Rep. Dana McLean

Maddy summaryThis bill (HC 22) proposes a constitutional amendment to Mississippi's voting rules, explicitly requiring U.S. citizenship for all voters. It would amend Section 241 of the Mississippi Constitution to state that only U.S. citizens may vote in state elections, removing any existing ambiguity about non-citizen voting eligibility. The amendment was scheduled to be submitted to voters in November 2026 for approval. However, the bill died in committee on February 3, 2026, and did not advance further.

Maddy summaryHB 719 requires nurse practitioners to be present at every Mississippi county health department for at least one day weekly to provide free contraceptive supplies and prescriptions to anyone seeking them. This directly affects individuals accessing contraception at county health centers, including minors who are parents, married, have parental consent, or are referred by authorized providers. The bill amends state law to mandate this weekly service and expand access to contraceptive information and supplies under specific conditions. The legislation, which died in committee on February 3, 2026, would have taken effect July 1, 2026, if passed.

Maddy summaryHB 720 removes "force" as a required element for rape convictions in Mississippi, meaning prosecutors no longer need to prove physical resistance or overpowering to secure a conviction. Instead, the law focuses on the absence of consent, aligning with modern legal standards for sexual assault. The bill also updates related provisions, including definitions for terms like "mentally incapacitated" and "physically helpless," and requires criminal sexual assault protection orders that remain in effect for at least two years after sentencing. These changes directly affect individuals accused of rape and victims seeking legal protection, shifting the legal framework toward consent-based accountability.

Maddy summaryHB 878, the "Mississippi Houston/Hunter Act," creates legal immunity for federal firearm licensees (FFLs) who participate in lawful "firearm hold agreements." These agreements allow FFLs to temporarily take possession of a customer's lawfully owned firearm for a set period and return it later. The bill prevents private lawsuits against FFLs for returning firearms at the end of such agreements, unless the FFL acted unlawfully. This directly affects FFLs (like gun shops) and their customers who use these hold arrangements, limiting civil liability for routine returns.

Maddy summaryHB 877 increases the annual salary supplement for Mississippi teachers with National Board Certification from $6,000 to $10,000. It directly affects licensed teachers who hold a Master Teacher certificate from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards and are employed as classroom teachers (not administrators). The bill amends existing law to provide this additional $4,000 payment on top of base salary, requiring teachers to submit certification documentation by October 15 to qualify. This change applies to all eligible teachers in public school districts and the State Board of Education, with no other provisions altering base salary schedules.

Maddy summaryHB 879 changes Mississippi's attorney licensure rules to allow out-of-state lawyers to practice without taking the state bar exam under specific conditions. It applies directly to attorneys who establish Mississippi residency for 12 consecutive months and have practiced law for at least five years in good standing in another state. The bill requires these applicants to submit proof of active status and good standing from their previous state, including a certificate from the highest court and two bar members' recommendations. This eliminates the exam requirement while maintaining verification of qualifications through existing licensing documentation.

Maddy summaryHB 889 prohibits any sexual penetration or other sexual act between law enforcement officers, correctional staff, or individuals with custodial authority and people who are incarcerated, on probation/parole, or detained. The bill amends Mississippi law to make such acts a felony punishable by up to $5,000 in fines, five years in prison, or both. It directly affects correctional facility employees, sheriffs, constables, and other officials who interact with people in custody. The law applies regardless of whether the incarcerated person consented to the act.

Maddy summaryHB 888 increases penalties for littering in Mississippi. For second or subsequent offenses, fines double to $200-$1,000, and offenders must remove litter, repair damage, or complete community service. The bill also adds a $100 fee per violation, which funds law enforcement monuments until construction is complete, then supports scholarships for children of fallen officers. This applies directly to individuals who discard litter on roads, highways, or public spaces.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires healthcare professionals and students to obtain specific written consent before performing intimate exams (like pelvic or breast exams) on sedated, anesthetized, or unconscious patients, with exceptions for medical emergencies, court-ordered exams, or sexual assault forensic exams. It mandates clear consent forms detailing the exam's purpose, who will perform it, and whether students will observe or participate, plus patient notification before discharge. Violations or retaliation against reporters could lead to professional discipline by licensing boards. The law directly affects patients under sedation/anesthesia and healthcare providers in Mississippi, taking effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 633 requires all Mississippi public and charter schools to implement cardiac emergency response plans (CERPs) for athletic events starting in the 2024-2025 school year. It mandates that schools have an automated external defibrillator (AED) accessible within three minutes at all athletic venues, with specific training for staff in CPR and AED use. The bill prioritizes funding for "high-needs schools" (defined as those with at least 50% of students eligible for free/reduced meals or Title I status) to purchase and maintain AEDs and train personnel. The legislation also integrates evidence-based guidelines from the American Heart Association into school emergency protocols and provides legal immunity for those using AEDs in good faith. Note: The bill died in committee on February 3, 2026.