Rep. Jody Steverson

Maddy summaryHB 1, the "Build Up Mississippi Act," reduces Mississippi's income tax rate for taxable income over $10,000 to 3.75% in 2027, 3.5% in 2028, 3.25% in 2029, and 3% in 2030 and beyond, with potential further reductions after 2031 under specific fiscal conditions. It also imposes a 5% sales tax on grocery purchases starting July 1, 2025, and increases gasoline excise taxes to 27 cents per gallon by 2027. Additionally, the bill creates a new retirement system tier for state employees joining on or after March 1, 2026, combining a defined benefit component with a defined contribution plan requiring 9% employee contributions.

Maddy summaryHB 1851 exempts tractors, agricultural implements, equipment, and vehicles from property tax when held by dealers as merchandise (e.g., on floor plans or consignment), not when owned by farmers or end-users. This directly affects agricultural equipment dealers who store these items for sale. The bill amends Mississippi’s tax code to add this specific exemption, excluding items already covered under another section (27-51-41(2)). It does not change tax obligations for farmers or equipment owners, only clarifies dealer inventory treatment.

Maddy summaryHB 1296 revises Mississippi's Plant and Soil Amendment Law to replace the term "amending ingredient" with "beneficial substance" and formally define "plant biostimulant" to align with standards set by the Association of American Plant Food Control Officials (AAPFCO). The bill requires that labels for soil amendments and plant biostimulants display specific information, including brand, net weight, purpose statement, usage directions, and ingredient composition. This change directly affects manufacturers and sellers of these agricultural products in Mississippi, who must update their labeling to meet the new requirements. The legislation ensures consistency with industry guidelines without altering the underlying regulatory framework for these products.

Maddy summaryHB 1501 allows Mississippi counties and municipalities to partner with qualifying businesses on economic development projects using revenue generated *directly from those projects*. It revises the definition of "economic development project" to include initiatives covered under the Mississippi Flexible Tax Incentive Act and permits local governments to reimburse businesses for qualified project costs (like site preparation, construction, or infrastructure) using only funds from the project itself - such as taxes or fees collected from the development. The bill caps total reimbursements at $10 million per project and requires agreements to include project deadlines and benchmarks to protect public interests. This bill passed the House in February 2025 but died in the Senate committee calendar later that month.

Maddy summaryHB 1261 allows Mississippi's Department of Transportation, counties, or municipalities to form public-private partnerships where private companies fund highway, road, or bridge improvements in exchange for naming rights to those projects. The bill prohibits partnerships with companies selling products illegal for minors (like tobacco or alcohol) and requires all funds from such agreements to be deposited into a special fund managed by the department. This fund must be used exclusively for capital improvements to rest areas, visitor centers, and welcome centers statewide, with unspent balances carrying forward annually instead of reverting to the general fund. The law takes effect July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 531 increases the annual admission limit for Mississippi's Rural Dentist Scholarship Program from three to six students. The bill amends Section 37-146-7 of the Mississippi Code to expand this program, which recruits and supports undergraduate students committed to practicing dentistry in rural or underserved Mississippi communities. Key provisions include formalizing the commission's role in selecting candidates based on academic merit and alignment with dental school admissions standards, while maintaining the program's focus on preparing students for careers in underserved areas. This change directly affects prospective dental students in Mississippi who qualify for the scholarship and aim to serve rural communities after graduation. The program, administered with the University of Mississippi Medical Center, aims to address dental workforce shortages in these regions.

Maddy summaryHB 1260 requires foreign third-party litigation funders to disclose specific information to Mississippi's Attorney General within 30 days of entering a funding agreement or filing a civil case. It mandates written disclosure of the name, address, and citizenship/country of incorporation for any foreign entity with contingent payment rights tied to case outcomes. The bill also requires disclosure of foreign entities receiving proprietary or national security information from the funding agreement. This applies to funders not covered by exclusions like named parties, law firms, health insurers, or standard loans, directly affecting foreign entities funding civil litigation in Mississippi courts.

Maddy summaryHB 532 requires Mississippi's Office of Healthy Schools to create a statewide 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 across Mississippi and school nurses employed in public schools. It establishes a standardized pay structure to ensure consistent compensation, replacing district-specific salary decisions with a state-mandated minimum. The schedule becomes effective July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1656, the STRONG Act, would provide tax benefits and health care support for Mississippi National Guard members and their families. It increases income tax exemptions for Guard and Reserve members, creates a $250 annual credit against motor vehicle taxes for service members and their spouses, and establishes a program to reimburse National Guard members for Tricare Reserve Select health insurance premiums. The Adjutant General would administer the program and report its progress to the legislature. The bill passed the legislature in February 2025 but died on calendar before becoming law.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution commending The Peoples Bank of Ripley for its 100th anniversary. It formally recognizes the bank’s founding in 1925, its role as a community institution serving Tippah County, Mississippi, through multiple financial crises, and its long-standing charitable contributions. The resolution, adopted by Mississippi’s legislature, has no legal effect - it simply offers symbolic praise and extends well-wishes to the bank. It does not create new policies, alter regulations, or impact any individuals or entities beyond this gesture of acknowledgment.