Rep. Carolyn Crawford

Maddy summaryHB 1119 (the "Representative Andy Stepp Pharmacy Benefit Prompt Pay Act") requires pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) to reimburse pharmacies at least the National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NADAC) for drugs plus a standard dispensing fee, ensuring pharmacies are paid fairly for medications. It prohibits PBMs from charging patients more than the amount retained by the pharmacy and bans PBMs from penalizing patients for choosing specific pharmacies or favoring certain pharmacies in networks. The bill also mandates clear appeal processes for pharmacies disputing low reimbursements and prohibits PBMs from retaliating against pharmacies for exercising rights under the law. These provisions directly affect PBMs, pharmacies, and patients in Mississippi by setting fair reimbursement standards and protecting patient choice.

Maddy summaryHB 794 requires Mississippi school districts that use corporal punishment to create a written policy allowing parents or guardians to voluntarily opt their children into the discipline program. Parents must submit a written request for inclusion each school year, and withdrawal must also be in writing. The policy mandates annual written notice to parents about their option to opt in or out, and prohibits corporal punishment for any student whose parent has not opted them into the program. This bill does not apply to students with disabilities, who are already prohibited from corporal punishment under existing law.

Maddy summaryHB 1569 authorizes Mississippi's Public Service Commission to investigate whether municipalities charging unfair rates for water services operate beyond their city limits (over one mile) and to mediate disputes between water districts harming customers. The bill gives the Commission authority to cancel a municipality's service certificate if rates are deemed unfair or to facilitate mediation when disputes negatively impact ratepayers. It also expands local governments' ability to purchase water systems and borrow funds for infrastructure improvements without certain legal restrictions. The bill focuses on ensuring fair rates and resolving conflicts between water providers, directly affecting municipal water systems and their customers.

Maddy summaryThis bill reorganizes existing mineral leasing rules by moving specific Mississippi Code sections (including those governing oil/gas leases, royalties, and environmental funds) to new positions in the law. It does not change current regulations but prepares these sections for potential future amendments. The bill affects state land management processes but has no direct impact on citizens or businesses. It is purely procedural, as confirmed by its "died in committee" status.

Maddy summaryHB 1292 requires Mississippi's Medicaid division to seek a federal waiver enabling coverage for one additional pair of eyeglasses every five years for adult Medicaid beneficiaries aged 21 or older. This applies specifically to individuals whose vision has changed (requiring a new prescription) and who have a physician or optometrist confirm the need for updated glasses. The bill does not change current Medicaid coverage for initial eyeglasses but expands access to additional pairs under this new five-year limit. It directly affects eligible adult Medicaid recipients with changing vision needs who would otherwise pay out-of-pocket for new glasses.

Maddy summaryHB 1571 would have allowed Mississippi parents or guardians to exempt children from school and childcare vaccination requirements based on religious, philosophical, or conscientious beliefs. To qualify, parents would have needed to submit a notarized affidavit to the school or facility listing specific vaccinations skipped due to these beliefs and confirming they received information about vaccine risks and benefits. The affidavit would have required acknowledgment that children might be temporarily removed from school during disease outbreaks. Exemptions would have expired annually, requiring renewal each school year. The bill died in committee in February 2025 and did not become law.

Maddy summaryHB 789 would require Mississippi to issue free resident hunting and fishing licenses to qualified Native Americans who present a federally recognized tribal identification card at the time of application. The bill specifically defines "tribal identification card" as a photo ID issued by a federally recognized tribe, containing the holder's name, address, and date of birth. This provision amends existing license fee laws to exempt qualifying Native American residents from paying standard license fees. The bill also updates related sections of Mississippi law to align with this change in fee structure.

Maddy summaryHB 1003 amends Mississippi law to extend the deadline for specific veterans and surviving spouses to apply for a homestead property tax exemption. Currently, these individuals must apply within 30 days of a home purchase or by December 31 of that year, but the bill removes this strict time limit for them. The change directly affects totally disabled veterans, unremarried surviving spouses of disabled veterans, and unremarried surviving spouses of service members who died on active duty. While the bill does not alter the general April 1 filing deadline for other homeowners, it provides greater flexibility for this specific group of military-connected residents to secure their tax benefits.