Rep. Scott Bounds

Maddy summaryHB 1892 appropriates $62,100 from state funds to cover the operational costs of Mississippi's State Board of Registration for Foresters for fiscal year 2027 (July 2026-June 2027). The bill specifically allocates $18,626 for upgrading the board’s licensing system database. It requires the board to maintain detailed financial records matching 2026 standards and mandates that purchases prioritize Mississippi Industries for the Blind when bids are equal. The funding must comply with existing state budget laws prohibiting overspending.

Maddy summaryHB 1903 authorizes $9,101,320 in state funds for the Tombigbee River Valley Water Management District to cover bond payments, interest, maintenance, and project costs during fiscal year 2027 (July 2026-June 2027). It directly affects the water management district by funding its operational expenses and authorizing 17 permanent staff positions. The bill requires the district to maintain detailed financial records matching 2026 standards and mandates preference for Mississippi Industries for the Blind in purchasing decisions. It does not create new policies but formalizes existing funding allocations for the district's operations.

Maddy summaryHB 1905 appropriates $27,094,906 in state funds for the Yellow Creek State Inland Port Authority to cover its operational expenses during fiscal year 2027 (July 2026-June 2027). The bill specifically allocates $15 million for capital projects and $50,000 for overtime or standby pay. It requires the Authority to maintain detailed accounting records comparable to fiscal year 2026 and mandates preference for Mississippi Industries for the Blind in purchasing decisions. The funds are subject to standard budget compliance rules, including prohibitions against using state funds to replace withdrawn federal or special funds.

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 1520 authorizes Mississippi's Department of Archives and History to donate and transfer ownership of the Dancing Rabbit Creek Treaty property to the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians (MBCI). The 28.3-acre property, historically significant to the MBCI, is described in the bill as being located in Noxubee County. The transfer would formally transfer title from the state to the tribe, with the bill taking effect on July 1, 2026. This is a procedural land transfer bill, not a new policy.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House Resolution that formally commends and congratulates the 2025-2026 Neshoba Central High School Varsity Cheer Team for their undefeated competition season and national championship victory. The resolution recognizes the team's achievements at regional, state, and national levels, including winning the National Cheerleaders Association High School National Championship in the Advanced Non-Tumbling Game Performance Division. It specifically acknowledges the team members, coaches, and the community support that contributed to their success, while noting the program's first state title in 11 years. This is a ceremonial recognition bill that does not create new laws or change policy, but rather honors the team's accomplishments through official legislative acknowledgment.

Maddy summaryHB 710 requires Mississippi's Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks to be reimbursed from the state General Fund for revenue lost when issuing legally mandated discounts on hunting/fishing licenses, state park admissions, and other recreational fees (like boat rentals). The department must track these lost revenues annually, submit a report by June 30 each year, and receive payment within 30 days to the Fisheries and Wildlife Fund. This applies only to discounts issued on or after July 1, 2026, and requires the department's accounting to be audited by the State Auditor. The bill ensures the department isn't financially burdened by required discount programs while directing funds to a dedicated conservation account.

Maddy summaryHB 713 clarifies that Mississippi's Public Utilities Staff is not included in the list of state agencies funded from the General Fund under the 2016 Budget Transparency and Simplification Act. The bill amends Section 27-104-205 of Mississippi Code to explicitly remove the Public Utilities Staff from the budgeting category affected by that law. This change does not alter existing tax funding mechanisms for the agency (which continue to use utility taxes deposited into the Public Utilities Staff Regulation Fund). The bill focuses solely on budget classification, not on changing funding levels or policy.

Maddy summaryHB 712 removes the requirement that the Mississippi Public Service Commission (PSC) be funded through annual state appropriations from the General Fund. Instead, the bill directs that fees collected by the PSC for regulating utilities (such as electricity, gas, and water providers) must be deposited directly into the State General Fund. This shifts the PSC's funding model from relying on legislative budget allocations to being self-funded through its own fee collections. The bill directly affects the PSC, which oversees public utility regulation across Mississippi.

Maddy summaryHB 738 allows Mississippi taxpayers to claim an income tax credit for cash donations to qualifying charities that provide services to individuals with disabilities. The credit is limited to 50% of a taxpayer’s state income tax liability, with unused portions carried forward for up to five years. To qualify, charities must spend at least 50% of their budget on services to at least 15 people annually in Mississippi, meet federal 501(c)(3) status, and certify they do not fund or support abortion services. The bill specifies that donations used for this credit cannot also be claimed as a tax deduction.