Maddy summaryHB 1597, the "Mississippi Fair Banking Standards Act," requires state banking regulators to prohibit financial institutions from closing customer accounts based on non-quantitative factors like political views or protected beliefs. It creates a formal complaint process for individuals or businesses denied banking services under these circumstances and mandates the Department of Banking and Consumer Finance to review agency guidance to align with federal "Guaranteeing Fair Banking for All Americans" standards. The bill directly affects Mississippi banks, financial institutions, and their customers - particularly those in lawful industries or with protected affiliations who face potential account closures due to regulatory pressure. It also urges federal lawmakers to modernize anti-money laundering laws to better balance crime prevention with fair access to banking services.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 999 establishes the Mississippi Parkinson's Disease Research Registry within the State Department of Health to track the incidence and prevalence of Parkinson's disease and related conditions (Parkinsonisms) across the state. It requires movement disorder centers and certified healthcare providers treating these conditions to submit patient data to the registry starting January 1, 2027, with patients able to opt out of data collection. The registry will collect epidemiological data while keeping all information confidential, and the Department must make anonymized data available to approved researchers. The bill also mandates public website updates, annual reports to health committees, and requires the State Health Officer to appoint an advisory committee with patient and medical expertise to guide the registry.
Maddy summaryHB 1263 streamlines banking regulations for Mississippi state-chartered banks and thrifts. It removes the need for Attorney General approval on bank charter renewals (sending them directly to the Secretary of State), clarifies when dividend approval is required (only if a bank is under corrective action, undercapitalized, or poses safety risks), eliminates commissioner approval for establishing or decommissioning electronic terminals (like ATMs), and authorizes banks to invest in community development projects and public welfare investments per federal standards. These changes reduce administrative hurdles while maintaining safety requirements for banks operating in Mississippi.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a bill) commending Cyrus R. Flaherty, a Tupelo High School senior, for his acceptance into the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. It highlights his academic achievements (including Rotary Scholar honors), leadership roles (National Honor Society, Scouting Eagle Scout, football team manager), and service as a cadet. The resolution has no policy impact - it simply expresses the Mississippi House's congratulations to Flaherty and will be provided to him and the press.
Maddy summaryHB 1823 allocates $2.4 million from the Education Enhancement Fund to the Mississippi State Department of Education for the Student 24/7 Teletherapy Pilot Project. This funding supports teletherapy services for students in participating schools during the 2026-2027 fiscal year, as established under HB 1463 (2026 session). The bill provides the necessary financial resources to implement the pilot program, which offers remote mental health support to students outside regular school hours. It directly affects Mississippi public school students and participating school districts by expanding access to teletherapy services. The appropriation is specific to the pilot project’s operational costs and does not create new permanent programs.
Maddy summaryHB 4009 exempts admissions charged for athletic games or contests between universities or colleges from Mississippi's 7% sales tax. This directly affects colleges and universities that charge admission to intercollegiate sporting events. The bill amends Mississippi's tax code to explicitly include these admissions under the existing exemption listed in Section 27-65-22(3)(c), removing them from the standard sales tax calculation. The change applies only to admissions for games between educational institutions, not to professional sports or other event types covered under separate exemptions.
Maddy summaryThis bill would require large financial institutions (with over $10 billion in assets or annual transactions) to provide customers with specific written explanations when denying or restricting services like checking accounts, loans, or payment services. It prohibits discrimination based on religion, political speech, or lawful economic activities - such as donating to a cause or exercising free speech - while excluding insurance and securities. Customers could request these explanations within 90 days of an adverse action, and institutions would have 30 days to detail the specific reasons (not just generic policies) for the decision. The bill applies only to covered financial services and includes exceptions for standard account issues like inactivity or legal restrictions.
Maddy summaryHB 1261 would require used motor vehicle dealers in Mississippi to complete continuing education courses approved by the Department of Revenue and the Mississippi Independent Auto Dealers Association to renew their licenses. It specifically removes an existing exemption for dealers handling vehicle salvage, bringing them under the same education requirements as other used car dealers. The bill would have mandated these courses as a condition of license renewal, with the Department of Revenue setting the standards in coordination with the dealers' association. The bill died in committee on February 3, 2026, and has not become law.
Maddy summaryHB 1264, the "Virtual Currency Kiosk Consumer Access and Protection Act," requires digital asset kiosk operators in Mississippi to hold a money transmission license and report all kiosk locations to the state department. The bill mandates clear disclosures on kiosks about transaction fees, exchange rates, and that digital asset transactions are irrevocable, along with fraud warnings and a visible customer service phone number. Operators must provide detailed receipts after every transaction and limit new customers to $3,000 in daily transactions for their first three days of use. The daily limit will adjust annually for inflation starting in 2027.
Maddy summaryHB 1262 would have required Mississippi's Gaming Commission to approve any distribution of at least 35% of net bingo game proceeds to charities outside Mississippi. It directly affected charitable organizations in Mississippi that operate bingo games, clarifying that such out-of-state distributions could not occur without Commission approval. The bill amended existing law to add this approval requirement, while keeping the 35% minimum for administrative costs or charitable use. The bill died in committee on February 3, 2026, and was never enacted.