Rep. Kabir Karriem

Maddy summaryThis resolution commends Shiloh Full Gospel Missionary Baptist Church for its 191st anniversary, recognizing its historical significance as Columbus, Mississippi's oldest Black church since its founding in 1821. It acknowledges the church's longstanding role in the community and its commitment to Christian ministry over nearly two centuries. The resolution serves as a formal expression of appreciation from the Mississippi House of Representatives, with no policy changes or direct effects on individuals or legislation.

Maddy summaryHR 4 is a symbolic resolution apologizing for Mississippi's historical role in the 1955 murder of 14-year-old Emmett Till and the acquittal of his killers. It directly affects Mississippi's state government, its citizens, and Till's family by formally acknowledging the state's complicity in creating a hostile environment that led to his death and the killers' exoneration. The resolution's key mechanism is the state legislature's formal expression of "profound regret" and "deepest sympathy," urging educational remembrance of Till's legacy to prevent future injustices. As a non-binding resolution, it has no legal effect and died in committee in April 2025.

Maddy summaryHR 5 would require Mississippi legislators to attach a racial and ethnic impact statement to any bill changing criminal laws, sentencing, or penalties before it can be debated on the floor. These statements, prepared by the Department of Public Safety with input from state agencies, must include data on how proposed laws might affect different racial and ethnic groups in criminal offender and victim populations. The bill specifies that statements must be factual, simple, and include methodologies used, but clarifies they are for informational purposes only. The resolution was referred to committee but died there in April 2025, meaning it did not become law.

Maddy summaryHB 1967 restores voting rights to Tracey Rice of Lowndes County, Mississippi, who lost her suffrage due to a 2014 shoplifting conviction and subsequent probation violations. The bill specifically revokes her disqualification after she completed all sentences (including probation and house arrest) and has since been a law-abiding citizen. It formally reinstates her right to vote under Mississippi law without altering broader voting eligibility rules. This is a targeted restoration for one individual, not a general policy change.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution formally apologizes for Mississippi's role in the 1955 murder of 14-year-old Emmett Till and the subsequent acquittal of his killers. It acknowledges the state's contribution to the hostile environment that enabled the crime, referencing Carolyn Bryant's recent confession about fabricating her testimony. The resolution offers "profound regret" to Till's family and encourages teaching about his case to prevent future injustice. It specifies the apology is not for use in legal proceedings and directs copies to state officials and civil rights organizations. The bill died in committee in April 2025 and does not create new laws or obligations.

Maddy summaryHB 598 revises Mississippi's fee structure for publishing legal notices in newspapers, directly affecting government agencies, newspapers, and private parties. It sets new rates: $0.12 per word for the first publication of government notices (e.g., summons, court orders), rising to $0.10 per word for subsequent publications, while non-government notices cost $0.25 per word initially ($0.23 per word after). Fees will automatically increase annually starting July 2026 based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, and applies to all required legal publications except municipal ordinances and school board proceedings.

Maddy summaryHB 1001 requires Mississippi inmates to produce goods/services under state supervision, with sales proceeds allocated to cover their court-ordered obligations (like child support, fines, and restitution) before savings. Specifically, 25% of net earnings funds these obligations, 15% covers administrative costs, 50% is saved for the inmate’s release, and 10% is available for incidental expenses. The bill mandates an oversight committee to approve inmate-produced goods, annual public reporting on sales and fund allocation, and requires the Department of Corrections to provide financial literacy training. It directly affects incarcerated individuals in Mississippi’s correctional facilities by linking their labor earnings to rehabilitation and financial accountability.

Maddy summaryHB 1268 creates the Mississippi Save Our Service Member Task Force to study mental health needs and suicide prevention for Mississippi National Guard members and veterans. The 15-member task force - including military leaders, mental health experts, and legislative representatives - will assess current services, identify gaps in support, and develop recommendations for improved mental health resources. It must submit a final report with proposed legislation and funding needs to the legislature by January 1, 2026. The bill also establishes a separate task force for first responders, but its primary focus is on military service members' mental health.

Maddy summaryHB 565 requires Mississippi law enforcement agencies to report officer resignations and terminations to the Board on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Training. Agencies must provide timely notification within a specified timeframe and include an explanation if the resignation or termination resulted from disciplinary action. Failure to report carries penalties, though agencies may appeal the board's decision. This bill directly affects all law enforcement agencies in Mississippi, aiming to improve transparency in officer employment history.

Maddy summaryHB 1476 establishes a work release program at Mississippi's Delta Correctional Facility, allowing up to 100 eligible inmates to work in community jobs while serving sentences. It excludes individuals convicted of sex crimes or multiple violent felonies in the past decade and requires inmates to be within three years of their expected release date. The bill mandates detailed monthly reporting to the legislature on participant demographics, program outcomes, and wages, while requiring participants to allocate 20% of earnings toward dependents/support, 50% toward a savings account for release, 20% for facility costs, and 10% for personal expenses. The program expires on July 1, 2029, and takes effect July 1, 2025.