Rep. Karl Gibbs

Maddy summaryHB 921 authorizes Mississippi to issue state bonds to fund repairs, renovation, reconstruction, and restoration of the Poultry Sciences Academic Research Center at Alcorn State University. The bonds, backed by the state's full credit, will be sold by the State Bond Commission, with proceeds deposited into a special fund for the project. This directly affects Alcorn State University (as the recipient of the funds) and Mississippi taxpayers (as the state guarantees repayment). The bill specifies that bond payments will be covered by state funds if needed, ensuring the project's financing without requiring additional legislative appropriations.

Maddy summaryHB 916 authorizes Mississippi to issue state general obligation bonds to fund repairs, renovations, and upgrades to campus buildings, facilities, and infrastructure at Alcorn State University's Lorman, Vicksburg, and Natchez campuses. The bonds, backed by Mississippi's full credit, would be sold by the State Bond Commission and repaid using state treasury funds if needed. Proceeds would be deposited into a dedicated special fund for campus improvements. This bill directly affects Alcorn State University's three campuses and their students, faculty, and operations by providing funding for physical infrastructure upgrades.

Maddy summaryHB 919 authorizes Mississippi to issue state general obligation bonds to fund the construction, equipment, and furnishing of a Science, Technology, Engineering, Agriculture, and Math (STEAM) Outreach Center at Alcorn State University. The bonds would be paid from state funds, with the full faith and credit of Mississippi pledged for repayment. This directly affects Alcorn State University by providing capital for a new facility focused on STEAM education and community outreach. The bill creates a dedicated fund to disburse bond proceeds specifically for this center’s construction, with no mention of operational costs or staffing.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a policy bill) commemorating Alcorn State University's 155th anniversary. It honors the university as America's first Historically Black Land-Grant University, founded in 1871, and recognizes its historical significance, economic impact ($187 million annually), and role in producing leaders. The resolution expresses the Mississippi House of Representatives' commendation and celebrates the institution's legacy without creating new laws or affecting any policies.

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 918 revises how payments from nuclear power plants (like Mississippi's Grand Gulf plant) replace local property taxes. It requires utilities to pay 2% of the plant's assessed value annually (minimum $20 million per year until 2026), with excess payments beyond $16 million distributed as $3.04 million yearly to counties where the plants are located. The bill updates the formula for allocating these payments, ensuring counties receive a fixed annual amount from the excess funds. This directly affects nuclear plant operators and the counties hosting these facilities, changing how tax-equivalent payments are distributed. The policy change applies to qualifying plants licensed to operate through 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 920 reclassifies Alcorn State University's president's residence from commercial to residential property. This change allows licensed residential builders (under Mississippi law) to perform construction or improvements on the residence without being restricted by standard height and square footage limits for residential dwellings. The bill directly affects Alcorn State University's president and the university's ability to hire qualified residential builders for the president's home. It amends two sections of Mississippi law to align with this reclassification, specifically removing limitations that previously applied to such properties. The bill makes a procedural adjustment to property classification for a single university residence, with no broader policy changes.

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 summaryHR 56 is a ceremonial resolution passed by the Mississippi House of Representatives to commemorate the 155th anniversary of Hiram Rhodes Revels becoming the first African American elected to the U.S. Senate in 1870. It honors his legacy as a pioneering legislator, pastor, and educator who served Mississippi and the nation, including his historic 1870 Senate term and role as the first president of Alcorn University. The resolution formally acknowledges his contributions through a state legislative declaration, with copies sent to his descendants and the press. It has no policy impact or funding provisions - it is purely a commemorative gesture recognizing historical significance.

Maddy summaryHB 1677 authorizes Mississippi to issue state general obligation bonds to fund the construction, equipment, and operation of a Science, Technology, Engineering, Agriculture, and Math (STEAM) outreach center at Alcorn State University. The bill specifies that bond proceeds would cover all project costs, including construction and equipment, and are backed by the full credit of the Mississippi state government. This funding mechanism would directly support Alcorn State University's facility development. The bill was referred to the Ways and Means committee but died there on February 26, 2025.