Rep. Timaka James-Jones

Maddy summaryHB 1830 authorizes Mississippi to issue state-backed bonds to help the City of Itta Bena cover costs for hiring two full-time police officers, one full-time dispatcher, and one full-time deputy clerk. The bill creates a special fund to disburse the bond proceeds directly to the city for these specific staffing positions. The State Bond Commission would manage the bond issuance, sale, and repayment using the state's full credit, with the city required to use the funds only for these designated personnel costs. This is a direct financial assistance measure targeting the city's local public safety and administrative staffing needs.

Maddy summaryHB 1833 authorizes Mississippi to issue state general obligation bonds to provide funds for the City of Itta Bena to repair, renovate, and upgrade specific municipal facilities, including its library, police department, public works building, and L.T. Brazill Center. The bond proceeds would be deposited into a special fund managed by the State Bond Commission and disbursed exclusively for these named projects. The state pledges its full faith and credit to repay the bonds, with any shortfall covered by state treasury funds if needed. This bill directly affects Itta Bena’s municipal infrastructure by providing dedicated state funding for facility improvements.

Maddy summaryHB 4034 appropriates $2 million from the state general fund to the City of Greenwood for two specific purposes in fiscal year 2027. One million dollars funds new essential vehicles for the Police, Fire, Public Works, and Wastewater departments (including patrol cars, fire engines, and maintenance trucks). The other million dollars pays down existing debt from previous vehicle purchases and maintenance. This bill directly supports Greenwood's municipal operations by modernizing fleet equipment and reducing long-term financial obligations.

Maddy summaryHB 797 exempts sales of children's diapers from Mississippi's state sales tax. The bill amends Mississippi Code § 27-65-111 to add "sales of children's diapers" to the list of tax-exempt items, directly affecting parents, caregivers, and retailers selling these products. This change removes the sales tax burden on diaper purchases for children, aligning with existing exemptions for items like medicines and educational materials. The policy change is a straightforward addition to the state's tax code with no new implementation requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 791 appropriates $4 million from the state general fund to Yazoo County's Board of Supervisors for planning, designing, and beginning construction of a four-lane highway connecting Mississippi Highway 16 (from U.S. Highway 49 to I-55) during the 2027 fiscal year. The funds specifically cover initial project costs associated with the highway's development phase. This bill directly affects Yazoo County by providing state financial support for this infrastructure project. It does not create new regulations or broadly impact residents, but rather allocates state funds to advance a specific local transportation initiative.

Maddy summaryHB 796 appropriates $1,000,000 from the State General Fund to Sharkey County’s Board of Supervisors. The funds are specifically for establishing a regional housing recovery strategy to restore housing levels to pre-2023 tornado conditions and plan for workforce housing needs driven by new businesses and industry. This bill directly affects Sharkey County residents and local officials managing recovery efforts, with the strategy to be developed in partnership with federal and state agencies. The funding covers costs associated with this planning for fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). The bill is procedural, providing targeted financial support for a defined recovery goal without creating new regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 790 appropriates $3 million from the state general fund to Sharkey County's Board of Supervisors for infrastructure and site development costs at the Sharkey County Industrial Park. The funds are specifically designated to support the construction of two new manufacturing businesses in agriculture and recycling industries. This appropriation covers fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2027) and will be paid via state warrants upon proper requisitions. The bill directly affects Sharkey County's industrial park development and the targeted manufacturing businesses.

Maddy summaryHB 794 appropriates $1 million from the state general fund to Sharkey County's Board of Supervisors for fiscal year 2027. The funds are specifically designated to cover costs for business recovery efforts following the 2023 tornado, beginning site development for two pending business projects, and creating strategies to attract new businesses while supporting existing ones struggling with reduced revenue and staffing shortages. The bill directly affects Sharkey County businesses and local economic recovery initiatives. The appropriation becomes effective July 1, 2026, and is payable upon state fiscal officer approval.

Maddy summaryHB 804 appropriates $2,879,304 from the State General Fund to the City of Belzoni for fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). The funding directly supports Belzoni’s operational costs (e.g., police/firefighter salaries, equipment like bulletproof vests and radios) and capital expenses (e.g., park renovations, street repairs, and city hall/police department upgrades). Specific allocations include $108,580 for police officer pay raises, $1 million for street repairs, and $300,000 each for police department and city hall renovations. The bill is a straightforward budget allocation with no new policy requirements, solely providing state funds to cover identified city expenses.

Maddy summaryHB 806 appropriates $2.5 million from the State General Fund to help Sharkey County pay for necessary repairs and improvements to its courthouse, which was damaged and remains disabled since the 2023 tornado. The funds are designated for the fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027) and will be paid to the County Board of Supervisors upon state warrant. This bill directly affects Sharkey County by providing state financial assistance for critical infrastructure recovery. It is a straightforward funding measure with no additional policy provisions or requirements beyond the specified appropriation.