Rep. Justin Crosby

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $15 million from the state general fund to the Okolona Municipal Separate School District for the construction and site improvements of a new elementary school. The funds are designated for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2027. The state treasurer will disburse the funds upon proper requisitions, directly supporting the district's infrastructure project.

Maddy summaryHB 364 authorizes Mississippi to issue state bonds to fund construction of a new elementary school, playground, and related facilities for the Okolona Municipal Separate School District. The bonds would be backed by Mississippi's full credit, with proceeds used exclusively for this school project. The bill provides the legal framework for issuing and selling the bonds but does not create new policy or alter existing school operations.

Maddy summaryHB 472 appropriates $1,486,100 from the State General Fund to the City of Okolona for street overlay projects on specific city streets (Park Lane, Adams Avenue, Murphy Street, Chenault Street, Hawkins Street, Forest Drive, Lee Circle, Dawson Street, Okolona Terrace, Gatlin Street, and Hillcrest Street) during fiscal year 2027. The funds cover construction, engineering, and related costs for resurfacing these roads. This is a straightforward funding allocation with no new policy provisions or broad-reaching effects.

Maddy summaryHB 473 authorizes Mississippi to issue state bonds to fund street overlay projects in Okolona. The bill specifically covers resurfacing costs for 10 streets in Okolona (including Park Lane, Adams Avenue, and Murphy Street), covering construction, engineering, and related expenses. Funds will come from the sale of state general obligation bonds, backed by Mississippi's full credit, with proceeds directed to a special fund for these projects. The legislation directly affects Okolona residents and city infrastructure by providing state-level financial assistance for local road repairs.

Maddy summaryHB 475 appropriates $50,000 from the State General Fund to Lee and Monroe County Boards of Supervisors for the Natural Resource Camp pilot program during fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). The funding supports a pilot program created under a previous bill, though the bill text does not detail the program's specific activities. This is a straightforward funding allocation with no additional policy provisions or requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 471 authorizes Mississippi to issue state general obligation bonds to fund repairs for the Mississippi Minority Farmers Alliance's building and parking lot in Monroe County. The bonds, backed by the state's full faith and credit, would raise money specifically for these repairs, with proceeds paid directly to the Alliance. This bill creates a dedicated funding mechanism for a single organization's infrastructure needs without altering broader state policies.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a law) commending Jamal Roberts, a Meridian, Mississippi native, for winning the 23rd season of *American Idol*. It formally congratulates him as the second Mississippian and second African-American male to win the competition, highlighting his musical achievements and roots. The resolution has no policy impact; it simply expresses the Mississippi House of Representatives' praise and will be sent to Roberts and the press. It does not affect any laws, regulations, or funding.

Maddy summaryHB 464 creates the Mississippi Department of Labor, replacing the existing Department of Employment Security. It transfers all duties, powers, and funds from the old department to the new one, which will operate through five offices: Employment Security, Job Development and Training, Industry Service and Start-up Training, Employee Relations and Job Discrimination, and Disabled Employee Assistance. The bill establishes the Commissioner of Labor as an elected statewide official (starting in 2027), sets their salary, and requires the department to coordinate workforce development, job training programs, and labor-management services. This bill directly affects state workers, employers seeking workforce programs, and Mississippi residents accessing employment and labor services.

Maddy summaryHB 474 establishes a three-year pilot program for students in Lee and Monroe counties to learn about environmental stewardship, including soil, water, plants, animals, air, and land ownership. The program, administered jointly by the county boards of supervisors, will teach students the importance of maintaining a healthy environment and the economic value of property ownership. It requires annual reports to the legislature detailing participation, costs, effectiveness, and recommendations for expansion, with implementation beginning July 1, 2026, subject to available funding. The bill does not create permanent funding but sets a framework for evaluating the program's potential statewide adoption.

Maddy summaryHB 675 gives Mississippi law enforcement officers who test positive for drugs in a urine test the right to request a more reliable hair follicle test before facing termination or unpaid suspension. Officers have two business days to contest the initial test result and up to five additional days to get a hair test (paid by the officer initially, but reimbursed if negative). If the hair test is negative, the officer is reinstated immediately and reimbursed for the test cost; if positive, they keep the cost and face disciplinary action. The bill directly affects all full- or part-time law enforcement officers in Mississippi who receive a positive drug test result under current policies.