Rep. Jeff Hale

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates approximately $101.5 million from state funds to support the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks for the 2025 fiscal year. The funding covers general operations, specific programs like Project WILD, and authorizes a staff of 580 employees, including 527 permanent positions. It also establishes performance targets for license sales, boat registrations, and wildlife management activities while setting strict rules to prevent salary increases without new funding. Additionally, the legislation provides a $550 annual uniform allowance for conservation officers and requires detailed financial reporting to the Legislature.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates specific segments of various state and federal highways across Mississippi as memorial roads to honor individuals who have passed away. It directly affects the Mississippi Department of Transportation, which is tasked with installing and maintaining official signs along these designated routes. The legislation names the highways after military veterans, local government officials, and community leaders, such as Lance Corporal Mac Hamburg and former Mayor Cheri M. Barry. By officially naming these roadways, the bill creates permanent public tributes to the contributions and sacrifices of these individuals within their respective communities.

Maddy summaryHB 1787 appropriates approximately $5.5 million in state funds to cover the operating expenses of the Mississippi Public Service Commission for the fiscal year 2025. The bill authorizes the agency to maintain a permanent staff of 51 employees and six time-limited positions while establishing strict rules to prevent salary increases for current workers and ensuring that general funds are not used to replace withdrawn federal money. Additionally, the legislation sets specific performance targets for the commission, such as resolving utility complaints within three days and processing a set number of regulatory cases, and requires the agency to report on its progress toward these goals.

Maddy summaryHB 1788 appropriates $2,666,616 from the State General Fund and an additional $80,000 from a special fund to cover the expenses of the Mississippi Public Utilities Staff for fiscal year 2025. The bill authorizes a permanent staff headcount of 27 employees and establishes strict rules to ensure these funds are used only for hiring new positions rather than increasing salaries for current staff. It also mandates that the agency give preference to the Mississippi Industries for the Blind when purchasing goods or services and requires detailed financial record-keeping for future budget reviews.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates approximately $272 million in state funds to support the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality for fiscal year 2025. The funding covers operational expenses and authorizes the creation of 377 new positions, including 212 permanent and 165 time-limited roles, while establishing strict rules to prevent salary increases for current employees. The legislation sets specific performance targets for the department, such as reducing air pollution advisories and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations across various sectors like water, waste, and mining. Additionally, the bill mandates detailed financial reporting and restricts the use of state vehicles to official business only.

Maddy summaryHB 1776 provides funding for the Mississippi Department of Archives and History for the 2025 fiscal year, authorizing approximately $39 million in total appropriations from state general and special funds. The bill authorizes a workforce of 165 employees, including 155 permanent positions and 10 time-limited roles, while establishing strict rules to prevent salary increases for current staff and requiring written approval for any position escalations. Specific allocations include $2 million for preserving Mississippi Landmark Properties, $100,000 for repairs at the Beauvoir Shrine, and $750,000 for maintenance of state historic buildings like the Old Capitol and War Memorial. Additional provisions mandate that the department charge maximum allowable fees for its services, give purchasing preference to the Mississippi Industries for the Blind, and ensure compliance with federal tax reporting requirements.