Rep. Kabir Karriem

Maddy summaryHB 658 requires Mississippi's Department of Corrections to provide specific protective equipment - such as face masks, gloves, and eye protection - to state inmates assigned to work involving raw cleaning chemicals. This applies directly to inmates working in correctional facility maintenance, public service programs, cemetery restoration, or other designated assignments where they handle chemicals like acids, alkalies, or surfactants. The bill amends multiple sections of state law to mandate this safety provision, ensuring inmates receive necessary gear when using hazardous cleaning agents. It does not alter inmate eligibility for work programs but adds a clear safety requirement for specific job assignments.

Maddy summaryHB 1252 (Mississippi House Bill 1252) requires Mississippi public defenders to have free access to the state's electronic court system records when representing defendants who cannot afford private lawyers (indigent defendants). This amendment to Section 9-1-59 of the Mississippi Code removes fees that previously restricted public defenders' access to court records for these cases. The bill directly affects public defenders and the indigent defendants they represent by ensuring they can review case materials without cost. It does not alter court procedures, funding, or penalties, but addresses a specific access barrier in the electronic court system.

Maddy summaryHB 849 proposes changes to Mississippi nursing laws. It would exempt Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) from needing a collaborative agreement with a physician after completing 8,000 practice hours. The bill also creates a new licensure system for Anesthesiologist Assistants (AAs), requiring them to work under an anesthesiologist’s supervision and meet specific qualifications set by the State Board of Medical Licensure. These changes would directly affect APRNs, CRNAs, and future AAs practicing in Mississippi. The bill died in committee on March 4, 2025, and has not become law.

Maddy summaryHB 1393 allows Mississippi counties and incorporated cities, towns, or villages to formally partner with U.S. military branches under federal law (10 USC Section 2679). The bill authorizes local governments to enter agreements providing support services to military installations located within Mississippi. This would enable communities to coordinate directly with bases on matters like infrastructure, housing, or community engagement. The bill passed the House in early 2025 but died in the Senate Veterans and Military Affairs Committee in March 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 summaryHB 1831 appropriates $300,000 from Mississippi's State General Fund to the Tennessee Williams Home and Welcome Center in Columbus for maintenance and repairs during fiscal year 2026 (July 2025-June 2026). The bill directly affects the center by providing dedicated funding for physical upkeep of the historic home and visitor facilities. It establishes a specific funding mechanism, requiring the State Treasurer to disburse the amount upon proper requisitions, with the appropriation effective July 1, 2025. The bill was referred to committee but died there on February 26, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1718 would have authorized Mississippi to issue state general obligation bonds to fund repairs, renovations, and upgrades at Alcorn State University's David L. Whitney Arena Complex and Wellness Center, as well as infrastructure improvements at the Lorman, Vicksburg, and Natchez campuses. The bonds, backed by the state's full faith and credit, would provide dedicated funding for these specific projects without requiring new annual appropriations. The bill required that all bond proceeds be used exclusively for the named facility improvements and related costs, as specified in the resolution authorizing the bonds. The bill died in committee in February 2025 and did not become law.

Maddy summaryHB 1812 authorizes the State of Mississippi to issue general obligation bonds to fund repairs, renovations, and maintenance of the Tennessee Williams Home and Welcome Center in Columbus. The bill creates a special fund to receive bond proceeds, which must be used exclusively for this facility's costs, including bond issuance expenses. It specifies that the bonds are backed by the state's full credit, with interest paid semiannually and tax-exempt status for investors. This is a funding mechanism for a specific historic site, not a direct policy affecting residents or businesses.

Maddy summaryHB 1920 appropriates $100 million (split equally as $50 million each) to Coahoma Community College and Mississippi Delta Community College for campus facility repairs and improvements through June 2026. The funds cover specific projects like restoring historic buildings, upgrading electrical/plumbing systems, modernizing academic spaces, improving student housing, enhancing safety systems, and implementing energy efficiency initiatives. Each college must submit a detailed plan with timelines and provide annual progress reports to the Legislature. The bill, referred to Appropriations committees in February 2025, died in committee and did not become law.

Maddy summaryHB 1921 appropriates $300 million ($100 million to each) to Mississippi's three HBCUs - Alcorn State, Jackson State, and Mississippi Valley State - for repairing and upgrading campus buildings and infrastructure. The funds cover specific projects like restoring historic structures, modernizing electrical/plumbing systems, improving student housing, creating new academic spaces, enhancing safety systems, and supporting energy efficiency. Each university must submit a detailed plan for approval and provide annual progress reports to the legislature on how the money is spent.