Rep. Bryant Clark

Maddy summaryHB 250 would require Mississippi counties to reimburse poll workers for mileage when using personal vehicles to travel more than 10 miles to return to the registrar's office after polls close on election day. The reimbursement rate would match the federal employee mileage rate for each mile over 10. This applies specifically to poll managers and other election workers required to make this return trip. The law would take effect on July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 205 would have revised how Mississippi Medicaid calculates reimbursements for durable medical equipment (DME), such as wheelchairs or oxygen equipment. The bill aimed to change the specific formula used to determine payments to providers supplying these devices, directly affecting Medicaid-covered DME providers. This amendment would have updated Section 43-13-117 of the Mississippi Code to reflect the new reimbursement method. The bill died in committee on February 3, 2026, and did not become law.

Maddy summaryHB 256 requires Mississippi's Governor and Division of Medicaid to negotiate a federal waiver under Section 1115 of the Social Security Act to expand Medicaid coverage. If approved, it would cover low-income adults (19-64 years) with incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), including childless adults and parents, transitioning them from traditional Medicaid to private health plans. Key provisions include requiring two private Qualified Health Plans (QHPs), capping cost-sharing at 2-5% of income, and creating a "Mississippi Healthy Living Account" for health savings contributions. The bill died in committee in 2026 and did not become law.

Maddy summaryHB 277 proposes lowering Mississippi's age of majority from 21 to 18 years old, directly affecting all residents turning 18. It would revise over 15 sections of state law to replace references to "21" with "18," including updating marriage license eligibility, contractual capacity (allowing 18-year-olds to enter binding contracts independently), jury service requirements, and legal definitions of "infant" or "minor." Key provisions also adjust age limits for inheritance, adoption, guardianship, and tort claims, while repealing outdated sections related to veterans' or executors' legal disabilities. This is a comprehensive consistency update across civil, family, and procedural laws, not a new policy.

Maddy summaryHB 243 would require all public school students in Grade 9 across Mississippi to take a comprehensive Mississippi History course. The course must cover the state's history from early exploration through the present, with specific focus on political, social, economic, and cultural developments of the 19th and 20th centuries impacting Mississippi's diverse communities. If enacted, this requirement would take effect on July 1, 2026, mandating curriculum changes for ninth-grade public schools statewide.

Maddy summaryHB 258, the "Mississippi Joint Municipal Law Enforcement Act," allows two or more municipalities within a single county to form a joint police department if their local governing authorities determine it serves the best interests of the communities, considering efficiency and cost savings. The joint department would be governed by a board composed of the mayors from each participating municipality and the county sheriff, who would handle budgeting, hiring, equipment management, and operational decisions. The bill outlines the process for establishing the department, including resolution requirements, board formation, and incorporation with the Secretary of State to create a legally recognized entity. This framework directly affects municipalities seeking collaborative law enforcement solutions without requiring new state-level oversight.

Maddy summaryHB 239 would waive tuition and mandatory fees at Mississippi's public colleges and universities for foster children, adopted children, and state wards under age 21 who meet specific criteria. To qualify, students must maintain a 2.25 GPA, complete the FAFSA, and enroll in associate degree programs or equivalent, with coverage limited to 120 credit hours or five years of enrollment. The Department of Human Services would verify eligibility upon request from institutions, and the bill requires annual reports to the legislature on program participation and graduation rates. This policy aims to support educational access for youth who have been in state custody or foster care, without covering room, board, or other non-tuition costs.

Maddy summaryHB 251 would create a new legal right for Mississippi employees to sue in state court for workplace sexual harassment that violates federal law. It directly affects workers subjected to unwanted sexual advances, requests for favors, or other prohibited sexual conduct during employment. The bill's key provision prohibits employers from requiring employees to waive this right through employment contracts. However, the bill died in committee on February 3, 2026, and did not become law.

Maddy summaryHB 242 allows Mississippi public school districts to hire licensed social workers and psychologists to support students. Districts meeting the requirement of one professional per 1,000 enrolled students qualify for the state to reimburse 50% of their salaries through the State Department of Education. The reimbursement requires districts to apply for funding, with payments made from state education funds. This policy aims to expand mental health support in schools by reducing financial barriers for districts.

Maddy summaryHB 244 increases the minimum age requiring Coast Guard-approved life jackets on certain boats from 12 to 18 years old. It applies to people on motorboats, sailboats, or vessels under 26 feet in length while underway. The bill also doubles the maximum penalty for boating law violations from $250 to $500. These changes aim to adjust safety requirements for younger passengers and strengthen enforcement. The bill died in committee and was not enacted.