Rep. Clay Deweese

Maddy summaryHB 1850 creates a property tax exemption for Mississippi homeowners and property owners whose assessed value increases by more than 5% in a single year starting in 2026. Specifically, the portion of a property's value exceeding a 5% annual increase is exempt from ad valorem (property) taxes, but this exemption does not apply to value increases from construction, renovations, or improvements - except those enhancing energy efficiency, safety, or access. It also excludes the first year when a property's use or classification changes (e.g., from residential to commercial). The bill applies to all property types and adds this exemption to existing tax breaks without altering how property value is calculated.

Maddy summaryHB 1807 authorizes Mississippi to issue state bonds to provide funds for the City of Oxford to extend and connect Pegues Road to Ed Perry Boulevard. The state would borrow money through these bonds, using its full credit to guarantee repayment, with proceeds transferred directly to Oxford for road construction costs. The bill specifies that bond funds must be used exclusively for this project and related expenses, without requiring new taxes. This provides a financing mechanism for a specific infrastructure improvement in Oxford.

Maddy summaryHB 1808 authorizes Mississippi to issue state bonds to fund specific road projects in Oxford. The bill directly affects the City of Oxford by providing funds for constructing two roundabouts (at College Hill Road/McElroy Drive and College Hill Road/Old Sardis Road) and adding a turn lane with bicycle lanes at College Hill Road/Jackson Avenue. Key provisions include creating a special fund for these projects and requiring bond proceeds to be used solely for the named infrastructure improvements. The state pledges its full credit for bond repayment, with funds disbursed directly to Oxford for the specified construction costs.

Maddy summaryHB 1719 exempts admissions charged at athletic games or contests between universities or colleges from Mississippi's 7% sales tax. This change directly affects colleges, universities, and event organizers hosting intercollegiate sporting events, removing the standard tax on ticket sales for these games. The bill amends Mississippi's tax code (Section 27-65-22) to explicitly exclude such admissions from taxation, aligning with existing exemptions for similar events listed in the law. It does not create new taxes or funding mechanisms but clarifies that these specific admissions are not subject to the state sales tax.

Maddy summaryHB 942 allows Mississippi's Secretary of State to deliver dissolution and revocation notices for corporations and LLCs via email to their registered agents instead of requiring written mail. This applies to both domestic entities (under Sections 79-4-14.21 and 79-29-823) and foreign businesses operating in Mississippi (under Sections 79-4-15.31 and 79-29-1023). The bill modernizes notification procedures without altering the underlying dissolution process, timelines, or legal consequences. It directly affects all corporations and LLCs registered in Mississippi that receive such notices from the Secretary of State.

Maddy summaryHB 941 would have amended Mississippi law to clarify that nonresident veterans (defined under federal law) and individuals eligible for Title 38 education benefits can qualify for in-state tuition rates at public colleges and universities, including those enrolled in professional schools or colleges. It removed a previous prohibition that excluded veterans in professional programs from this benefit. The bill aimed to align Mississippi’s policy with federal veteran education programs, ensuring eligible nonresident veterans pay the same tuition as residents when their institution participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program. This change would directly affect nonresident veterans seeking higher education at Mississippi state institutions. The bill died in committee in February 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1426 requires foreign entities that fund civil litigation (outside the U.S. and not exempt, like local parties or health insurers) to disclose specific details to Mississippi's Attorney General within 30 days of funding agreements. It mandates written disclosure of the foreign funder's name, address, citizenship, and any contingent payment rights tied to case outcomes or national security information obtained through the funding. The bill does not apply to local legal counsel, health insurers, or loans with non-contingent repayment terms. This aims to increase transparency about foreign influence in civil cases without altering how litigation is conducted.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the Lafayette County Board of Supervisors in Mississippi to make annual contributions to the Oxford-Lafayette County Economic Development Foundation. Under the legislation, the county could donate up to $250,000 per year from its available funds for the fiscal years ending in 2024, 2025, 2026, and 2027. The decision to contribute and the specific amounts remain at the discretion of the county board. Although the bill was referred to a committee, it did not advance further and ultimately died in committee.

Maddy summaryHB 1793 provides $332,928 in state funding for the Mississippi State Board of Barber Examiners to cover its operational expenses for the 2025 fiscal year. The bill authorizes the hiring of four permanent staff members and establishes strict rules to ensure these funds are used only for new hires rather than salary increases or promotions for existing employees. It sets specific performance goals, such as completing 425 examinations and processing licenses within one year, while also requiring the agency to give purchasing preference to the Mississippi Industries for the Blind. Additionally, the legislation mandates that the board maintain detailed financial records and submit a budget report for the following year to the Joint Legislative Budget Committee.

Maddy summaryHB 1796 provides funding for the Mississippi State Department of Health for the fiscal year 2025, allocating money from both the State General Fund and various special funds to cover operational expenses. The bill specifies how millions of dollars will be distributed to support specific programs, including trauma care systems, maternal and child health services, tobacco control initiatives, and grants for qualified health centers. It also authorizes the creation of new permanent and time-limited positions within the department while establishing strict rules to ensure salary increases are used only for hiring new essential staff rather than raising pay for current employees.