Rep. Doc Harris

Maddy summaryHR 87 is a commemorative resolution recognizing DeSoto County Deputy Sheriff Brian Brock for his selfless actions on March 4, 2025, when he deliberately positioned his vehicle to block an oncoming speeding car on Interstate 269, preventing a potential collision and saving other drivers. The resolution, adopted by the Mississippi House of Representatives on March 17, 2025, formally commends Brock for his courage and protects public safety, with no policy changes or funding involved. It is purely ceremonial, expressing gratitude for Brock’s actions and honoring his service.

Maddy summaryHB 553 would have required all hunters aged 16+ to purchase a Mississippi Wild Turkey Stamp (or its digital equivalent) to legally hunt wild turkeys in the state. The bill set fees at $10 for residents and $100 for non-residents, with all revenue dedicated to turkey conservation projects like habitat restoration (not administrative costs). Violations would have carried fines of $25-$100, though penalties could be waived if hunters proved prior stamp purchase. This bill "died in committee" on March 4, 2025, and never became law.

Maddy summaryHB 1081 declares that parents have a fundamental right to direct their children's upbringing, education, care, and control. It prohibits Mississippi state agencies and local governments from infringing on this right unless a narrowly tailored law serves a compelling state interest using the least restrictive means. The bill would have applied to all parents and state entities like schools or child welfare agencies, limiting their ability to intervene in family decisions. However, the bill "died in committee" on March 4, 2025, and did not become law, so these provisions never took effect. (Note: The bill was pending but not enacted as of the provided status.)

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 1255 increases the homestead property tax exemption for Mississippi homeowners aged 65 or older. Starting January 1, 2026, qualifying seniors will receive an exemption covering up to $12,500 of their home's assessed value (up from the current $7,500 limit for this group). This applies to primary residences (homestead property) and reduces property taxes levied for both school districts and county general funds. The change affects Mississippi residents aged 65+ who own and occupy their primary home as of the tax year.

Maddy summaryHB 209 appropriates $10 million from the State General Fund to the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) for fiscal year 2026. The funds will directly assist in widening the lanes of the bridge over Mississippi Highway 78 in Olive Branch, addressing infrastructure needs for local traffic. This is a funding measure with no new policy provisions, solely providing financial support for a specific bridge upgrade project.

Maddy summaryHB 710 would exempt sales of both children's and adult diapers from Mississippi's sales tax. This change directly affects consumers who purchase these essential items, including low-income families and elderly individuals requiring adult diapers. The bill amends existing tax law to add diapers to the list of exempt items, similar to how food and medical supplies are currently treated. It does not change other tax rules but removes a tax burden specifically on these hygiene products. The bill died in committee in February 2025 and was never enacted.

Maddy summaryHB 391 allocates $200,000 from the State General Fund to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety for updating the basic jail officer training curriculum. This funding supports the Board on Jail Officer Standards and Training in revising its course materials for fiscal year 2026 (July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026). The bill does not create new requirements but provides resources to modernize existing training standards for jail officers. It directly affects the state's jail officer training program and the Board on Jail Officer Standards and Training.

Maddy summaryHB 554 authorizes the State of Mississippi to issue general obligation bonds to provide funds for the Town of Byhalia to repair and renovate the Byhalia Old School Commons building. The bill creates a special fund for these bonds, which would be paid by the state treasury if needed, and specifies that bond proceeds must be used solely for the building project's costs. This legislation directly affects the Town of Byhalia by providing state financial assistance for a specific local infrastructure project. The key mechanism is the state's issuance of bonds backed by its full credit, with no additional legislative steps required beyond the commission's resolution.