Rep. Cheikh Taylor

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Mississippi public schools to incorporate financial literacy into the curriculum for grades 6-8 starting in the 2027-2028 school year. It also mandates that all high school students pass either a half-credit personal finance course or a full-credit course where at least half focuses on financial literacy to graduate, beginning with the 2032 graduating class. The law directly affects all Mississippi public schools (including charter schools) and students in grades 6-12. It amends existing education law to formalize these requirements, focusing on practical financial skills like budgeting and credit management.

Maddy summarySB 2292 requires all Mississippi public and charter schools to teach civics courses starting in 8th grade and before 12th grade, beginning with the 2027-2028 school year. The bill mandates instruction on U.S. and Mississippi constitutions, government structures (including federalism and separation of powers), historical context, critical thinking skills, and civil discourse. The State Department of Education will develop and update curriculum standards to align with current civics scholarship, renaming existing U.S. Government courses to "United States Government and Civics." This policy directly affects all K-12 students and school staff in Mississippi's public and charter schools.

Maddy summaryHB 788 modifies Mississippi's election rules to allow voters who are not registered in the jurisdiction they are voting in (but are otherwise eligible) to cast an affidavit ballot. This ballot will be used as their official voter registration, adding them to the statewide voter rolls as if they had completed a standard registration form. The bill also allows the affidavit ballot to serve as a written request to transfer voting precincts or wards, and automatically reactivates voters who were placed on inactive status (due to a confirmation notice) after they cast such a ballot. These changes aim to streamline voter registration and address common issues at polling places.

Maddy summarySB 2571 requires Mississippi's child protection agency to check within 60 days of a child entering foster care whether they qualify for federal benefits (like Social Security survivors' benefits), and to apply for those benefits on their behalf. It mandates the agency to manage these funds in special accounts (e.g., ABLE accounts) and create a "Success Sequence Savings Plan" allowing youth to access portions of conserved benefits upon reaching milestones like high school graduation, obtaining a driver's license, or enrolling in postsecondary education. The agency must provide annual accountings, ensure funds aren't used for general care costs, and release remaining funds to the youth at age 18 or upon aging out of foster care. This directly affects all Mississippi foster youth by securing their earned federal benefits and providing structured financial support for independence.

Maddy summarySB 2678 changes how long unemployed workers in Mississippi can receive benefits. It ties the maximum number of weekly benefit weeks directly to the state's average unemployment rate over the previous three months, using specific thresholds: 12 weeks at or below 5% unemployment, 16 weeks between 5-7%, 20 weeks between 7-10%, and 26 weeks above 10%. The Mississippi Department of Employment Security must publish monthly unemployment rates and corresponding benefit weeks on its website. This bill affects all individuals filing initial unemployment claims starting July 1, 2026, when it takes effect.

Maddy summarySB 3190 would exempt retail sales of firearm safes from Mississippi's state sales tax. This means consumers purchasing firearm safes would no longer pay the 7% state sales tax on these items. The bill amends Section 27-65-111 of the Mississippi Code to add firearm safes to the existing list of tax-exempt items, such as medical supplies and educational materials. This change directly affects firearm safety retailers and consumers who buy safes for home or business storage.

Maddy summarySB 3232 appropriates $4.5 million from the state General Fund to Neshoba County General Hospital for costs related to establishing a nursing school in partnership with Mississippi University for Women (MUW). The funding covers expenses for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2027. This bill directly supports the hospital and MUW in developing the nursing program through state financial assistance. It is a straightforward funding measure with no policy changes beyond the specified appropriation.

Maddy summaryHB 1885 appropriates $7 million from Mississippi’s State General Fund to the Youth Court Support Fund for fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). The funding directly supports staff salaries and equipment for youth courts across the state. This bill makes no new policy changes but provides dedicated financial resources to maintain existing youth court operations. It affects all youth courts in Mississippi by ensuring they have necessary personnel and tools to function. The appropriation is effective July 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 2861 increases Mississippi's income tax credit for private landowners who plant eligible trees (pine or hardwood) using approved reforestation methods like seedling planting, mixed-stand regeneration, or direct seeding. It raises the annual credit limit to $20,000 per taxpayer (with a lifetime cap of $125,000) for costs related to these practices on nonindustrial private lands. Landowners must follow a written reforestation plan verified by a certified forester and cannot claim the credit if they received state/federal cost-share funds for the same work (unless their income is below federal earned income levels). The bill takes effect July 1, 2026, directly benefiting private forest landowners seeking tax savings for sustainable tree planting.

Maddy summarySB 2866 creates a Mississippi income tax credit for taxpayers who make cash donations to eligible charities serving people with disabilities. The credit covers up to 50% of a taxpayer’s state income tax liability, with unused portions carryable forward for five years. To qualify, charities must be 501(c)(3) organizations spending at least 50% of their budget on services to disabled individuals in Mississippi, provide proof of this spending, and certify they do not support abortion services. Taxpayers must report donations to the state revenue department, and charities must submit annual certification to maintain eligibility.