Maddy summaryHB 1767 appropriates $1,562,907 from the State General Fund and $2,690,000 from a special fund (including $1.49 million from the Education Enhancement Fund) to cover the Mississippi Arts Commission’s expenses for fiscal year 2026. The funds support the Commission’s operations, staff positions (10 permanent, 2 time-limited), and specific programs like educator training, public school arts grants, and the "Whole Schools Initiative." Strict rules govern spending, including limits on salary increases, requirements to maintain detailed records, and prohibitions on using state funds to replace federal or special funds. The bill ensures all spending complies with state appropriation laws and specifies that $1.49 million must be used for designated education and program activities.
Sponsored bills
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 summaryThis is a symbolic resolution (HR 58) commending the Columbus Christian Academy Lady Rams basketball team for winning the 2025 Mississippi Association of Independent Schools (MAIS) Class 2A Girls State Basketball Championship. It highlights their undefeated record, multiple championships, and individual player achievements, including All-Tournament selections and career points. The resolution has no policy impact - it simply expresses recognition through a formal commendation by the Mississippi House of Representatives, with no new laws, funding, or obligations created.
Maddy summaryHB 1255 increases the homestead property tax exemption for Mississippi homeowners aged 65 or older. Starting January 1, 2026, qualifying seniors will receive an exemption covering up to $12,500 of their home's assessed value (up from the current $7,500 limit for this group). This applies to primary residences (homestead property) and reduces property taxes levied for both school districts and county general funds. The change affects Mississippi residents aged 65+ who own and occupy their primary home as of the tax year.
Maddy summaryHB 1256 requires Mississippi's State Department of Education to assign a qualified licensed dyslexia therapy teacher supervisor to every county by July 2025. These supervisors must develop interventions for students diagnosed with dyslexia, implement evidence-based strategies (including the 3-Tier Instructional Model), and provide training using standards from the International Dyslexia Association. The bill also mandates a program using "dyslexia data coaches" in willing school districts to improve reading instruction, with coaches focusing on phonemic awareness, phonics, and data analysis. This directly affects students with dyslexia in Mississippi public schools, particularly those in counties identified as having the highest need based on reading assessment data.
Maddy summaryHB 255, the Second Amendment Preservation Act, prohibits Mississippi cities and counties from creating their own laws about firearms, ammunition, or related items. It invalidates all existing or future local firearm regulations unless they exactly match specific state laws on concealed carry, open carry, and firearm discharge rules. The bill also prevents local governments from suing firearm manufacturers or dealers over lawful sales, though it does not block lawsuits for negligence or defects. This law ensures state-level regulation replaces local ordinances for all firearm-related matters in Mississippi.
Maddy summaryHB 1448 would increase the daily fee paid to circuit clerks for attending court sessions from $50 to $85 per day. This change applies specifically to "each day's attendance upon the circuit court term" for clerks and necessary deputies, with counties covering the cost. The bill directly affects county governments (as payers of the fee) and circuit clerks (as recipients). The fee adjustment, if enacted, would take effect July 1, 2025. (Note: The bill died in committee and did not become law.)
Maddy summaryThis resolution expresses the Mississippi House of Representatives' support for Texas Governor Greg Abbott's efforts to address border security. The text frames the situation as an invasion and calls for the transport of undocumented individuals back across the border to Mexico. It does not create any new laws or alter federal policy but serves as a symbolic statement of solidarity with Texas. The bill was referred to a committee and did not advance further.