Rep. Sam Creekmore

Maddy summaryHB 997 requires all instructional staff (both licensed and non-licensed) and licensed administrators in Mississippi public schools to complete evidence-based mental health first aid training approved by the state Department of Mental Health before the 2025-2026 school year begins. School boards must develop policies for how often this training is repeated and provide certificates of completion that staff can use across districts. The bill directly affects over 100,000 school employees statewide and aims to improve school staff's ability to support students' mental health needs. The bill was referred to the Education Committee but died there on February 4, 2025, and did not become law.

Maddy summaryHB 582 amends Mississippi law to establish a uniform 12-month continuous residency requirement for students to qualify for in-state tuition at public colleges and universities. It directly affects out-of-state students seeking lower tuition rates by allowing them to qualify either through 12 months of residency in Mississippi or by graduating from a Mississippi high school (with proof of completing their final year there). The bill specifies that residency must be continuous and requires documentation like transcripts at enrollment. This change takes effect July 1, 2025, and does not alter existing exemptions for veterans, Hurricane Katrina/Rita evacuees, or other waiver programs.

Maddy summaryHB 567 requires all school resource officers (SROs) in Mississippi school districts and local law enforcement agencies to complete evidence-based Mental Health First Aid training approved by the Mississippi Department of Mental Health. This applies to both new SROs as part of their initial training and existing SROs during required continuing education. The bill directly affects SROs employed in public schools, mandating this training as a standard component of their law enforcement certification. It does not change SRO duties or funding but integrates mental health training into existing SRO qualification requirements.

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 1399 (Peer Helpers PLUS Act) establishes a voluntary school-based mental health program in Mississippi public schools for students in grades K-12. It requires schools to apply for funding to implement a multi-tiered support system including the PATH curriculum (addressing bullying, substance abuse, and mental health), peer-to-peer counseling, and staff training, using $4 million annually from the Opioid Settlement Fund. Participating schools must report student participation, referrals, and program impacts on behavior, attendance, and academics. The bill, which died in committee on February 4, 2025, mandates annual reporting by schools and the Department of Mental Health to the Legislature. It aims to improve student wellness and school safety through early intervention and prevention.

Maddy summaryHB 672 would have required Mississippi public schools to establish threat assessment teams to identify and address potential risks to student safety. These teams, composed of mental health professionals, staff, administrators, and school resource officers, would assess student behavior using evidence-based guidelines (like CSTAG), coordinate mental health interventions, and consult law enforcement when needed. The bill also mandated training for school personnel, parental notification policies compliant with privacy laws, and annual reporting by the State Department of Education. It died in committee on February 4, 2025, and was never enacted.

Maddy summaryThis bill would allow Union County, Mississippi, to charge extra fees to individuals convicted of or found not adjudicated guilty of misdemeanors in its Justice Court. Specifically, it permits a $50 fee for cases involving the state's implied consent law and a $25 fee for other misdemeanor offenses. The money collected from these fees would be placed in a special fund dedicated to financing capital improvements within the county. The authority to collect these assessments would last until July 1, 2028, after which the provision would expire.

Maddy summaryThis bill would allow Union County, Mississippi, to charge a $15 fee for each civil case filed or misdemeanor conviction obtained in its justice court. The money collected from these fees would be placed into a special fund specifically designated for maintaining the county's law enforcement center. The county's Board of Supervisors would have the authority to implement this charge through a formal resolution. The law would automatically expire on July 1, 2028, if not repealed earlier.

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.