Rep. Doc Harris

Maddy summaryHB 525 creates mandatory minimum prison sentences for sexual battery convictions in Mississippi, directly affecting individuals convicted of this crime and their victims. The bill sets specific minimum terms: 5 years for first offenses involving victims under 16, 10 years for repeat offenses, and life imprisonment for certain cases under Section 97-3-95(1)(d). It also requires courts to issue criminal sexual assault protection orders prohibiting offender-victim contact, mandating registry entry within 24 hours and a minimum 2-year duration post-sentence. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, and applies to all sexual battery convictions under the amended statute.

Maddy summaryHB 420 increases homestead tax exemptions for Mississippi veterans aged 85 or older who were honorably discharged, and their unremarried surviving spouses. Currently, most homeowners receive capped tax exemptions (up to $288 for properties valued at $7,200+), but this bill removes that cap for eligible veterans and surviving spouses. It ensures they receive full exemption from all property taxes on the entire assessed value of their homestead property, not just a portion. This change directly affects qualifying elderly veterans and their surviving spouses who own homes in Mississippi. The bill amends Mississippi Code Section 27-33-75 to expand existing veteran homestead protections.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a policy bill) commending the Mississippi Forestry Commission for its 100th anniversary. It formally honors the agency's century of service since its 1926 founding, recognizing its role in wildfire protection, forest management, and supporting Mississippi's economy and environment. The resolution has no policy impact - it simply expresses legislative appreciation through a formal commendation. It does not affect any individuals, programs, or laws.

Maddy summaryHB 1402 designates a one-mile segment of Mississippi Highway 537 in Yazoo County as the "Colonel Donnell Berry Memorial Highway" to honor Colonel Donnell Berry. The Mississippi Department of Transportation will install and maintain signage along this highway segment. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2026. This is a commemorative designation with no policy or funding changes.

Maddy summaryHB 1085 creates a program to reimburse Mississippi National Guard members for costs of Tricare Reserve Select health coverage and Tricare Dental premiums. It directly affects Guard members who pay these premiums themselves and do not have health/dental coverage through a civilian employer. The Mississippi Military Department will administer the program, using funds approved annually by the legislature, and must report yearly on participation and program effectiveness to the legislature. The bill ensures state reimbursement only covers premiums not already covered by federal sources.

Maddy summaryHB 389 requires Mississippi schools to accept a parent's or guardian's current Mississippi automobile registration as proof of residency when enrolling students whose families are on active military duty. It specifically applies to military-connected students whose parents are stationed at or transferring to a military installation in Mississippi. If a parent does not own a vehicle, they must submit a signed affidavit affirming the student's residence at the enrolled school district's address. Schools may also request additional documents like utility bills or lease agreements for verification. The bill does not change enrollment rules for non-military students.

Maddy summaryHB 647 designates November 9 as Gold Star Father's Day in Mississippi, honoring fathers who lost children or had children permanently disabled in military service. The bill adds this day to Mississippi’s calendar of commemorative observances, similar to existing days like Elvis Presley Day. It does not create a legal holiday but establishes a day for recognition and remembrance of Gold Star Fathers’ sacrifices. The designation takes effect January 1, 2026, as part of the state’s official observances.

Maddy summaryHB 419 increases Mississippi's homestead property tax exemption for a specific group: unremarried surviving spouses of veterans who were honorably discharged and are 85 years or older. The bill amends existing law to grant these individuals a full exemption from all ad valorem taxes on their homestead property's assessed value, rather than a partial reduction. This expands the current homestead exemption program to include this veteran spouse demographic, providing complete tax relief on their primary residence. The exemption applies to the entire assessed value of their home, not just a portion of it.

Maddy summaryHB 693 increases the amount of National Guard compensation excluded from Mississippi's state income tax from $15,000 to $25,000 annually. This change directly affects Mississippi National Guard members whose state income tax calculations exclude this portion of their military pay. The bill amends Section 27-7-15 of Mississippi's tax code to adjust the exclusion threshold for active-duty National Guard compensation. This is a specific tax code adjustment with no new programs or funding mechanisms. The policy change reduces taxable income for eligible National Guard members by $10,000 per year.

Maddy summaryHB 826 appropriates $10 million from the state general fund to the City of Olive Branch for land acquisition and engineering services related to Highway 305 improvements. The funds are specifically for fiscal year 2027 (July 2026-June 2027) and will cover costs associated with acquiring property and hiring engineering services to make physical improvements to the highway. This bill directly affects the City of Olive Branch and contractors involved in the highway project, with no broader policy changes or affected populations beyond the specified infrastructure work. The appropriation requires payment through state fiscal channels as outlined in the bill.