Rep. Jeff Hale

Maddy summaryHB 13 allocates $2,566,599 in state funds for Mississippi's Public Utilities Staff to cover expenses during fiscal year 2026 (July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026). The bill specifically provides $2,340,120 for staff salaries and benefits (including $380,713 for filling vacant positions) and $80,000 for the "Atlas Project." It strictly limits fund usage - requiring all money to stay within "Personal Services" for salaries (no transfers to other categories) and mandating compliance with state personnel salary rules and budget caps. This is a routine funding measure for existing agency operations, not a new policy.

Maddy summaryHB 1 appropriates $26.8 million for Mississippi's Department of Archives and History for fiscal year 2026 (July 2025-June 2026), primarily covering staff salaries and operations. The bill allocates $13.1 million from general funds and $13.8 million from special funds, with strict rules requiring over $12.4 million to be used solely for "Personal Services" (salaries, wages, and fringe benefits) and prohibiting the use of "Vacancy Funding" for employee raises or promotions. It also dedicates $2 million from the Mississippi Landmark Grant Fund specifically for preserving historic properties. The bill ensures funds are spent within budget limits and requires detailed accounting for all expenditures.

Maddy summaryHB 12 appropriates $5,515,418 total for Mississippi's Public Service Commission (PSC) to cover its fiscal year 2026 operating expenses, including $5,050,924 from the General Fund and $464,494 from special funds. The bill strictly limits funding for "Personal Services" (salaries, wages, and benefits) to support 51 permanent and 6 time-limited staff positions, prohibiting use for promotions or salary increases beyond approved headcounts. It requires the PSC to meet specific performance targets, such as resolving 4,600 utility complaints within 3 days and maintaining average electricity costs at 87.83% of the national average. This funding directly affects the PSC's ability to regulate utilities and handle public complaints. The bill is a routine budget allocation with no new policy changes.

Maddy summaryHB 3 appropriates $20.7 million from general funds and $252.7 million from special funds to support Mississippi's Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) for fiscal year 2026 (July 2025-June 2026). The bill directly affects DEQ staff by setting strict limits on personal services spending (including salaries and vacancies), requiring that no more than $34.6 million be used for personnel, and prohibiting fund transfers to other categories. It authorizes 13 new positions (8 permanent, 5 time-limited), such as Environmental Engineers and Geologists, while mandating detailed accounting and compliance with Mississippi’s Variable Compensation Plan. The funding aims to maintain DEQ operations without increasing personnel costs beyond the approved budget.

Maddy summaryHB 14 appropriates $44.8 million for Mississippi's State Soil and Water Conservation Commission for fiscal year 2026 (July 2025-June 2026). The funds cover the Commission's administrative expenses and programs under existing law, with $566,583 from general funds and $44,274,797 from special source funds. Key provisions restrict how personal services funds (salaries, wages, and vacancy funding) can be used, requiring strict adherence to budget limits and prohibiting their reallocation to non-salary purposes. The bill mandates detailed accounting and ensures funds align with the state's Variable Compensation Plan for employee pay. This is a routine funding measure, not a policy change, directly affecting the Commission's operational budget.

Maddy summaryHB 16 approves $30,185,481 in state funds for the Yellow Creek State Inland Port Authority to cover its fiscal year 2026 expenses (July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026). It allocates $15 million for capital projects and $50,000 for overtime pay, while requiring the authority to maintain detailed financial records and give preference to Mississippi Industries for the Blind in purchasing decisions. The bill, signed into law on June 4, 2025, is a funding appropriation with no new policy provisions.

Maddy summaryHB 4 appropriates $62,755 from state funds to cover the operating expenses of Mississippi's State Board of Registration for Foresters for fiscal year 2026 (July 2025-June 2026). The bill specifically allocates $18,626 for upgrading the board's licensing system database. It also requires the board to give preference to Mississippi Industries for the Blind when purchasing goods or equipment, following standard competitive bidding procedures. The funds must be spent within the approved budget, with strict record-keeping requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 1193 prohibits Mississippi public K-12 schools and public postsecondary institutions from maintaining diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) offices, requiring diversity statements from staff or students, or teaching "divisive concepts" related to race, sex, color, or national origin. The law bans programs favoring individuals based on protected characteristics and mandates annual reports to school boards and the legislature on incidents related to prohibited practices. It directly affects all public schools, colleges, and universities under Mississippi’s State Board of Education, Community College Board, and higher education governing bodies. Signed into law by the governor in April 2025, the bill requires institutions to base decisions solely on merit and qualifications.

Maddy summaryHB 1127 requires Mississippi state agencies administering ARPA-funded programs (such as nursing retention grants, hospital funding, and water infrastructure projects) to report quarterly on spent funds and remaining balances to subgrantees. Agencies must notify recipients within 30 days of the law's effective date and again on September 1, 2025, with combined reports due to legislative leaders by November 3, 2025. It also mandates annual reports on unspent ARPA funds by November 1, 2025, filed with the legislature by December 1, 2025. The law aims to increase transparency around federal pandemic relief spending across multiple state programs.

Maddy summaryHB 1203 prohibits camping on most public property in Mississippi, including sidewalks, streets, highways, and alleys, unless the area is specifically designated for camping by local authorities or state law. It defines "camping" to include setting up tents, sleeping bags, or other personal items and requires all camping to occur only in authorized locations. Local governments can remove camping materials after 24 hours' notice (or immediately for unsanitary or dangerous items) and must provide information about housing or health resources when removing individuals. Violations may result in penalties, but courts can consider mitigating factors like access to services when determining punishment.