Rep. Shane Aguirre

Maddy summaryHB 1932 would have allocated $3.3 million from Mississippi's state general fund to Lee County to help purchase six fire trucks at $550,000 each for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. The bill directly affected Lee County's fire department by providing state funding for equipment procurement. Key provisions included specifying the exact funding amount, truck cost limit, and fiscal year, with payments to be issued by the State Treasurer. The bill was referred to committee on February 26, 2025, but died in committee and did not become law.

Maddy summaryHB 1931 appropriates $1.8 million from the Mississippi State General Fund to reimburse Lee County for debris cleanup costs following the April 1, 2023 tornado. The funds are specifically for expenses incurred during the state's fiscal year 2026 (July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026). The bill directs the State Treasurer to pay the reimbursement upon proper requisitions from Lee County's Board of Supervisors. This legislation directly affects Lee County government by covering public safety and infrastructure recovery costs from the tornado. The bill was referred to committee in February 2025 but did not advance further.

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 1307 creates a legal framework for third-party earned wage access (EWA) services, which allow workers to access part of their earned but unpaid wages early through apps or platforms. It clarifies that providers operating under these rules cannot be classified as lenders, money transmitters, or debt collectors, provided they meet specific requirements. Key provisions include fully disclosing all fees to users, offering a no-cost option for accessing funds, allowing users to cancel services anytime without fees, and reimbursing consumers for bank fees caused by provider payment attempts. The law directly affects workers using EWA services and the companies providing them, ensuring transparent practices while exempting employers and payroll services from these rules.

Maddy summaryHB 1305 requires food processors, retailers, and restaurants to accurately label meat products and meat alternatives (like plant-based or lab-grown "cultivated-protein" products) at the point of sale to prevent consumer confusion. It prohibits using meat terms (e.g., "beef," "chicken," or "burger") for non-meat products and mandates clear, visible labeling stating whether a product is meat-based or non-meat. The Mississippi Department of Agriculture can inspect facilities based on complaints and impose civil penalties for violations, though it cannot suspend business licenses. The law specifically targets products mimicking meat to ensure consumers know if they are purchasing animal-derived or alternative protein items.

Maddy summaryHB 1274 increases penalties for theft involving mail, postal keys, and credit cards/checks in Mississippi. It defines mail theft as stealing, damaging mail or mailboxes, or selling stolen mail, and adds similar rules for stealing or forging mail depository keys/locks. Offenders face up to 5 years in prison or $5,000 fines for first offenses (increasing to 10 years/$20,000 for repeat offenses), plus mandatory restitution to victims. The bill directly affects individuals who commit these specific thefts, including those who steal mail, tamper with postal access points, or handle stolen payment instruments like checks. It establishes these as separate offenses alongside existing laws, not replacing them.

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 1229 makes it a misdemeanor to harass first responders (including police, firefighters, and EMTs) after being verbally warned to stay away. It prohibits approaching within 25 feet with intent to impede their duties, threaten them, or cause serious emotional distress. Violators face fines up to $1,000, up to six months in jail, or both. The bill directly affects individuals who engage in such behavior toward emergency personnel while performing their duties. It aims to provide legal recourse for responders facing intentional, repeated harassment.

Maddy summaryHB 1225 revises Mississippi's Paramedics Recruitment and Retention Scholarship Program to support EMTs pursuing paramedic certification. The bill provides full funding for tuition, fees, books, uniforms, and National Registry exam costs at accredited paramedic programs. To qualify, applicants must be certified EMTs, commit to working in Mississippi for three years after graduation, and meet additional criteria set by the Office of Workforce Development. The program would be funded through legislative appropriations, with no more than 5% of funds used for administrative costs. This change aims to address paramedic shortages by reducing financial barriers to training.

Maddy summaryHB 921, the MS ROSS Act, would have created a state-funded program to help Mississippi public and accredited private elementary and secondary schools hire School Resource Officers (SROs). The Mississippi Department of Public Safety would have covered increasing percentages of SRO costs (starting at 30% in 2025-2026 and rising to 70% by 2029-2030), with local law enforcement and school boards responsible for the remaining portion, up to a $55,000 annual cap per SRO. Schools and local agencies would have needed to jointly apply for funding and establish agreements to participate. The bill, which died in committee in February 2025, was never enacted into law.