Maddy summaryHB 1767 appropriates $1,562,907 from the State General Fund and $2,690,000 from a special fund (including $1.49 million from the Education Enhancement Fund) to cover the Mississippi Arts Commission’s expenses for fiscal year 2026. The funds support the Commission’s operations, staff positions (10 permanent, 2 time-limited), and specific programs like educator training, public school arts grants, and the "Whole Schools Initiative." Strict rules govern spending, including limits on salary increases, requirements to maintain detailed records, and prohibitions on using state funds to replace federal or special funds. The bill ensures all spending complies with state appropriation laws and specifies that $1.49 million must be used for designated education and program activities.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 94) formally commends 25 Mississippi high school coaches selected for the 2024-2025 "Tomorrow's 25 Coaching Fellowship." It directly recognizes these coaches - representing school districts across Mississippi - who were chosen by a committee for their leadership, character, and commitment to athletics and community. The resolution does not create new policy or funding but serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment of their selection by the Mississippi Association of Coaches, Mississippi High School Activities Association, and University of Mississippi. It is a procedural resolution, not a law, with no direct policy changes or financial impact.
Maddy summaryHB 1432 revises Mississippi's charter school law to expand opportunities for new charter schools in districts rated "C" under the state's accountability system (until score adjustments occur). It allows charter authorizers to approve applications without requiring districts to improve ratings first, streamlines contract changes for mergers or reorganizations without closing schools, and modifies funding rules to prevent authorizers from retaining per-pupil funds. The bill also requires annual performance monitoring, updates enrollment preference rules for students transferring from schools under the same governing board, and adjusts teacher licensing limits (allowing up to 50% non-licensed staff in instruction). These changes primarily affect school districts, charter applicants, and existing charter management organizations operating under Mississippi's charter framework.
Maddy summaryHB 1621 removes a restriction preventing Mississippi school districts from using Career and Technical Education (CTE) grant funds to purchase equipment for programs leading to industry certifications. It also eliminates a prohibition on using these grants to replace regular operating funds for CTE programs. The bill expands how CTE grant money can be used - specifically for equipment, exam fees, and teacher training - to support programs earning "qualifying industry certifications" (those tied to high-demand jobs or meeting wage standards). This directly affects Mississippi public schools and students enrolled in CTE programs seeking industry credentials. The bill died in committee in March 2025 and did not become law.
Maddy summaryHB 1431 creates a 15-member task force to study whether consolidating Mississippi school districts - particularly in counties with multiple districts or districts spanning two counties - would improve efficiency and educational opportunities. The task force must gather data on student enrollment, administrative costs, accreditation, and district demographics, then analyze consolidation feasibility, benefits, and financial impacts for each affected county. It must submit a final report to the legislature by December 31, 2025, including recommendations for reducing district numbers. The bill, which passed the House but died in a Senate committee in March 2025, does not mandate consolidation but directs a study to inform future decisions. It directly affects school districts in multi-district counties and those with cross-county boundaries.
Maddy summaryHB 1434 creates the AGENTS of Excellence Program, requiring four Mississippi universities - Alcorn State, Delta State, Mississippi University for Women, and Mississippi Valley State - to develop proposals for specialized academic programs in high-demand fields like aeronautics, engineering, nursing, and technical skills. Each proposal must detail how the program will improve academic preparedness and workforce readiness for underserved students in the university's region, including dual enrollment opportunities, facility capacity, cost analysis, and partnerships with local businesses. The proposals must include specific elements such as targeted grade levels (9-12), instructional models, and data-driven student support strategies. If approved, the program aims to align curriculum with state workforce needs and enhance college/career outcomes, with implementation planned for 2025.
Maddy summaryHB 1527 would require Mississippi's State Board of Education to add financial literacy components to the curriculum for all public school students in Grades 6-8 starting in the 2026-2027 school year. It also mandates that all public high school students complete a half-credit financial literacy course (or a full course with half focused on finance) to graduate, beginning with the 2031 class. The bill establishes a dedicated "Financial Literacy Trust Fund" in the state treasury, administered by the State Board of Education, to support this program using state funds, grants, and private contributions. This bill was introduced in the House, passed in February 2025, but ultimately died in the Senate Education Committee on March 4, 2025.
Maddy summaryHB 1617, the "Tim Tebow Act," would allow homeschool students in Mississippi to join public school sports and activities like band or athletics. It requires homeschool students to provide proof of academic progress (through test scores, a portfolio, or prior school records) and follow the same rules as public school students regarding behavior, academics, and registration. The bill prohibits schools from discriminating against eligible homeschool students in team selections and states participation is a privilege, not a right. It also clarifies that schools cannot require additional documentation beyond what public students provide and specifies parents must arrange transportation. The bill died in committee in March 2025 and was never enacted.
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 summaryThis bill is a symbolic resolution commending Jim Ellis for his 46-year career as the play-by-play announcer for Mississippi State University baseball. It formally recognizes his service, including calling 11 College World Series appearances and multiple SEC championships, and honors his retirement. The resolution has no policy impact - it solely expresses legislative appreciation through a formal commendation. It directly affects no individuals or entities beyond acknowledging Ellis's contributions to MSU athletics.