Rep. Keith Jackson

Maddy summaryHB 654 would have reduced penalties for marijuana possession in Mississippi by lowering maximum jail terms and fines across all weight categories. For example, possessing 30 grams or less would have carried a maximum penalty of 18 months in jail or $1,500, down from harsher prior penalties. The bill directly affected individuals convicted of possessing small amounts of marijuana, without changing penalties for other drugs or medical cannabis. The legislation died in committee on February 4, 2025, and did not become law.

Maddy summaryHB 656 would change Mississippi's habitual offender laws by excluding nonviolent offenses, particularly drug-related convictions, from triggering mandatory prison sentences for repeat offenders. It specifically repeals Section 41-29-147, which previously imposed strict penalties for second or subsequent drug offenses. The bill would prevent individuals with prior nonviolent drug convictions from being classified as habitual offenders under Sections 99-19-81 and 99-19-83, which currently mandate maximum sentences or life imprisonment for repeat violent crime offenders. This policy change would directly affect people convicted of nonviolent drug offenses who have prior convictions, removing mandatory minimums that currently apply to such cases. The bill does not alter sentencing for violent crimes or other non-drug offenses.

Maddy summaryHB 657 would automatically restore voting rights to Mississippi residents convicted of vote fraud or specific crimes listed in Section 241 of the state’s 1890 Constitution (such as murder, robbery, or other offenses historically used to disenfranchise voters) once they complete all sentencing requirements like prison time or fines. Currently, these individuals must apply for voting rights restoration, but this bill would eliminate that step by automatically reinstating eligibility. It directly affects people who have served their sentences but remain barred from voting under current law. The bill died in committee in February 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1234 requires Mississippi's State Board of Education to create a mandatory civics curriculum for all public middle and high schools, to be implemented by the 2026-2027 school year. The curriculum must cover five key areas: foundational U.S. government, civic knowledge, critical thinking skills, citizenship responsibilities (like voting and jury duty), and respectful participation in democracy. It specifically mandates teaching constitutional principles, how citizens engage with government, and skills for informed civic action. The bill died in committee on February 4, 2025, so it has not become law.

Maddy summaryHB 1783 appropriates state funds to support the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources for the fiscal year 2025, totaling approximately $257 million from special funds and $3.6 million from the general fund. The bill authorizes the department to hire 108 permanent and 65 temporary staff members while establishing strict rules to prevent salary increases for current employees and requiring detailed accounting of all expenditures. Additionally, the legislation allocates $11.7 million specifically for tidelands projects, including public access improvements like boat launches and piers in various coastal counties, as well as management initiatives and bond repayments.