Rep. Sam Creekmore

Maddy summaryThis bill is a symbolic resolution commending Jim Ellis for his 46-year career as the play-by-play announcer for Mississippi State University baseball. It formally recognizes his service, including calling 11 College World Series appearances and multiple SEC championships, and honors his retirement. The resolution has no policy impact - it solely expresses legislative appreciation through a formal commendation. It directly affects no individuals or entities beyond acknowledging Ellis's contributions to MSU athletics.

Maddy summaryHB 996 imposes a tax on vapor products (such as e-cigarettes) by including them under Mississippi's definition of "tobacco" for tax purposes. The revenue from this tax will fund two new mental health programs: grants to community mental health centers for patient housing and support for the state's 9-8-8 crisis response system. The bill creates two dedicated funds in the state treasury to ensure these resources are used exclusively for these specified mental health purposes. This legislation does not affect existing taxes on traditional tobacco products but adds a new tax on vapor products to generate funding for mental health services.

Maddy summaryHB 1638 proposed to allocate $4 million from Mississippi's Opioid Settlement Fund to the State Department of Mental Health for two specific programs: the Peer Helpers Plus Program (which provides peer support services) and the Prevention Awareness for Total Health (PATH) curriculum (a prevention education program). The funding would have supported these initiatives during fiscal year 2026 (July 2025-June 2026). The bill died in committee on February 26, 2025, and did not become law. It did not create new policy but directed existing settlement funds toward these established programs.

Maddy summaryHB 1853 authorizes Mississippi to issue general obligation bonds to fund the construction, equipment, and upgrades of an infectious disease testing lab at the Mississippi Blood Services Building in Flowood. The funds would specifically support the Mississippi Organ Recovery Agency in establishing this lab to handle infectious disease testing for organ recovery. The bill outlines bond issuance procedures, repayment terms using state funds, and specifies that proceeds must be used solely for the lab's construction and related costs. This is a funding mechanism, not direct appropriations, and the bill died in committee before becoming law.

Maddy summaryHB 1774 appropriates $250,000 from Mississippi's State General Fund to the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra for fiscal year 2026 (July 2025-June 2026). The funding directly supports the orchestra’s existing music education programs, enabling them to expand outreach to schools and communities statewide. This is a straightforward funding allocation with no new policy requirements, solely providing resources for the orchestra’s current educational initiatives.

Maddy summaryHB 1706 allocates $1.5 million from the state general fund to the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) for fiscal year 2026. The funding specifically allows MEMA to purchase equipment that pumps or transfers drinkable water to healthcare facilities and other essential institutions during natural disasters that disrupt water systems. This bill directly affects MEMA's emergency response capabilities and ensures critical facilities can maintain water access when local systems fail due to events like floods or storms. The appropriation becomes effective July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 34) acknowledges the critical weather coverage provided by WTVA-Channel 9's meteorology team in Northeast Mississippi, particularly their life-saving reporting during the March 2023 Amory tornado. It encourages continued community support for the station and urges Allen Media Broadcasting to maintain its locally staffed weather operations. The resolution recognizes the team's national awards, community reliance on their region-specific forecasts, and the 35,000-signature petition that prompted the station to reverse plans to eliminate local meteorologists. As a non-binding resolution, it expresses legislative support but does not create new laws or funding.

Maddy summaryHB 676 requires Mississippi's Department of Mental Health and Medicaid to apply to join a federal Medicaid demonstration program for Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs). It directs the state to implement this as a pilot in Community Mental Health Regions 6 and 9, with clinics in those regions eligible to apply for certification by July 1, 2026. The bill mandates that the Mental Health Department certifies clinics and monitors compliance, while Medicaid establishes a funding system to support the CCBHC model. This would expand access to comprehensive behavioral health services for Medicaid beneficiaries in those regions through a federally aligned program.

Maddy summaryHB 1354 would have created the Mississippi Public Health Trust Fund in the state treasury, administered by the State Department of Health. The fund would receive money from legislative appropriations, donations, grants, and other sources to provide financial assistance for public health programs and services. Key provisions include preventing unspent funds from rolling back into the general state budget and requiring interest earned to stay in the fund. The bill died on the calendar on February 13, 2025, and did not become law.

Maddy summaryHB 50 would have required professional music therapists in Mississippi to obtain state licensure through the Department of Health starting January 1, 2026, prohibiting unlicensed practice or use of titles implying licensure. It directly affects music therapists seeking to practice and patients relying on these services, aiming to ensure practitioners meet defined qualifications. Key mechanisms include creating a Music Therapy Advisory Committee (with licensed therapists, healthcare providers, and consumers), setting licensure requirements, disciplinary procedures, and establishing a special fund for related fees. The bill defined "music therapy" as clinical, evidence-based use of music interventions within therapeutic relationships, excluding medical diagnosis. Note: This bill died on the legislative calendar in February 2025 and did not become law.