Rep. Brad Mattox

Maddy summaryHB 816 proposes requiring Mississippi hunters to report white-tailed deer harvests through an electronic system (like a mobile app or website) developed by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks. This mandatory reporting would affect all deer hunters in the state, with penalties including fines starting at $100 for first violations (up to $500 for subsequent offenses). The bill also mandates an annual report to legislative committees and specifies that funds for the program cannot come from the department’s existing budget. However, the bill "died in committee" on March 4, 2025, meaning it has not become law and is not currently in effect.

Maddy summaryHB 888 updates Mississippi's Burn Care Fund by expanding eligible recipients to include Baptist Medical Center and burn centers affiliated with Level I trauma centers, while removing the University of Mississippi Medical Center as a designated recipient. It increases the fee for distinctive license tags from $1.00 to $2.50 per tag or plate, and adds a $0.50 fee for commercial vehicle decals, with all new proceeds deposited into the Burn Care Fund. These changes direct funding toward specific burn care facilities within Mississippi's trauma system, shifting support from the University of Mississippi Medical Center to Baptist Medical Center and Level I-affiliated centers. The bill does not create new facilities but alters how existing funds are distributed. The fee increases take effect for vehicle registrations starting in 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 summaryHB 1805 allocated $2.5 million from Mississippi's state general fund to Northeast Mississippi Community College for establishing and operating a Public Safety Training Center. The center would train public safety personnel - including police, firefighters, 911 operators, and emergency responders - from federal, state, and local government units. The funding was intended for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, with the bill requiring payment through state fiscal channels. The bill died in committee on February 26, 2025, and did not become law.

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 summaryHB 1699 appropriates $6 million from the state general fund to fund salary increases and required benefits for active sworn officers of the Mississippi Highway Safety Patrol (MHP), Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics (MBN), Mississippi Bureau of Investigation (MBI), and Capitol Police for fiscal year 2026 (July 2025-June 2026). The bill directly affects these specific law enforcement agencies' officers by providing funding for pay raises authorized under Mississippi law. Key provisions include the exact funding amount, the specified agencies, and the fiscal year scope. The bill died in committee on February 26, 2025, and did not advance further.

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 1267 requires that in Mississippi criminal cases, the first money paid by a defendant to the court must be used to pay restitution to the victim. After restitution is fully paid, subsequent payments cover court costs, then assessments, and finally fines. The bill also mandates that courts consider a defendant's future ability to pay when determining restitution amounts. This directly affects defendants in criminal cases and prioritizes victims for restitution payments.

Maddy summaryHB 889 creates the "Mississippi Indigent Burn Care Support Fund" to reimburse hospitals for burn care provided to uninsured or underinsured Mississippi residents. It adds a $2 fee to distinctive vehicle license tags starting July 2025, with all proceeds deposited into this fund. The fund will cover costs for Mississippians treated at in-state burn centers and out-of-state burn centers affiliated with Level I trauma centers in Mississippi. This policy directly affects all vehicle owners purchasing specialty license tags and ensures hospitals receive reimbursement for uncompensated burn care.

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.