Maddy summaryHB 1299 restricts health care professionals and students from performing intimate examinations (such as pelvic or breast exams) on sedated, anesthetized, or unconscious patients without specific written consent, except in emergencies, for standard care with consent, or under court order. It requires a detailed written consent form explaining the exam’s purpose, who will perform it, and whether a student will be involved, with separate consent options for professional and student-led exams. The bill mandates that providers notify patients about the exam before discharge and states violations or retaliation against reporters will lead to professional discipline by licensing boards. It explicitly excludes medical forensic exams for sexual assault investigations from these requirements. This law directly affects hospitals, clinics, and medical training programs in Mississippi, impacting patient consent processes during sedation.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 1119 (the "Representative Andy Stepp Pharmacy Benefit Prompt Pay Act") requires pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) to reimburse pharmacies at least the National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NADAC) for drugs plus a standard dispensing fee, ensuring pharmacies are paid fairly for medications. It prohibits PBMs from charging patients more than the amount retained by the pharmacy and bans PBMs from penalizing patients for choosing specific pharmacies or favoring certain pharmacies in networks. The bill also mandates clear appeal processes for pharmacies disputing low reimbursements and prohibits PBMs from retaliating against pharmacies for exercising rights under the law. These provisions directly affect PBMs, pharmacies, and patients in Mississippi by setting fair reimbursement standards and protecting patient choice.
Maddy summaryHB 865 would require Mississippi Medicaid to cover neonatal circumcision procedures for eligible infants. This change would directly affect Medicaid-eligible families with newborns, as the procedure would be fully covered without out-of-pocket costs. The bill amends Section 43-13-117 of the Mississippi Code to explicitly include circumcision as a covered service under Medicaid, similar to other medically necessary infant health procedures. This policy change would ensure consistent coverage for all Medicaid-eligible newborns in the state without requiring separate authorization.
Maddy summaryHB 1303 prohibits any sexual act between law enforcement or correctional staff and individuals in custody. It directly affects all jailers, guards, correctional employees, sheriffs, constables, and other staff working in correctional facilities or with supervisory authority over people who are incarcerated, on probation/parole, or detained. The bill explicitly bans all sexual acts (not just penetration), regardless of the individual's consent, and makes violations a felony punishable by up to $5,000 in fines or five years in prison. This amendment expands existing law to clearly cover all forms of sexual contact in custody settings. The law takes effect July 1, 2025.
Maddy summaryThis bill is a concurrent resolution that reaffirms the existence of biological differences between men and women and clarifies legal definitions of sex in Mississippi. It states that sex is determined by biological characteristics present at birth and defines terms like "woman," "man," "mother," and "father" based on these biological traits. The resolution emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between sexes in areas such as athletics, prisons, and restrooms to ensure safety and privacy. Additionally, it asserts that laws distinguishing between sexes are constitutionally permissible if they serve an important government objective. Finally, it instructs state agencies to collect data based on an individual's biological sex at birth when complying with federal reporting requirements.
Maddy summaryThis bill would allow the Lowndes County Board of Supervisors in Mississippi to increase its annual financial contribution to the United Way of the Golden Triangle Region from $130,000 to $150,000. The legislation extends the legal authorization for these donations until July 1, 2028, permitting the funds to be used for charitable programs at the county's discretion. Although the bill was referred to local legislation in March 2024, it did not advance further and ultimately died in committee.
Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes Mississippi to join the Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact, a national agreement designed to help teachers move more easily between states. The compact creates a streamlined process for teachers with valid licenses in one member state to obtain equivalent licensure in another, with special provisions to assist military spouses relocating due to their spouse's service. While the agreement establishes a framework for recognizing out-of-state credentials, each state retains the final authority to determine which licenses are equivalent and to set any additional requirements for employment. By participating, Mississippi aims to remove barriers that currently make it difficult for qualified educators to find jobs in different states.
Maddy summaryHB 1004 updates the definitions used in Mississippi's sex offender registry laws to clarify who must register, what crimes require registration, and which agencies are responsible for collecting information. The bill expands the list of registrable offenses to include various crimes involving minors and specific acts like voyeurism of children, while also clarifying that convictions from federal, military, and foreign courts count if they meet certain due process standards. It further defines key terms such as "conviction," "permanent residence," and "responsible agency" to specify that different law enforcement entities or courts handle registration depending on where an offender is released. Additionally, the legislation clarifies the jurisdictional time limits for courts to modify sentences and establishes confidentiality rules for peer review committees that oversee organ procurement organizations.
Maddy summaryThis bill updates inheritance laws to include children conceived through assisted reproduction after a parent's death. It ensures that these children are legally considered alive at the time of the parent's passing, allowing them to inherit assets just like any other child. The change applies specifically to intestate succession, which is the process of distributing property when a person dies without a will. By clarifying the legal status of posthumously conceived children, the bill removes uncertainty for families navigating estate distribution.
Maddy summaryThis bill extends the Mississippi Critical Teacher Shortage Act and updates several programs designed to help schools hire and keep teachers in areas with staffing gaps. It continues funding for moving expense reimbursements for new hires, travel costs for job interviews, and scholarships for educators pursuing advanced degrees. The legislation also allows retired teachers with at least 30 years of service to return to the classroom for up to five years while still receiving their pension, and it adjusts award criteria for existing loan repayment programs. Additionally, the bill permits school boards to use non-school-bus vehicles for transporting small groups of students on field trips.