Rep. Robert Sanders

Maddy summaryHB 769 authorizes Mississippi to issue state general obligation bonds to fund specific local projects in Bolivar County and the City of Cleveland. The bill covers the third phase of the Terrene Landing development, improvements to Great River Road State Park, upgrades to the Mound Bayou African-American Museum, signage for Civil Rights historical sites in Bolivar County, and community projects in Cleveland including parks, a community center, a community kitchen, a mural, and electric vehicle charging stations. The state would repay these bonds using general funds, making the state responsible for the debt. This funding directly supports infrastructure, cultural preservation, and community facilities in these local areas.

Maddy summaryHB 777 appropriates $540,000 from the State General Fund to the Town of Benoit to cover costs for its 2025 road improvement project during fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). The funds directly assist Benoit town officials and residents by supporting existing road repairs and upgrades. This bill is a straightforward funding allocation with no new policy requirements or regulations. It does not create new infrastructure or alter state laws, solely providing financial support for a local project.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a law) commending Jamal Roberts, a Meridian, Mississippi native, for winning the 23rd season of *American Idol*. It formally congratulates him as the second Mississippian and second African-American male to win the competition, highlighting his musical achievements and roots. The resolution has no policy impact; it simply expresses the Mississippi House of Representatives' praise and will be sent to Roberts and the press. It does not affect any laws, regulations, or funding.

Maddy summaryHB 621 would require Mississippi's Department of Corrections to fully utilize all regional correctional facilities for housing state offenders before contracting with private prisons. Specifically, the bill mandates that the department cannot enter new private incarceration contracts until regional facilities reach 80% capacity. This would directly affect the Department of Corrections and private prison operators by prioritizing state-run facilities. The bill was introduced in 2026 but died in committee on February 3, 2026, and never became law.

Maddy summaryHB 665 would allow individuals convicted of nonviolent felonies to legally possess and use firearms or specified knives (like bowie knives or switchblades) solely for defending their residence. It directly affects people with nonviolent felony convictions who currently face firearm restrictions under Mississippi law. The bill requires applicants to prove they reside in the home where the weapon is kept, and it would override existing prohibitions for this specific home-defense use. The bill died in committee in February 2026 and would have taken effect July 1, 2026, if passed.

Maddy summaryHB 676 requires every vehicle owner in Mississippi to provide proof of minimum liability insurance coverage when registering or renewing a vehicle registration. It establishes an online verification system managed by the Department of Public Safety (replacing the Department of Revenue) to check insurance status instantly during registration. The system overrides physical insurance cards, denies registration for non-compliant vehicles, and mandates insurers to submit policy data every 30 days. This directly affects all vehicle owners and insurers operating in Mississippi, with the system required to be fully operational by 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 694 would require most new driver's license applicants in Mississippi to pass a road test demonstrating safe vehicle operation in real traffic conditions, instead of only taking a written test. The bill affects new drivers applying for their first license (including teens and adults), with alternatives available like completing a state-approved driver education course or having a parent/guardian certify 50 hours of supervised driving. The road test must be conducted in a vehicle meeting safety standards (e.g., working lights, brakes), administered by the Commissioner of Public Safety. This change, scheduled to take effect July 1, 2026, aims to ensure applicants can safely operate a vehicle in traffic.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic resolution (not a law), designating April 8-12, 2026, as "Week of the Young Child" in Mississippi. It highlights challenges in early childhood education, including low wages for childcare providers (averaging under $13/hour) and high costs for families. The resolution expresses support for investments to stabilize childcare systems but does not create new policies or funding. It died in committee on February 3, 2026, and has no direct impact on legislation or affected individuals.

Maddy summaryHB 679 would allow medical and dental professionals convicted of specific crimes - such as burglary, theft, or embezzlement - to resume practice after their licenses are reinstated by the State Board of Medical Licensure or State Board of Dental Examiners. Currently, these individuals must obtain a full pardon to practice, but the bill would replace that requirement with a board-led reinstatement process. The key change modifies Mississippi Code Section 99-19-35 to remove the automatic bar for these offenses once a license is restored. This directly affects licensed healthcare providers who previously faced permanent disqualification due to certain convictions. The bill died in committee in 2026 and was never enacted.

Maddy summaryHB 681 would remove the $50,000-per-year cap on damages for Mississippi residents wrongfully convicted and incarcerated, replacing it with unlimited compensation based on the court's finding of innocence. It requires proof of innocence through a pardon stating innocence or reversal of conviction (e.g., dismissal, new trial acquittal), excluding pre-indictment detention. The bill also maintains attorney fee provisions (up to 25% of the award) and specifies damages won't be subject to taxes or civil lawsuit caps. This bill died in committee in February 2026 and remains pending.