Rep. Orlando Paden

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 is a commemorative resolution (HC 38), not a policy bill. It expresses the Mississippi legislature's deep respect for Patrick "Pete" Johnson, former State Auditor (1988-1992), and extends sympathy to his family following his death. The resolution highlights his career as Mississippi's first Republican statewide officeholder since Reconstruction, his anti-corruption work as Auditor, and his bipartisan leadership with the Delta Regional Authority. It does not create any new laws or affect any policies.

Maddy summaryHB 335 appropriates $11 million from Mississippi's Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund to the State Department of Health for the MAGnet Community Health Disparity Program, specifically to address the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on minority and disadvantaged communities in Mississippi. The program will fund initiatives like developing plans to reduce infections and deaths, improving vaccine access in underserved areas, and expanding remote monitoring for high-risk patients during the pandemic emergency. Federally Qualified Health Centers across Mississippi can apply for funding through MAGnet to implement these efforts. The funds must comply with federal guidelines for Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund spending, as outlined in the American Rescue Plan Act.

Maddy summaryHB 331 appropriates $650,000 from the State General Fund to the Town of Jonestown for costs related to expanding its Multipurpose Building. The funding supports the town's project during the 2025-2026 fiscal year (July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026) and is paid through standard state fiscal procedures. This bill directly affects the Town of Jonestown by providing financial assistance for a specific infrastructure project. It is a procedural funding measure with no policy changes or broader implications.

Maddy summaryHB 328 allocates $5 million from the State General Fund to Bolivar County's Board of Supervisors to help cover costs for the Town of Alligator's 2024 water and sewer improvement project during fiscal year 2026 (July 2025-June 2026). The funding directly assists the Town of Alligator by supporting its infrastructure upgrades, with Bolivar County administering the state funds. The bill specifies the exact amount ($5,000,000), the purpose (water/sewer project costs), and the fiscal year period, with no additional policy changes or requirements beyond the appropriation. This is a straightforward funding measure with no legislative policy implications.

Maddy summaryHB 336 appropriates $11 million from Mississippi's State General Fund to the State Department of Health for the MAGnet Community Health Disparity Program. The program directly targets minority communities disproportionately affected by COVID-19 infections and deaths, focusing on reducing racial disparities in vaccine access and implementing community-specific plans to lower infection rates. Federally Qualified Health Centers in Mississippi can apply for funding through the MAGnet Corporation to support these efforts. The funds are allocated for fiscal year 2026 (July 2025-June 2026) to address immediate health equity gaps related to the pandemic.

Maddy summaryHB 1718 would have authorized Mississippi to issue state general obligation bonds to fund repairs, renovations, and upgrades at Alcorn State University's David L. Whitney Arena Complex and Wellness Center, as well as infrastructure improvements at the Lorman, Vicksburg, and Natchez campuses. The bonds, backed by the state's full faith and credit, would provide dedicated funding for these specific projects without requiring new annual appropriations. The bill required that all bond proceeds be used exclusively for the named facility improvements and related costs, as specified in the resolution authorizing the bonds. The bill died in committee in February 2025 and did not become law.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $450,000 from the State General Fund to the Town of Alligator to cover costs for its existing 2022 water and sewer improvement project. The funds are specifically allocated for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2026. The payment will be processed through the State Treasurer upon proper requisitions, directly assisting the town in completing infrastructure work initiated in 2022.

Maddy summaryHB 480 authorizes Mississippi to issue state bonds to provide funds for the City of Clarksdale to cover costs of improvements at Martin Luther King Park. The bill directly affects Clarksdale's city government, which would use the bond proceeds for park upgrades. Key mechanisms include the State Bond Commission issuing the bonds (backed by Mississippi's full credit), transferring funds to a dedicated account, and requiring the state to cover any payment shortfalls from the state treasury if needed. The bonds must be paid per state law, with interest accruing semiannually.

Maddy summaryHB 329 appropriates $5,000,000 from the State General Fund to Coahoma County's Board of Supervisors to help cover costs for the Town of Jonestown's 2024 water and sewer improvement project during fiscal year 2026 (July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026). The funds will be paid by the State Treasurer upon proper requisitions. This bill directly assists Jonestown, Mississippi, in financing essential infrastructure upgrades to its water and sewer systems. The appropriation is a one-time payment with no additional policy changes beyond funding the specified project.