Rep. Jon Lancaster

Maddy summaryHB 729 would allow homeschool students in Mississippi to participate in public school sports, clubs, and other sanctioned extracurricular activities, provided they meet specific academic and procedural requirements. Homeschool students must submit proof of academic proficiency (like standardized test scores or a portfolio), pay the same fees as public school students, and follow the same behavioral, academic, and physical standards as their peers. School districts could apply for state funding of $2,250 per homeschool student to cover participation costs through a new Homeschool Extracurricular Activity Fund, while prohibiting discrimination in team selection and clarifying that participation is a privilege, not a right.

Maddy summaryHB 1152 allows health care facilities that converted from acute care hospitals to Rural Emergency Hospitals (REHs) to separately license their existing psychiatric inpatient beds as a distinct entity. It applies to facilities that previously surrendered their Certificate of Need (a healthcare expansion approval) for psychiatric services during the conversion. The bill requires the State Department of Health to issue a separate Certificate of Need for this new psychiatric entity, while mandating strict separation of facilities, operations, finances, and governance between the REH and the psychiatric unit. This change aims to maintain psychiatric services continuity without requiring new facility construction or reapplying for full hospital licensing.

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.

Maddy summaryHB 1507 creates a $25 million grant program administered by Mississippi's Development Authority (MDA) to provide financial assistance to local utility providers operating within the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) service area in Mississippi. The bill allocates $25 million in state bonds to fund 90% matching grants for eligible utilities, with priority for entities serving areas impacted by the March 2023 storms. A specific provision requires the Okolona Electric Department to commit to matching funds for infrastructure improvements outside its city limits before receiving grants. Future funding will come from 10% of Mississippi's annual TVA tax revenue (previously directed to the general fund), and the MDA must report annually on grant distributions.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the City of Amory, Mississippi, to collect a 2% tax on hotel room rentals and restaurant sales to fund tourism and parks and recreation projects. While the bill sets up the legal framework for this tax, it does not immediately impose it; instead, it requires the city to hold a special election where at least 60% of voters must approve an additional 1% tax to raise the total rate to 3%. The legislation also mandates that all tax money be kept in a separate account, audited annually by an independent accountant, and used strictly for the stated tourism and recreation purposes. Because the bill died in committee, these provisions have not yet taken effect, and the city currently operates under the previous tax rules established in 2019.

Maddy summaryThis resolution expresses the Mississippi House of Representatives' support for Texas Governor Greg Abbott's efforts to address border security. The text frames the situation as an invasion and calls for the transport of undocumented individuals back across the border to Mexico. It does not create any new laws or alter federal policy but serves as a symbolic statement of solidarity with Texas. The bill was referred to a committee and did not advance further.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the expiration date of a local tax authorization for the City of Houston, Mississippi, until December 31, 2028. The tax would apply to hotels, motels, and restaurants within the city, allowing local officials to collect up to 2% on room rentals and food sales to fund tourism and parks and recreation. Before the tax can be implemented, city leaders must hold a public election where at least 60% of voters must approve the measure. The bill also requires that tax funds be kept in a separate account, audited annually by an independent accountant, and used only for the specified purposes.