Rep. Robert Sanders

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 summaryHC 37 is a ceremonial concurrent resolution recognizing Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU) on its 75th anniversary. It commends the university for its 75 years of contributions to Mississippi and the nation, highlighting its founding in 1946 as Mississippi Vocational College, its evolution into a university, and its role in providing education and vocational training. The resolution has no policy impact - it is purely a symbolic honor with no new requirements or funding. It was formally adopted by the Mississippi legislature in February 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 113 appropriates $65,550 from the state general fund to the Town of Gunnison to help provide matching funds for federal funding. The bill directly affects Gunnison's local government by enabling it to secure federal money for constructing a centralized lighted asphalt walking trail during fiscal year 2025-2026. The state funds are intended to meet federal matching requirements, with the trail project scheduled for construction starting July 1, 2025. The bill was referred to committee but did not advance further.

Maddy summaryHB 111 authorizes Mississippi to issue state bonds to provide funding for repairs, upgrades, and infrastructure improvements at the Cleveland Municipal Airport in Bolivar County. The bill directly affects the City of Cleveland, which would receive these funds to cover costs for airport facility work. The key mechanism is the state's pledge of full credit to back these bonds, with proceeds specifically restricted to airport-related expenses. The bill does not alter existing tax policies or create new government programs beyond this targeted infrastructure support.

Maddy summaryHB 112 would have authorized Mississippi to issue state bonds to fund specific local projects in Bolivar County and Cleveland. The bill proposed using bond proceeds for the Terrene Landing development near Rosedale, Great River Road State Park improvements, the Mound Bayou African-American Museum, and civil rights historical site signage in Bolivar County. It also included funding for Cleveland city projects like park upgrades, a community center/kitchen, a downtown mural, and electric vehicle charging stations. The authorization would have provided state financial support for these infrastructure and cultural initiatives without creating new state policies.

Maddy summaryHB 108 authorized Mississippi to issue state general obligation bonds to fund specific downtown improvements in Rosedale, Mississippi. The bill would have provided funds for renovating a former health department building into a new city hall, upgrading the current city hall for police use, and improving downtown infrastructure. The state would have borrowed money through these bonds (backed by the full faith and credit of Mississippi) and transferred the proceeds to a special fund for these projects. The bill died in committee on February 26, 2025, and never became law.

Maddy summaryHB 107 authorizes the State of Mississippi to issue general obligation bonds to provide funds for the City of Cleveland to cover the costs of extending Airport Terminal Road at the Cleveland Municipal Airport. The bonds, backed by the state's full faith and credit, would be sold to raise money specifically for this airport infrastructure project. Proceeds from the bond sale would be transferred to a dedicated fund and used exclusively for the road extension and related expenses. This bill creates a funding mechanism for a local infrastructure project without altering existing state laws or policies.

Maddy summaryHB 109 appropriates $183,000 from the state general fund to help the City of Cleveland, Mississippi, purchase and outfit four new police vehicles for its police department. The funding is intended to replace four existing vehicles during the 2025-2026 fiscal year (July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026). The bill directs the State Treasurer to pay the funds upon proper state authorization, with the money specifically designated for vehicle acquisition and equipment. This is a straightforward funding allocation for local law enforcement equipment, not a new policy or regulation.

Maddy summaryHB 1701 authorizes Mississippi to issue state general obligation bonds to fund construction, renovation, and upgrades at Richard M. Coleman, Sr. Recreational Park in Bolivar County. The bill would provide state funds to cover costs for park buildings, facilities, roads, and infrastructure improvements. These bonds would be paid from the state's general funds if needed, with proceeds restricted solely to the park project. The bill directly affects Bolivar County residents by enabling park enhancements through state funding. (Note: The bill died in committee on February 26, 2025, but this summary describes its intended purpose.)

Maddy summaryHB 106 authorizes the State of Mississippi to issue general obligation bonds to fund the City of Cleveland's purchase of four motor vehicles for its police department. The bill directs bond proceeds exclusively to cover the costs of these specific police vehicles, directly affecting Cleveland's police operations. Key provisions include standard bond issuance procedures, repayment from state funds if needed, and restrictions limiting use to the specified vehicle purchase. The bill died in committee on February 26, 2025, and was never enacted.