Rep. Orlando Paden

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 1988 authorizes Coahoma County's Board of Supervisors to contribute up to $100,000 from county funds during 2025 to Clarksdale-Coahoma County Ministries, Inc. (d/b/a Care Station), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. The bill specifically allows this contribution to support the organization's provision of meals, food, and assistance to county residents. This is a funding authorization for an existing service provider, not a new policy or program.

Maddy summaryHB 1935 sought to authorize Coahoma County, Mississippi, to use up to $100,000 of its American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds during fiscal year 2025 to support Clarksdale-Coahoma County Ministries (Care Station), a nonprofit providing meals and essential support to county residents. The bill would have allowed the county board of supervisors to make this specific contribution, directly benefiting the nonprofit's services for local citizens. The legislation died in committee on April 3, 2025, and did not become law.

Maddy summaryHB 1702 would have allowed Clarksdale, Mississippi to impose a 2% sales tax on businesses selling alcohol, tobacco, hemp, or marijuana. The tax required voter approval through a 60% majority in a city election and would have funded public safety programs and economic growth initiatives. Proceeds would have been deposited into Clarksdale's general fund for authorized city spending. The bill died in committee in April 2025 and did not become law.

Maddy summaryThis resolution honors Billy F. Gibbons (ZZ Top frontman) for his decades-long support of Mississippi's Delta Blues Museum and designates April 9, 2025, as "Delta Blues Museum Day" in Mississippi. It directly affects Gibbons (as the honoree) and the museum (by promoting its mission). The key mechanism is a ceremonial declaration - no new laws, funding, or obligations are created - simply urging citizens to celebrate the museum's role in preserving blues heritage. The resolution has no enforcement power and serves solely to recognize Gibbons' cultural advocacy.