Rep. Hester Jackson-McCray

Maddy summaryHB 1446, the "Robert G. Clark, Jr., Voting Rights Act of Mississippi," would create a Mississippi Voting Rights Commission to prevent voter suppression and protect voting rights. It prohibits political subdivisions (like counties and cities) and state agencies from implementing election policies that disproportionately affect racial, ethnic, or language minority voters, requiring such policies to be reviewed by the Commission before implementation. The bill also mandates protections for limited English proficient voters and voters with disabilities, requires advance notice of election policy changes, and establishes a statewide voting database with universities. The bill died in committee on February 3, 2026, and was never enacted.

Maddy summaryHB 1938 restores voting rights to Tameral Hearn Johnson of DeSoto County, Mississippi, who was disqualified after a 2015 embezzlement conviction. The bill specifically addresses her disqualification stemming from a one-year Intensive Supervision Program sentence (completed in 2015) and five-year probation (ended December 2020), citing her subsequent law-abiding conduct. It formally reinstates her right to vote under Mississippi law, as she has met all legal requirements following her conviction. This is a personal restoration bill, not a broad policy change.

Maddy summaryHB 1689 would have extended the expiration date of a 1% hotel/motel tax in Olive Branch, Mississippi, from July 1, 2026, to July 1, 2029. The tax, levied on room rentals, would fund tourism and parks/recreation projects, requiring voter approval (60% majority) before implementation. It also permitted the city to issue bonds up to the amount of tax revenue to finance related improvements. The bill died in committee on April 3, 2025, and never became law.

Maddy summaryHR 87 is a commemorative resolution recognizing DeSoto County Deputy Sheriff Brian Brock for his selfless actions on March 4, 2025, when he deliberately positioned his vehicle to block an oncoming speeding car on Interstate 269, preventing a potential collision and saving other drivers. The resolution, adopted by the Mississippi House of Representatives on March 17, 2025, formally commends Brock for his courage and protects public safety, with no policy changes or funding involved. It is purely ceremonial, expressing gratitude for Brock’s actions and honoring his service.

Maddy summaryHB 1081 declares that parents have a fundamental right to direct their children's upbringing, education, care, and control. It prohibits Mississippi state agencies and local governments from infringing on this right unless a narrowly tailored law serves a compelling state interest using the least restrictive means. The bill would have applied to all parents and state entities like schools or child welfare agencies, limiting their ability to intervene in family decisions. However, the bill "died in committee" on March 4, 2025, and did not become law, so these provisions never took effect. (Note: The bill was pending but not enacted as of the provided status.)

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 summaryHB 948 is a funding bill that would allocate $2.5 million from Mississippi's state general fund to the Department of Finance and Administration. This money would directly assist God's Living Word Ministry in Walls, Mississippi, in constructing, furnishing, and equipping an emergency preparedness facility. The bill was introduced for fiscal year 2025 (July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026) but died in committee on February 26, 2025, and did not become law. It focused solely on providing state funds for a specific facility project, with no policy changes beyond the appropriation.

Maddy summaryHB 710 would exempt sales of both children's and adult diapers from Mississippi's sales tax. This change directly affects consumers who purchase these essential items, including low-income families and elderly individuals requiring adult diapers. The bill amends existing tax law to add diapers to the list of exempt items, similar to how food and medical supplies are currently treated. It does not change other tax rules but removes a tax burden specifically on these hygiene products. The bill died in committee in February 2025 and was never enacted.

Maddy summaryHB 1706 allocates $1.5 million from the state general fund to the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) for fiscal year 2026. The funding specifically allows MEMA to purchase equipment that pumps or transfers drinkable water to healthcare facilities and other essential institutions during natural disasters that disrupt water systems. This bill directly affects MEMA's emergency response capabilities and ensures critical facilities can maintain water access when local systems fail due to events like floods or storms. The appropriation becomes effective July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHR 37 is a ceremonial resolution passed by the Mississippi House of Representatives to commend Briana McElroy, a Jackson, Mississippi native and Lionsgate's Senior Vice President of Worldwide Digital Marketing, for her career achievements. The resolution highlights her work leading digital campaigns for major films like *John Wick: Chapter 4* and *The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes*, as well as her 8 Clio Awards and prior roles at Warner Bros. and Twitter. It does not create new laws or affect policy - it is solely a symbolic gesture of recognition adopted by the House and delivered to McElroy.