Rep. Jody Steverson

Maddy summaryHB 914 amends Mississippi election law to disqualify any candidate who files a "termination report" (a form ending campaign finance reporting obligations) while still actively campaigning for an election. This rule directly affects candidates running for office in Mississippi, removing them from the ballot if they file such a report before election day. The key mechanism is automatic disqualification: filing a termination report during the campaign period triggers removal from the ballot and bars the candidate from winning the office. The bill does not change campaign finance rules but enforces that candidates cannot stop reporting while still seeking votes.

Maddy summaryHB 921, the MS ROSS Act, would have created a state-funded program to help Mississippi public and accredited private elementary and secondary schools hire School Resource Officers (SROs). The Mississippi Department of Public Safety would have covered increasing percentages of SRO costs (starting at 30% in 2025-2026 and rising to 70% by 2029-2030), with local law enforcement and school boards responsible for the remaining portion, up to a $55,000 annual cap per SRO. Schools and local agencies would have needed to jointly apply for funding and establish agreements to participate. The bill, which died in committee in February 2025, was never enacted into law.

Maddy summaryHB 939 changes how Mississippi's Main Street Revitalization Grants are administered. It repeals previous language directing the Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) to distribute these grants and instead requires the Mississippi Department of Archives and History (MDAH) to make the grants directly to designated Main Street communities for eligible projects. The bill reallocates funding by reducing the MDA's fiscal year 2025 appropriation while increasing MDAH's appropriation for this program. This shift in administration affects small towns in Mississippi that qualify as "Main Street" designated communities and receive these grants for local economic revitalization projects.

Maddy summaryThis Mississippi bill updates state tax laws to officially include heated tobacco products under the existing definition of "tobacco." By amending the state code, the legislation ensures that these newer vaping devices are subject to the same excise tax rates as traditional cigarettes and other tobacco items. The law directly affects manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, and retailers by requiring them to collect and remit taxes on heated tobacco products sold within the state. This change clarifies how the state classifies and taxes emerging tobacco products to maintain consistency with current tax regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the Town of Walnut, Mississippi, to potentially levy a special 3% tax on hotels, motels, and restaurants to fund parks and recreational facilities. The tax would be collected from businesses as part of the price of room rentals or food sales, with the total combined tax rate capped at 10%. Before the tax can take effect, the town must hold a public election where at least 60% of voters must approve the measure. If approved, the money raised would be kept in a separate account and used exclusively for building, maintaining, and operating local parks and recreation equipment.

Maddy summaryThis bill restores the right to vote to Chester Allen Butler of Tippah County, Mississippi, who had been disqualified due to a 1996 arson conviction. The legislation states that Butler completed his five-year probation sentence in 2001 and has since lived as a law-abiding citizen. By passing this act, the state legislature removes the voting ban associated with his past criminal record.