Rep. Jody Steverson

Maddy summaryHB 831 changes Mississippi's retirement system rules for new education teachers. It ensures that individuals who majored in education during 2024-2026 and are hired as public school teachers within six months of graduation (starting March 1, 2026) will be treated as Tier 4 members for retirement purposes. This means their retirement benefits and contributions will be calculated as if they joined the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) between July 1, 2011, and March 1, 2026 - instead of under newer membership tiers. The bill amends several sections of PERS law to implement this retroactive classification for qualifying education graduates.

Maddy summaryHB 1066 transfers administration of Mississippi's Main Street Revitalization Grant Program from the Mississippi Development Authority to the Mississippi Department of Archives and History. The bill increases the maximum annual grant amount available to a single community and authorizes the Department of Archives and History to allocate up to 2% of the grant fund to the Mississippi Main Street Association for administrative costs. This program funds downtown revitalization projects - including historic preservation and economic development - supporting eligible communities across Mississippi with matching funds required from applicants.

Maddy summaryHB 1082 amends Mississippi law to address repeated sales of alcohol to people under 21. It requires businesses with alcohol licenses (like bars or restaurants) to use a third-party age-verification app with at least 85% accuracy after their third or subsequent violation within 12 months. The app must be used on licensed premises to confirm customers are 21 or older before selling alcohol, in addition to existing fines and license suspensions. This policy change adds a new administrative tool for enforcement, targeting repeat offenders without altering penalties for first or second violations.

Maddy summaryHB 1257 allows qualified heavy equipment rental businesses in Mississippi to charge renters a recovery fee of up to 2% of the rental charge for each item. This fee must be separately listed on invoices and can only be used to pay property taxes on the rental business’s equipment, not for other expenses. The bill defines "qualified businesses" as those primarily renting heavy equipment (like construction machinery) or operating under specific industry codes. It died in committee on February 3, 2026, and does not affect renters beyond the fee structure.

Maddy summaryHB 1226 would have increased the service charge for dishonored checks from $40 to $100 in specific notices sent when a payee may pursue criminal prosecution for check fraud under Mississippi law. It directly affects individuals and businesses who write checks that bounce, requiring them to pay the check amount plus the service charge within 15 days of receiving a formal notice. The bill revised notice templates to specify the $100 charge for criminal prosecution notices and kept the $40 charge for standard civil notices, while adding new requirements for electronic payment dishonor notices. The bill died in committee in February 2026 and never became law.

Maddy summaryHB 1258 would require a special election in the North Tippah School District on November 3, 2026, to let residents vote on whether to close Falkner Attendance Center. If a majority votes "No," the school board cannot close the facility or propose closing it for eight school years. The bill amends state law to mandate this voter approval process before school closures, overriding the board's usual discretion under existing rules. This directly affects North Tippah School District residents and the future of Falkner Attendance Center.

Maddy summaryHB 1259 would have allowed municipal police in Mississippi cities with populations of 2,000+ (or 15,000+ for highway enforcement) to use radar speed detection equipment to enforce school zone speed limits. It specifically defined "school zones" as roadway segments near schools where students gather or activities occur. The bill also required municipal law enforcement to notify the Highway Safety Patrol of emergencies on highways. This bill died in committee on February 3, 2026, and never took effect (despite a planned July 1, 2026, implementation date).

Maddy summaryHB 632 requires Mississippi's Office of Healthy Schools to create a standardized salary schedule for school nurses based on their education and experience. All public school districts must use this schedule as the minimum pay rate when hiring school nurses. The bill directly affects school districts (which must implement the schedule) and school nurses (who will receive standardized pay based on qualifications). This provision, added to Section 6(g) of the existing law, aims to establish consistent compensation without specifying exact salary amounts. The bill died in committee before becoming law.

Maddy summaryHB 1451 reorganizes two existing sections (63-17-75 and 63-17-109) of Mississippi's Motor Vehicle Commission Law to facilitate potential future amendments. It covers licensing requirements for motor vehicle dealers (new, used, wholesale), including application procedures, $25,000-$100,000 surety bonds, mandatory liability insurance, and restrictions preventing manufacturers from owning dealerships selling their vehicles. The bill maintains current rules on dealer qualifications, business integrity, and facility requirements. As a procedural reorganization, it does not change existing law but prepares these sections for possible future legislative action.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (not a policy bill) that formally commends Major General John Trent Kelly for his 40-year military career and congratulates him upon his retirement in May 2025. It specifically recognizes his service in the Mississippi Army National Guard, including deployments to Desert Storm and Iraq, his leadership roles, and his awards. The resolution has no policy impact or direct effect on any laws, regulations, or people beyond expressing the Mississippi House of Representatives' gratitude for his service. It was adopted and signed by the legislature in March 2025.