Maddy summaryHB 1398 amends Mississippi law to require municipal judges to serve fixed terms that align with the terms of the municipal governing authorities (like city councils) that appoint them. It also states that a municipal judge must forfeit their position and become ineligible to serve if they lose qualifications for any reason (e.g., failing to meet residency or legal requirements). The bill affects all cities with municipal judges, particularly those with populations over 10,000, by standardizing their terms and adding accountability for maintaining eligibility. This change applies to existing appointment rules under Sections 21-23-3, 21-23-5, and 21-23-9 of Mississippi Code. The bill died in committee in March 2025 and was never enacted.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 1368 requires the Mississippi Real Estate Commission to provide written notice to real estate brokers, salespersons, or nonresident licensees at least five business days before any change to their license. It changes the standard of proof in disciplinary hearings from "preponderance of the evidence" to "clear and convincing" for alleged violations of licensing laws. The bill also establishes specific time frames for the Commission to resolve complaints against licensees, aiming to streamline disciplinary processes. These changes directly affect licensed real estate professionals in Mississippi facing potential license modifications or disciplinary actions.
Maddy summaryHB 1405 requires Mississippi's Division of Tourism (MDA) to create a "Gospel Music Trail" featuring a structured tour of historical sites and performance venues related to gospel music. The bill mandates the tourism division to inventory relevant locations, install approved historical markers at key sites (with DOT cooperation), and coordinate with preservation programs to identify National Register-eligible properties. It directs the division to submit a comprehensive marketing plan report to the legislature by 2026. The trail would primarily benefit tourists and targeted groups seeking Mississippi's gospel music heritage, focusing on cultural tourism infrastructure.
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 summaryHB 1850 creates a property tax exemption for Mississippi homeowners and property owners whose assessed value increases by more than 5% in a single year starting in 2026. Specifically, the portion of a property's value exceeding a 5% annual increase is exempt from ad valorem (property) taxes, but this exemption does not apply to value increases from construction, renovations, or improvements - except those enhancing energy efficiency, safety, or access. It also excludes the first year when a property's use or classification changes (e.g., from residential to commercial). The bill applies to all property types and adds this exemption to existing tax breaks without altering how property value is calculated.
Maddy summaryHB 1543 updates Mississippi's Youth Court Information Delivery System (MYCIDS) and related court procedures. It delays the repeal of specific youth court record confidentiality rules (set for July 2026) and requires courts to use competitive bidding for multiyear contracts for web-based MYCIDS applications. The bill also revises court interpreter programs to ensure language access for limited English proficient individuals in all courts, clarifies interpreter ethics requirements, and mandates annual reporting by courts. These changes directly affect Mississippi youth courts, county officials, and individuals needing interpreter services in court proceedings.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a substantive bill) commending the Choctaw County High School "Chargers" football team for winning the 2024 MHSAA Class 3A championship - their first state title. The resolution formally congratulates the team, coach, and school on this achievement, which included a 14-1 season record and school-record statistics. It does not create new laws or policies; it solely expresses legislative recognition. The resolution was adopted and signed by the Mississippi House of Representatives on February 7, 2025.
Maddy summaryHB 1359 allows Mississippi vehicle owners to reuse license plates when purchasing or selling a vehicle under specific conditions. It permits owners to keep plates from a traded-in vehicle (when buying from a dealer) or from a privately sold vehicle and apply them to a new vehicle they register, provided the plates match the new vehicle's series, type, and are issued for the same county. The bill modifies existing law to clarify that plates can be reused without surrendering them to the state, as long as the vehicle type and county registration align. This directly affects vehicle owners who buy, sell, or trade vehicles within Mississippi. The change simplifies plate management but does not alter registration fees or tax requirements.
Maddy summaryHB 1403 would allow government-owned fire department vehicles weighing over 24,000 pounds to display blue lights (in addition to red and white) during emergency calls, subject to three conditions: written authorization from the fire chief, display only on the rear of the vehicle, and compliance with emergency response protocols. This change specifically applies to full-time government fire vehicles, excluding volunteer departments that receive state funds under Section 83-1-39. The bill amends existing Mississippi law to align vehicle lighting rules for fire departments with those already permitted for police and emergency vehicles. It would take effect July 1, 2025, if passed.
Maddy summaryHB 1446 requires Mississippi courts and county boards of supervisors to use competitive bidding before entering multiyear contracts for web-based applications used with the Mississippi Youth Court Information System (MYCIDS). This directly affects local courts and county governments purchasing such technology. The bill mandates soliciting quotes from pre-approved providers listed by the Department of Information Technology Services, with sealed bids opened publicly after 28 days, and prohibits contracts exceeding five years without price adjustments every two years. Related amendments update court interpreter rules to clarify language access requirements, interpreter ethics, and funding for interpreters in all court proceedings.