Maddy summaryThis bill proposes amending Mississippi's state constitution to explicitly require U.S. citizenship for voting eligibility. It would change Section 241 to state that only U.S. citizens can vote in state elections, directly affecting non-citizen residents who currently have voting rights in Mississippi. The key provision removes any ambiguity by making citizenship a mandatory requirement, replacing the current language that already specified citizenship but lacked explicit emphasis. The ballot explanation for voters would state: "This proposed constitutional amendment provides that only citizens of the United States are allowed the opportunity to vote." The bill died in committee on March 4, 2025, and did not advance to a statewide vote.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 1617, the "Tim Tebow Act," would allow homeschool students in Mississippi to join public school sports and activities like band or athletics. It requires homeschool students to provide proof of academic progress (through test scores, a portfolio, or prior school records) and follow the same rules as public school students regarding behavior, academics, and registration. The bill prohibits schools from discriminating against eligible homeschool students in team selections and states participation is a privilege, not a right. It also clarifies that schools cannot require additional documentation beyond what public students provide and specifies parents must arrange transportation. The bill died in committee in March 2025 and was never enacted.
Maddy summaryHB 1656, the STRONG Act, would provide tax benefits and health care support for Mississippi National Guard members and their families. It increases income tax exemptions for Guard and Reserve members, creates a $250 annual credit against motor vehicle taxes for service members and their spouses, and establishes a program to reimburse National Guard members for Tricare Reserve Select health insurance premiums. The Adjutant General would administer the program and report its progress to the legislature. The bill passed the legislature in February 2025 but died on calendar before becoming law.
Maddy summaryThis Mississippi state resolution (HC 32) honors James Henry Taylor, a soldier who died when Flying Tiger Line Flight 739 vanished during a secret 1962 Vietnam War mission. It specifically recognizes Taylor and the 93 Army soldiers and 11 crew members who perished, whose names are now inscribed on a granite monument in Maine unveiled by Wreaths Across America. The resolution, passed by the Mississippi legislature, formally acknowledges their sacrifice and legacy without altering any laws or policies. It directly affects Taylor’s family, including his daughter Merry Taylor-Mattix, who attended the monument dedication.
Maddy summaryHB 1037 would exempt sales of physical goods and services to churches from Mississippi's sales tax, provided the churches hold federal tax-exempt status (501(c)(3)) and use the purchases solely for religious activities like worship or spreading their faith. This change would add churches to Mississippi's existing list of tax-exempt entities, similar to hospitals and schools. The exemption applies only to goods/services directly supporting religious operations, not general church expenses. The bill was introduced but died in committee in February 2025.
Maddy summaryHB 845 was a bill appropriating $10 million from the State General Fund to the City of Olive Branch for land acquisition and engineering services related to improvements on Mississippi Highway 305 during fiscal year 2026 (July 2025-June 2026). The bill died in committee on February 26, 2025, and never became law. It did not create new policy but provided funding for a specific infrastructure project.
Maddy summaryHB 1706 allocates $1.5 million from the state general fund to the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) for fiscal year 2026. The funding specifically allows MEMA to purchase equipment that pumps or transfers drinkable water to healthcare facilities and other essential institutions during natural disasters that disrupt water systems. This bill directly affects MEMA's emergency response capabilities and ensures critical facilities can maintain water access when local systems fail due to events like floods or storms. The appropriation becomes effective July 1, 2025.
Maddy summaryThis resolution commends Captain Jimmy Wiseman of the Southaven Fire Department for his 43 years and seven months of service - the longest tenure in Southaven's history - and congratulates him upon his retirement. It recognizes his career progression from volunteer firefighter (1980) to Captain (1996), his specialized rescue expertise, and his decade-long service with Mississippi Task Force One. The resolution formally acknowledges his contributions to the city and its residents through the Mississippi House of Representatives. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no policy impact or direct effect on legislation.
Maddy summaryHB 1040 requires municipalities seeking to annex adjacent unincorporated land to hold separate elections in both the municipality and the annexation area. It mandates that if 20% of residents in the proposed annexation area petition for an election within 60 days of a municipality's annexation ordinance, voters in both locations must approve the annexation by majority vote. The bill removes the previous requirement for court approval of annexations, replacing chancery court proceedings with this direct voter referendum process. This directly affects municipalities attempting boundary expansions and residents in territories targeted for annexation.
Maddy summaryHB 876, the Mississippi Emergency Drinking Water Network Act, creates a grant program administered by MEMA to help counties and rural water systems maintain drinking water access during emergencies. It provides funding for equipment like water transport trucks, transfer systems, and training for water operators and first responders to quickly establish emergency water distribution points. The program, funded by ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds, requires projects to be completed by December 2026 and mandates annual reports to the governor and legislature. The bill died in committee on February 4, 2025, and was never enacted into law.