Rep. Bryant Clark

Maddy summaryHB 1236 requires all Mississippi K-12 public schools to fully implement a physical education curriculum aligned with the state’s adopted framework. It mandates 150 minutes per week of physical activity for grades K-8 and a half-credit physical education requirement (including CPR/AED training) for grades 9-12. Schools failing to comply risk having their state physical education funding reduced proportionally to per-pupil spending. The bill aims to address low student physical activity rates and health disparities by standardizing PE requirements across all public schools.

Maddy summaryHB 437 creates a clear process for identity theft victims in Mississippi to have fraudulent debts forgiven and credit reports cleared. Victims must send certified mail to creditors requesting debt release and credit removal; if creditors don’t act within 60 days, victims can petition their local chancery court. To succeed, victims must prove they didn’t consent to the debt, had no knowledge of it when incurred, filed a police report, and received no personal benefit. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, directly affecting victims of identity theft who face unauthorized debts on their credit reports.

Maddy summaryHB 358 requires Mississippi's Department of Corrections (DOC) to ensure at least 10% of eligible incarcerated offenders in private correctional facilities participate in joint state-county work programs. This applies specifically when the DOC houses inmates in privately operated prisons, mandating that these facilities utilize the work programs as a condition for housing offenders. The bill amends several sections of Mississippi law (including Sections 47-4-1, 47-4-11, and others) to enforce this requirement and align with the new provision. It directly affects the DOC's contracting decisions with private correctional facilities and county partnerships for inmate work programs.

Maddy summaryHB 1061 requires Mississippi Valley State University (MV State), in collaboration with the Mississippi Department of Transportation and Leflore County officials, to conduct a study assessing the feasibility of building an elevated pedestrian crossing or skybridge at the U.S. Highway 82 and Sunflower Road intersection in Itta Bena. The study must evaluate funding sources, cost-benefit analysis, examples from other locations, community benefits, and potential constraints like highway expansion plans. It directly affects MV State students, faculty, staff, and visitors who would use the proposed crossing. The bill mandates a report to the legislature by December 2025 but died in committee on February 4, 2025, meaning no construction or policy change was enacted. This is a procedural study request, not a funding or construction bill.

Maddy summaryHB 435 creates the Mississippi Skill Standards Board to develop statewide, industry-defined skill standards and credentials for skilled jobs that offer strong local employment opportunities and require less than a college degree. The board, composed of 13 members including business representatives (with small business inclusion), workers, and education stakeholders, will validate existing standards, develop new ones for unaddressed occupations, and promote credential recognition across industries. It will collaborate with schools and employers to align training with workforce needs and report annually to the Governor and Legislature. The bill establishes this advisory body to enhance job readiness and credential portability without mandating new regulations or funding.

Maddy summaryHB 507 adds two full-time criminal investigators to the 21st Circuit Court District in Mississippi, increasing its authorized staffing from one to three investigators. This change directly affects the district attorney's office in the 21st Circuit, allowing them to hire additional personnel to support criminal investigations. The bill amends Section 25-31-10 of the Mississippi Code to specify this new staffing level for the district. The policy change is purely procedural, adjusting staffing capacity without altering salaries, training requirements, or investigative procedures.

Maddy summaryHB 432 would waive tuition and mandatory fees at Mississippi's public colleges and universities for foster children, adopted children, and state wards (all under age 21) who meet specific eligibility criteria. To qualify, students must maintain a 2.25 GPA, complete the FAFSA, and provide proof of foster care, adoption, or state guardianship status. The waiver covers tuition for up to 120 credit hours over five years (or four years after high school), but does not include room, board, or other non-tuition costs. The Department of Human Services must verify eligibility upon request, and both the department and college boards must submit annual reports to the legislature on program participation and graduation rates.

Maddy summaryHB 436 increases the minimum age requiring a life jacket on small motorboats and sailboats (under 26 feet) from 12 to 18 years old. It directly affects children and teens under 18 who ride on these vessels. The bill also doubles the maximum penalty for violating boating safety laws from $250 to $500. These changes take effect July 1, 2025, and apply to all vessels operating under Mississippi's boating safety rules.

Maddy summaryHB 538 allows Mississippi counties and municipalities to declare up to two days as legal holidays in place of certain existing holidays, instead of the current limit of one day. This change applies to most holidays listed in state law (like Independence Day or Christmas) but excludes Robert E. Lee's birthday (third Monday in January) and Veterans' Day (November 11). Local governments would use this flexibility to replace existing holidays with their own designated days, such as Mardi Gras or other community events. The law takes effect July 1, 2025, and does not create new permanent holidays or alter the list of official state holidays.

Maddy summaryHB 539 removes outdated reporting and budgeting requirements for county sheriffs, tax assessors, and tax collectors in Mississippi. Specifically, it eliminates the need for these officials to submit monthly expense reports to the Board of Supervisors for approval and deletes the requirement for the Board to appropriate a lump sum for their quarterly expenses. This simplifies administrative processes by removing obsolete provisions from state law, without changing how counties fund these offices. The bill directly affects county officials and Boards of Supervisors by reducing routine reporting burdens.