Rep. Otis Anthony

Maddy summaryHB 1003 revises Mississippi law to criminalize the *intentional transmission* of serious non-airborne infectious diseases (like HIV or hepatitis) instead of merely exposing others. It requires proof of specific intent to transmit and adds defenses, such as if the affected person knew the disease status beforehand or if transmission didn’t occur. The bill defines "substantial risk" using medical evidence and clarifies that failing to use protection (like condoms) alone doesn’t prove intent. It sets misdemeanor penalties (up to 1 year in jail or $1,000 fine) and includes specific provisions for transmission to corrections staff, visitors, or inmates. The bill died in committee in February 2026 and was never enacted.

Maddy summaryHB 1064 would establish a "Noncustodial Parents' Bill of Rights and Responsibilities" for all noncustodial parents in Mississippi, requiring the Department of Human Services to provide specific notification rights and communication access. Key provisions include advance notice of child support modifications, court hearings, and meetings about the child, plus 24/7 access to contact department staff. The bill also includes updated procedures for voluntary paternity acknowledgments at birth but centers on enhancing noncustodial parents' information and communication rights. This legislation, which died in committee in February 2026, did not become law.

Maddy summaryHB 1098 proposed renaming Mississippi's Ross Barnett Reservoir to "B.B. King Reservoir," affecting areas spanning Hinds, Rankin, Madison, Scott, and Leake counties. The bill required the Department of Finance and Administration, with the Pearl River Valley Water Supply District, to install signage and plaques highlighting B.B. King's background and service to the state. It also mandated updating signage at the reservoir's control tower using existing legislative funds. The bill died in committee on February 3, 2026, and was never enacted.

Maddy summaryHB 1161 would have allowed licensed barbers in Mississippi to operate mobile barbershops - transportable units providing barbering services at various locations - subject to specific regulations. It required barbers to obtain annual permits from the State Board of Barber Examiners, undergo inspections before operating, maintain detailed records of service locations, and stay physically present during all services. The bill also mandated annual renewals, prohibited permit transfers, and required compliance with health and safety regulations. Despite passing committee referral in early 2026, it died in committee on February 3, 2026, and never became law. The proposed effective date was July 1, 2026, if enacted.

Maddy summaryThis bill would require large financial institutions (with over $10 billion in assets or annual transactions) to provide customers with specific written explanations when denying or restricting services like checking accounts, loans, or payment services. It prohibits discrimination based on religion, political speech, or lawful economic activities - such as donating to a cause or exercising free speech - while excluding insurance and securities. Customers could request these explanations within 90 days of an adverse action, and institutions would have 30 days to detail the specific reasons (not just generic policies) for the decision. The bill applies only to covered financial services and includes exceptions for standard account issues like inactivity or legal restrictions.

Maddy summaryHB 1681 creates the Maternal and Family Transportation Program to provide free transportation for pregnant women, new mothers (up to 18 months postpartum), and families with children under six. The program covers trips to medical appointments, WIC services, pharmacies, grocery stores for WIC redemptions, and childcare centers. The State Department of Health will administer the program, requiring transportation providers to meet safety standards (like child car seats and driver training) and use a mobile app for ride tracking and appointment reminders. This aims to reduce transportation barriers contributing to Mississippi’s high maternal and infant health disparities.

Maddy summaryHB 1742 would have required Mississippi's Department of Corrections to provide body-worn cameras to correctional officers during activities involving controlling, directing, or monitoring inmates. The bill mandated that cameras be worn on uniform, kept operational, and maintained in working order during these duties. It specified the cameras must record both audio and video and was scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2026. However, the bill died in committee on February 3, 2026, and never became law.

Maddy summaryHB 1726 would allow Mississippi's Department of Child Protection Services (DCPS) to formally contract with licensed private child placement agencies to help with adoption services. This amendment explicitly adds the power to work with such agencies for adoption-related tasks, building on DCPS's existing authority to contract for other services. The bill directly affects DCPS and licensed private adoption agencies by clarifying their ability to collaborate on adoption programs. It does not change existing adoption processes but provides a specific legal basis for DCPS to partner with private agencies to support families seeking adoptions. The bill died in committee on February 3, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 1733 would have established a State Correctional Facilities Monitoring Unit within Mississippi's Department of Public Safety. The unit would conduct regular inspections of all state and privately operated correctional facilities, investigate inmate complaints, review facility procedures, and provide confidential reports to the Governor and Legislature every quarter. It would directly affect inmates, facility staff, and the Department of Public Safety by requiring facilities to comply with state/federal laws and best practices. The bill died in committee on February 3, 2026, and never became law.

Maddy summaryHB 1748 removes a requirement that certain state officials, including the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and legislators, provide advance notice to the Corrections Commissioner before visiting state prisons. The bill eliminates the existing rule that mandated this notification for officials observing prison operations or speaking with inmates. This change simplifies access for these officials to conduct oversight visits without prior scheduling with prison leadership. The bill was introduced but died in committee in 2026, so it did not become law.