillery" and "craft spirit" for the first time. The bill legalizes the production and sale of craft spirits under the same regulations as native spirits, while allowing both types of distilleries to operate one permanent satellite tasting room in any location that permits alcohol sales (previously limited to within 5 miles of the main facility). It also revises permit requirements, sales rules, and distance restrictions for distilleries, directly affecting Mississippi distilleries producing craft spirits and native spirits. These changes aim to modernize the regulatory framework for small-scale spirit producers in the state.

Maddy summaryHB 1474 requires the Mississippi Department of Health to review healthcare quality in state prisons. It directly affects incarcerated individuals by banning fees for certain medical services, mandating electronic appointment requests via communal kiosks, ensuring proper medication management, and requiring one licensed dietitian per correctional facility. The bill also mandates 24/7 access to medical care for all inmates. These provisions aim to standardize and improve healthcare delivery within Mississippi's correctional system.

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 1708 authorizes Kemper County's Board of Supervisors to optionally contribute up to $5,000 annually from the county's general fund to Philadelphia Transit, a nonprofit providing public, elderly, and disabled transportation services in Kemper County and surrounding areas. The authorization expires on July 1, 2029, and does not require the county to make such contributions. This bill directly affects Kemper County's budget decisions and Philadelphia Transit's funding sources. It creates no new obligations but permits the county to support existing transit services through discretionary annual funding.

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 662 updates Mississippi's Medicaid rules to align with federal requirements for pregnant women's prenatal care access. It allows qualified providers (like clinics or health centers) to quickly determine if a pregnant woman's income meets Medicaid limits, granting temporary eligibility for prenatal services while her full application is processed. Women must apply for full Medicaid by the end of the month following the provider's determination, and the state must simplify application forms and processes. This ensures consistent care continuity during the approval period without changing income thresholds.

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 1262 allows U.S. Army Combat Medic Specialists, U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsmen, and U.S. Air Force Aerospace Medical Service Specialists to take Mississippi's Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) exam after completing their military training and two years of direct patient care experience. The bill amends Mississippi's nursing licensing law to create a specific pathway for these military medics, recognizing their existing training without requiring additional nursing education. It does not change other standard LPN requirements, such as a high school diploma or passing the exam. This bill directly affects eligible military medics seeking to work as LPNs in Mississippi.

Maddy summaryHB 1252 (Mississippi House Bill 1252) requires Mississippi public defenders to have free access to the state's electronic court system records when representing defendants who cannot afford private lawyers (indigent defendants). This amendment to Section 9-1-59 of the Mississippi Code removes fees that previously restricted public defenders' access to court records for these cases. The bill directly affects public defenders and the indigent defendants they represent by ensuring they can review case materials without cost. It does not alter court procedures, funding, or penalties, but addresses a specific access barrier in the electronic court system.