Rep. Carl Mickens

Maddy summaryHB 1916 provides $256,272 in state funding from special funds to cover the State Board of Optometry's operating expenses for fiscal year 2027 (July 2026-June 2027). The bill requires the Board to maintain detailed financial records matching 2026 standards and directs that Mississippi Industries for the Blind receive procurement preference for goods/services when bids are equal. It also mandates compliance with existing budget laws limiting agency spending to approved amounts. This is a procedural funding measure with no policy changes to optometry practice or regulations.

Maddy summaryMississippi's HB 1922 appropriates $330,629 from state special funds to cover the operating expenses of the Board of Examiners for Social Workers and Marriage and Family Therapists for fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). The funds specifically cover salaries, wages, and benefits for three permanent staff positions, with $203,629 designated exclusively for "Personal Services" (no promotions or salary increases for current staff). The bill requires the board to maintain detailed financial records matching its FY2026 reporting and prohibits using these funds for federal replacement or to exceed the approved budget. This is a funding measure, not a policy change, directly affecting the board's budget and staffing for licensing oversight.

Maddy summaryHB 1920 appropriates $1,950,524 from the Real Estate License Fund to cover the Mississippi Real Estate Commission's operating expenses for fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). The bill specifies that $1,229,744 of this amount must be used exclusively for "Personal Services" (salaries, wages, and benefits) for up to 16 permanent staff positions, with strict rules prohibiting use for promotions, title changes, or salary increases beyond approved headcounts. It requires the Commission to maintain detailed financial records matching FY2026 standards and mandates that any FY2028 budget request follow the same reporting format. This is a funding bill with no policy changes, solely allocating existing resources for the Commission's personnel costs.

Maddy summaryHB 1402 designates a one-mile segment of Mississippi Highway 537 in Yazoo County as the "Colonel Donnell Berry Memorial Highway" to honor Colonel Donnell Berry. The Mississippi Department of Transportation will install and maintain signage along this highway segment. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2026. This is a commemorative designation with no policy or funding changes.

Maddy summaryHB 1075 allows Mississippi housing authorities to partner with private developers on affordable housing projects by creating a new "mixed-finance project" category. This combines public funds (state or federal) with private resources like low-income housing tax credits. Housing authorities can now own, operate, or co-manage these projects through partnerships, limited liability companies, or shared liability agreements, while also enabling multiple authorities to collaborate. The bill directly affects housing authorities and private developers, making it easier to develop affordable housing by streamlining public-private financial arrangements.

Maddy summaryHB 788 modifies Mississippi's election rules to allow voters who are not registered in the jurisdiction they are voting in (but are otherwise eligible) to cast an affidavit ballot. This ballot will be used as their official voter registration, adding them to the statewide voter rolls as if they had completed a standard registration form. The bill also allows the affidavit ballot to serve as a written request to transfer voting precincts or wards, and automatically reactivates voters who were placed on inactive status (due to a confirmation notice) after they cast such a ballot. These changes aim to streamline voter registration and address common issues at polling places.

Maddy summaryHB 304 allocates $4 million from Mississippi's State General Fund to Noxubee County's Board of Supervisors for specific road improvement projects. The funding, effective July 1, 2026, directly supports four road segments: Gillespie Road (District 1), Macon-Lynn Creek Road East (District 3), Dorroh Hill Road (District 4), and Macon-Lynn Creek Road West (District 5), with $1 million assigned to each. The bill provides direct state financial assistance to complete these projects within the 2026-2027 fiscal year. This is a straightforward funding authorization with no new policy provisions or eligibility requirements beyond the listed road projects.

Maddy summaryHB 303 authorizes Mississippi to issue state general obligation bonds to assist Noxubee County in developing a 100-acre multi-industrial site. The funds would cover specific development costs including site preparation, utility installation, access road construction, and environmental compliance. The state guarantees repayment through its general funds if needed, with bond proceeds restricted solely to this project. This bill directly affects Noxubee County’s economic development plans by providing state-backed financing for infrastructure.

Maddy summaryHB 305 appropriates $2 million from the state general fund to Noxubee County's Board of Supervisors for developing a 100-acre multi-industrial site. The funds cover specific development costs including site preparation, utility installation, access road construction, and environmental compliance for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. This bill directly affects Noxubee County by providing financial support for infrastructure on the designated industrial site. It is a procedural funding measure with no policy changes beyond the allocation. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 300 authorizes Mississippi to issue state general obligation bonds to provide funds to Winston County for fire department equipment purchases and facility improvements. The funds will be distributed equally to four specific Winston County fire departments: Betheden Volunteer, East Winston Volunteer, Highpoint Volunteer, and Louisville Fire Departments. The bonds are backed by the state's full credit, and proceeds must be used solely for equipment and facility upgrades at these stations. The bill is currently referred to the Ways and Means committee for further consideration.