Maddy summaryHB 1284 renames Mississippi's "Native Spirit Law" to the "Native and Craft Spirits Law" and defines "craft distillery" and "craft spirit" for the first time. The bill legalizes the production and sale of craft spirits under the same regulations as native spirits, while allowing both types of distilleries to operate one permanent satellite tasting room in any location that permits alcohol sales (previously limited to within 5 miles of the main facility). It also revises permit requirements, sales rules, and distance restrictions for distilleries, directly affecting Mississippi distilleries producing craft spirits and native spirits. These changes aim to modernize the regulatory framework for small-scale spirit producers in the state.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (not a policy bill) that formally commends Major General John Trent Kelly for his 40-year military career and congratulates him upon his retirement in May 2025. It specifically recognizes his service in the Mississippi Army National Guard, including deployments to Desert Storm and Iraq, his leadership roles, and his awards. The resolution has no policy impact or direct effect on any laws, regulations, or people beyond expressing the Mississippi House of Representatives' gratitude for his service. It was adopted and signed by the legislature in March 2025.
Maddy summaryHB 1708 authorizes Kemper County's Board of Supervisors to optionally contribute up to $5,000 annually from the county's general fund to Philadelphia Transit, a nonprofit providing public, elderly, and disabled transportation services in Kemper County and surrounding areas. The authorization expires on July 1, 2029, and does not require the county to make such contributions. This bill directly affects Kemper County's budget decisions and Philadelphia Transit's funding sources. It creates no new obligations but permits the county to support existing transit services through discretionary annual funding.
Maddy summaryHB 1268 creates the Mississippi Save Our Service Member Task Force to study mental health needs and suicide prevention for Mississippi National Guard members and veterans. The 15-member task force - including military leaders, mental health experts, and legislative representatives - will assess current services, identify gaps in support, and develop recommendations for improved mental health resources. It must submit a final report with proposed legislation and funding needs to the legislature by January 1, 2026. The bill also establishes a separate task force for first responders, but its primary focus is on military service members' mental health.
Maddy summaryHB 812 extends Mississippi's homestead property tax exemption to unremarried surviving spouses of honorably discharged veterans who were 90 years old or older when they died. This law, now signed into law by the governor, directly affects surviving spouses of eligible veterans who own their homes. The bill amends existing tax code to automatically include these surviving spouses in the exemption, which previously only applied to the veteran homeowners themselves. The exemption covers all ad valorem taxes on the home's assessed value, reducing property tax burdens for these households.
Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 86) honors two Mississippi National Guard soldiers, Chief Warrant Officer 4 Derek J. Abbott and Chief Warrant Officer 4 Bryan A. Zemek, who died in a 2024 helicopter crash by naming two new helipads at Camp Shelby's Parade Field after them: the Alpha Helipad for Abbott and the Zulu Helipad for Zemek. It memorializes their military service and sacrifice without creating new policies or funding, serving as a ceremonial tribute. The resolution was adopted by the Mississippi House of Representatives on March 17, 2025, and will be shared with their families and Camp Shelby leadership.
Maddy summaryHR 85 is a commemorative resolution naming Camp Shelby's East Gate entrance "CSM Plez William Summers III East Gate" in honor of Command Sergeant Major Plez William Summers III. It directly commemorates his service and death while on duty at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center on June 14, 2024. The resolution has no policy impact - it solely provides a formal, symbolic tribute through the gate's new designation. The bill was adopted by the Mississippi House of Representatives in March 2025.
Maddy summaryHR 87 is a commemorative resolution recognizing DeSoto County Deputy Sheriff Brian Brock for his selfless actions on March 4, 2025, when he deliberately positioned his vehicle to block an oncoming speeding car on Interstate 269, preventing a potential collision and saving other drivers. The resolution, adopted by the Mississippi House of Representatives on March 17, 2025, formally commends Brock for his courage and protects public safety, with no policy changes or funding involved. It is purely ceremonial, expressing gratitude for Brock’s actions and honoring his service.
Maddy summaryHB 580 proposes designating a specific segment of Interstate 22 in Mississippi (running through DeSoto, Marshall, Benton, Union, Pontotoc, Lee, and Itawamba Counties) and a portion of U.S. Highway 78 in Byhalia, DeSoto County, as the "Medal of Honor Trail." The bill requires the Mississippi Department of Transportation to install and maintain signs along this designated highway route. This is a ceremonial naming resolution with no substantive policy changes or direct impact on constituents beyond the symbolic recognition of veterans. The bill died in committee in March 2025 and was never enacted.
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.