Rep. Beth Waldo

Maddy summaryHB 1424 clarifies that Mississippi county boards of supervisors must provide adequate and habitable office space for local Child Protection Services (CPS) offices. This directly affects county boards (who must secure suitable facilities) and CPS staff (who will use the space). The bill explicitly requires county-provided offices to meet basic habitability standards, while also detailing cost-sharing: the state department pays the federal share of rent, and counties cover maintenance, repairs, utilities, and non-federal operational costs. It takes effect July 1, 2025, and amends existing law to make the space requirement explicit.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates a one-mile segment of Mississippi Highway 9 South in Pontotoc County as the "Meaghan Bedford Reed Memorial Highway." The Mississippi Department of Transportation will install and maintain signs to mark this designated section. The changes take effect on July 1, 2025, and apply only to the specific road segment described in the legislation.

Maddy summaryHB 928 requires all Mississippi hospitals with emergency departments to have at least one qualified healthcare provider (physician, advanced nurse, or nurse practitioner) on duty during every shift who can conduct forensic exams and prepare evidence kits for sexual assault victims. The bill prohibits hospitals from refusing treatment to sexual assault victims and mandates they maintain sufficient evidence kits. It also specifies storage requirements for evidence kits in separate refrigeration units and allows hospitals to contract with forensic nurses for these services. This bill directly affects hospitals operating ERs and ensures timely, specialized medical care for sexual assault survivors in emergency settings.

Maddy summaryHB 1081 declares that parents have a fundamental right to direct their children's upbringing, education, care, and control. It prohibits Mississippi state agencies and local governments from infringing on this right unless a narrowly tailored law serves a compelling state interest using the least restrictive means. The bill would have applied to all parents and state entities like schools or child welfare agencies, limiting their ability to intervene in family decisions. However, the bill "died in committee" on March 4, 2025, and did not become law, so these provisions never took effect. (Note: The bill was pending but not enacted as of the provided status.)

Maddy summaryHB 116 requires Mississippi's State Department of Health to add Alzheimer's disease and dementia education to its existing public health programs. It mandates clear public outreach about brain health, early warning signs, and risk reduction - especially for high-risk groups - and trains healthcare providers on proven tools for early detection and Medicare billing. The bill directly affects Mississippi residents, particularly seniors and caregivers, by improving access to dementia-related information through current health initiatives. It does not create new programs but integrates education into existing outreach and provider training efforts. (Note: The bill died in committee on March 4, 2025.)

Maddy summaryHB 1656, the STRONG Act, would provide tax benefits and health care support for Mississippi National Guard members and their families. It increases income tax exemptions for Guard and Reserve members, creates a $250 annual credit against motor vehicle taxes for service members and their spouses, and establishes a program to reimburse National Guard members for Tricare Reserve Select health insurance premiums. The Adjutant General would administer the program and report its progress to the legislature. The bill passed the legislature in February 2025 but died on calendar before becoming law.

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 summaryMississippi's HB 1289 requires businesses that sell, install, or maintain commercial fire-extinguishing equipment and cooking hood systems (but not portable fire extinguishers) to obtain a license from the State Fire Marshal by July 1, 2025. License applicants must pass a competency test, certify compliance with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards and the International Fire Code, and pay a fee capped at $400. The State Fire Marshal can issue cease-and-desist orders and revoke licenses for violations, with penalties enforced under existing law. This law aims to standardize safety practices for commercial fire suppression systems across Mississippi.

Maddy summaryThis bill would have prevented Mississippi Medicaid from seeking repayment for benefits from ABLE savings accounts established under state law. It specifically protects funds in these accounts - designed for people with disabilities to save without losing eligibility for benefits - from being used to cover Medicaid costs after the account holder's death. The bill amended state laws to ensure ABLE accounts are exempt from estate recovery rules that typically allow Medicaid to reclaim funds from a beneficiary's estate. This change would directly affect Mississippi residents with disabilities who use ABLE accounts to save for future needs while maintaining eligibility for public assistance.

Maddy summaryHB 974 establishes a licensing system for anesthesiologist assistants in Mississippi, requiring them to obtain a license from the State Board of Medical Licensure to practice. It mandates completion of an accredited education program, passing a certification exam, and working exclusively under the supervision of a licensed anesthesiologist who delegates specific duties for patient care plans. The bill prohibits unlicensed practice (with criminal penalties), sets renewal requirements, and grants the Board authority to issue disciplinary actions. The bill was referred to the Public Health and Human Services Committee but died there on February 4, 2025, without further action.