Rep. Dana McLean

Maddy summaryHB 17 creates the Mississippi Childcare Teachers Shortage Task Force to study the state's childcare worker shortage and identify solutions to increase affordable childcare access. The task force, composed of legislators, state agency directors, and community representatives, will examine wage incentives, review other states' approaches, and recommend strategies to support childcare educators. It must submit a final report to key state officials by December 1, 2026, after which the task force will dissolve. The bill does not enact immediate policy changes but establishes a process for future recommendations.

Maddy summaryHB 1165 changes Mississippi law to transfer jurisdiction for certain firearm-related offenses involving minors to the circuit court (adult court) instead of the youth court. Specifically, if a minor violates laws about carrying concealed weapons (Section 97-37-1) or firearm possession (Section 97-37-14) and that violation is part of a felony, the case will be handled by the circuit court. This affects youth charged with these specific offenses, meaning they will face adult court proceedings for such cases. The bill also includes a separate provision increasing penalties for selling stolen firearms to minors, but the primary focus is on shifting jurisdiction for these firearm charges.

Maddy summaryHB 1205 removes a requirement that parents sign a confidentiality pledge before mediation begins for disputes about special education services under IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act). This change aligns Mississippi's state law with federal policy, directly affecting students with disabilities and their families who use mediation to resolve disagreements about educational evaluations, placements, or services. The bill modifies Section 37-23-141 to eliminate the pre-mediation signature step while keeping other mediation rules intact, such as voluntary participation, confidentiality during sessions, and state-funded costs. The change aims to streamline the process without altering the core mediation structure.

Maddy summaryHB 1678 establishes the Mississippi Youth and Family Systems Coordination Task Force to develop coordinated, research-based strategies for improving youth outcomes in juvenile justice and behavioral health systems. The task force, composed of 24 members including at least 12 youth or individuals with lived experience, will meet monthly and submit an annual report to the Governor and Legislature starting December 1, 2027. It operates solely as an advisory body without regulatory authority, and the Department of Mental Health will provide administrative support. The bill does not change existing laws governing Youth Courts or state agency responsibilities.

Maddy summaryHB 999 establishes the Mississippi Parkinson's Disease Research Registry within the State Department of Health to track the incidence and prevalence of Parkinson's disease and related conditions (Parkinsonisms) across the state. It requires movement disorder centers and certified healthcare providers treating these conditions to submit patient data to the registry starting January 1, 2027, with patients able to opt out of data collection. The registry will collect epidemiological data while keeping all information confidential, and the Department must make anonymized data available to approved researchers. The bill also mandates public website updates, annual reports to health committees, and requires the State Health Officer to appoint an advisory committee with patient and medical expertise to guide the registry.

Maddy summaryHB 1578 requires all Mississippi public school districts to adopt policies addressing online safety risks, including social media predators, grooming, and human trafficking, by October 2028. It mandates the State Board of Education to create a model policy by July 2027, covering definitions, safety planning, reporting procedures, staff training, and parent/student education. Schools must integrate age-appropriate lessons on healthy relationships and social media dangers into health courses for grades K-12, using state-approved materials. The policy must be included in school discipline codes and distributed to students and parents annually.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $1,000,000 from the state general fund to the Lowndes County Port Authority for fiscal year 2027. The funds will specifically cover costs associated with expanding port operations by adding rail access at both the east and west bank ports (both sides of the river). The Lowndes County Port Authority directly benefits as it uses the funding to develop rail infrastructure connecting to its existing port facilities. The appropriation is limited to the 2026-2027 fiscal year and requires state treasurer disbursement upon proper requisition. This is a straightforward funding measure for port infrastructure development, with no additional policy provisions.

Maddy summaryHB 4042 appropriates $1,000,000 from the State General Fund to the City of Amory for downtown economic revitalization along Amory Main Street. The funds are specifically designated to support downtown recovery and small businesses during fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). This is a direct funding allocation with no new regulations or policy changes; it solely provides financial assistance for existing revitalization efforts. The bill directs the State Treasurer to disburse the funds upon proper requisitions by Amory’s governing authorities.

Maddy summaryHB 4021 appropriates $1,000,000 from the State General Fund to the Golden Triangle Regional Airport Authority for purchasing land adjacent to the airport. This land will enable future development with direct airport access for a future tenant, supporting airport expansion. The funds are specifically designated for the 2026-2027 fiscal year to cover the land acquisition costs. The bill is a straightforward funding measure with no policy changes beyond the land purchase.

Maddy summaryHB 4041 appropriates $3.5 million from Mississippi's State General Fund to the City of Amory for constructing a community center. The funds must be used alongside matching grants from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LCWF) to cover construction costs for a multipurpose facility serving recreation, civic events, and emergency needs. The project is for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2027. This bill directly affects Amory residents by enabling the development of a shared community space.