Rep. John Faulkner

Maddy summaryHB 1327 appropriates $2.2 million from the Mississippi state general fund to the Mississippi Wireless Information Network for constructing a communication tower in Marshall County during fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). The funding directly supports the tower's construction costs, which will enhance communication infrastructure in Marshall County. The appropriation is paid through standard state fiscal processes upon proper requisitions, as specified in the bill.

Maddy summaryHB 1355 appropriates $800,000 from the State General Fund to Marshall County for planning, engineering, and environmental work related to the Byhalia Railroad Bridge Project during fiscal year 2027. The bill directly affects Marshall County by funding preparatory costs for a project that includes a railroad bridge, creek bridge, 1.5 miles of new road, and drainage improvements near Byhalia High School. Key provisions specify the funds cover only the planning phase, not construction, and require payment through state fiscal channels. This is a targeted funding allocation for infrastructure planning, not a policy change affecting broader public regulations.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a law) commending Jamal Roberts, a Meridian, Mississippi native, for winning the 23rd season of *American Idol*. It formally congratulates him as the second Mississippian and second African-American male to win the competition, highlighting his musical achievements and roots. The resolution has no policy impact; it simply expresses the Mississippi House of Representatives' praise and will be sent to Roberts and the press. It does not affect any laws, regulations, or funding.

Maddy summaryHB 599 would have established a 9-member board to govern the Holly Springs Utility Department, directly affecting residents of Holly Springs, Marshall County, and Benton County. The board would consist of 5 members appointed by Holly Springs' city government, 2 by Marshall County, and 2 by Benton County, with four-year terms to manage utility systems and services. Board members would need to be qualified voters from their appointing authority and could not hold other elected offices. The bill died in committee in February 2026 and never became law, so these provisions were never implemented.

Maddy summaryHB 702 requires Mississippi public school boards to create and implement age-appropriate policies banning cell phone use during the entire school day ("bell-to-bell"), including classrooms and breaks. The policy mandates that students store devices off-person (e.g., in lockers or backpacks) during school hours, prohibits suspensions or expulsions for violations, and allows exceptions for students with health needs or IEPs. It also requires schools to use school-based communication tools for emergencies instead of personal devices and post policies online. The bill died in committee in February 2026 and was never enacted.

Maddy summaryHB 810 expands Mississippi's literacy program to cover grades 4 through 8, requiring schools to implement evidence-based reading interventions. The bill mandates teacher training in "science of reading" methods (excluding "three-cueing systems"), universal screening three times yearly, and identifies "Middle Literacy Support Schools" using reading data from state assessments. It requires targeted interventions for struggling readers, evidence-based instructional materials, and annual progress reports to the legislature. The law directly affects educators and students in grades 4-8 by establishing structured literacy approaches focused on phonics, decoding, and comprehension.

Maddy summaryHB 809 automatically registers eligible Mississippi voters when they apply for, renew, or update a driver's license or state ID card at the Department of Public Safety. The bill requires the Department to collect specific voter registration details (like name, address, and date of birth) during these transactions, but allows applicants to opt out of registration. If not opted out, the Department forwards the information to the Secretary of State, who sends it to the applicant's county registrar to process registration or update existing records. This change eliminates the need for separate voter registration forms while maintaining an opt-out option for applicants.

Maddy summaryHB 808 increases the minimum salary for Mississippi public school teachers and assistant teachers by $7,500 annually, effective for the 2026-2027 school year and beyond. It also mandates a $7,500 salary increase for full-time professors and instructors at state colleges and universities. School districts must maintain local pay supplements and cannot pay assistant teachers below the new state minimum, with funding penalties for non-compliance. The bill directly affects public school teachers, assistant teachers, and higher education faculty in Mississippi.

Maddy summaryHB 918 revises how payments from nuclear power plants (like Mississippi's Grand Gulf plant) replace local property taxes. It requires utilities to pay 2% of the plant's assessed value annually (minimum $20 million per year until 2026), with excess payments beyond $16 million distributed as $3.04 million yearly to counties where the plants are located. The bill updates the formula for allocating these payments, ensuring counties receive a fixed annual amount from the excess funds. This directly affects nuclear plant operators and the counties hosting these facilities, changing how tax-equivalent payments are distributed. The policy change applies to qualifying plants licensed to operate through 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 920 reclassifies Alcorn State University's president's residence from commercial to residential property. This change allows licensed residential builders (under Mississippi law) to perform construction or improvements on the residence without being restricted by standard height and square footage limits for residential dwellings. The bill directly affects Alcorn State University's president and the university's ability to hire qualified residential builders for the president's home. It amends two sections of Mississippi law to align with this reclassification, specifically removing limitations that previously applied to such properties. The bill makes a procedural adjustment to property classification for a single university residence, with no broader policy changes.