Rep. Jeff Hale

Maddy summaryHB 1578 requires all Mississippi public school districts to adopt policies addressing online safety risks, including social media predators, grooming, and human trafficking, by October 2028. It mandates the State Board of Education to create a model policy by July 2027, covering definitions, safety planning, reporting procedures, staff training, and parent/student education. Schools must integrate age-appropriate lessons on healthy relationships and social media dangers into health courses for grades K-12, using state-approved materials. The policy must be included in school discipline codes and distributed to students and parents annually.

Maddy summaryHB 1993 allocates $3 million from Mississippi's State General Fund to the existing Mississippi Volunteer Firefighter Length-of-Service Awards Program Fund for fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). This funding supports the program established under Mississippi Code § 45-11-271, which provides monetary awards to volunteer firefighters based on years of service. The bill directly affects Mississippi's volunteer firefighters by ensuring continued funding for these service-based recognition awards. It is a straightforward budget allocation with no new policy changes, solely directing existing state funds to an established program.

Maddy summaryHB 848 appropriates $1.5 million from the State General Fund to the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) for fiscal year 2027. The funding will specifically purchase equipment to pump or transfer drinkable water to healthcare facilities and other essential institutions during natural disaster-related water system failures. This bill directly supports MEMA’s emergency response capabilities by ensuring access to safe water for critical services when disasters disrupt regular water systems. The appropriation becomes effective July 1, 2026, and covers only equipment acquisition for water emergencies.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the State of Mississippi to issue general obligation bonds to help the City of Olive Branch fund repairs, renovations, and upgrades to the historic Maples Methodist Church building. The funds will be used to convert the church into a community events center and theater for public use. The State Bond Commission will manage the bond sale process, and the state pledges its full faith and credit to repay the bond principal and interest.

Maddy summaryHB 1327 appropriates $2.2 million from the Mississippi state general fund to the Mississippi Wireless Information Network for constructing a communication tower in Marshall County during fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). The funding directly supports the tower's construction costs, which will enhance communication infrastructure in Marshall County. The appropriation is paid through standard state fiscal processes upon proper requisitions, as specified in the bill.

Maddy summaryHB 1652 requires Mississippi municipalities and counties to return leftover funds and earned interest from certain local improvement projects to the state's Capital Expense Fund. It sets deadlines: unspent funds must be returned within 30 days if no project agreement exists, or within three years (with a possible six-month extension) after an agreement is signed. If funds aren't returned, the state can withhold 10% of future sales tax payments to the entity until the funds are recovered. This bill updates existing state laws to enforce these return requirements and recovery procedures for funds originally allocated under Chapter 102, Laws of 2021.

Maddy summaryHB 436 increases Mississippi's speed limits on state highways to 70 mph (from 65 mph) and on interstate highways to 75 mph (from 70 mph), effective July 1, 2026. The bill directly affects all drivers using these roads by raising the legal maximum speeds. Key provisions include amending Section 63-3-501 of the Mississippi Code to set these new limits, with the Mississippi Transportation Commission retaining authority to adjust specific sections within these caps. The change applies broadly to public highways without targeting specific vehicle types or user groups.

Maddy summaryHB 528 increases penalties for possessing fentanyl and fentanyl-related substances in Mississippi. It modifies Section 41-29-139 to impose harsher sentences, such as 3-20 years in prison (up from prior limits) for possessing 2+ grams or 10+ dosage units, and 5-30 years for 10-30 grams. The bill directly affects individuals caught with fentanyl, raising fines to $250,000 for moderate amounts and $500,000 for larger quantities. These changes apply specifically to fentanyl, not other controlled substances, and aim to strengthen criminal penalties for this opioid. The bill does not alter possession laws for marijuana, synthetic cannabinoids, or other drugs listed in the code.

Maddy summaryHB 1326 would allow year-round retail sales of consumer fireworks in Mississippi, but only for stores meeting strict conditions: they must operate in standalone buildings of at least 8,000 square feet with automatic sprinklers, use age/location verification software, be within 0.5 miles of an interstate highway, and have been open before the law's effective date. The bill amends existing law to create this exception while preserving current rules for wholesale fireworks storage (requiring fireproof rooms and extinguishers) and penalties for violations (fines up to $5,000 for repeat offenses). It directly affects retailers meeting all five criteria, not all businesses. The law would take effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 927 restructures the employment and governance of Mississippi's School for Mathematics and Science (MSMS). It transitions administrative and instructional staff to direct contracts with MSMS (replacing state employment), requires written contracts for these roles, and allows noninstructional staff to be hired or fired without cause by the Executive Director. The bill also exempts MSMS equipment purchases from public procurement rules, creates an 11-member advisory council to advise the State Board of Education on school planning, and expands 10th-grade enrollment options at MSMS when space is available. These changes take effect July 1, 2026.