Rep. Bill Kinkade

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the Marshall County Board of Supervisors to provide annual funding of up to $7,500 to the Byhalia Area Arts Council, a local nonprofit organization. The funding can be given each year starting in fiscal year 2026/2027 and must end no later than the conclusion of fiscal year 2027/2028. The decision to contribute and the specific amount remain at the discretion of the county board within the authorized limit. This legislation enables the county to support arts programming and activities in the Byhalia community through direct financial contributions.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution formally honors the legislative career and public service of former Representative Blaine H. "Bo" Eaton II, who served Mississippi's House District 79 for 20 years from 1996 to 2016. The resolution recognizes his leadership roles on key committees including Agriculture and Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, and highlights his contributions to economic development initiatives such as the Reforestation Tax Credit and the Mississippi Investment Act. This document serves as an official commendation from the Mississippi House of Representatives and does not create any new laws or policy changes.

Maddy summaryHB 1998 extends the expiration date for a 2% hotel/motel tax in Byhalia, Mississippi, from July 1, 2026, to July 1, 2030. This tax, authorized to fund tourism and parks in Byhalia, applies to hotels and motels with six or more rooms renting to transient guests. The bill does not change the tax rate or collection method but delays when the tax authorization expires. It directly affects Byhalia's local government and hotels/motels operating within the town.

Maddy summaryHB 1069 establishes the "Mississippi Agricultural and Farmland Wind Tower Protection Act of 2026" to regulate large wind energy projects. It gives the Mississippi Public Service Commission exclusive authority to approve wind tower siting, requiring developers to obtain permits that include environmental and agricultural impact assessments, landowner consent, and proof of financial assurance for site restoration. The bill mandates minimum setbacks from farmland, wildlife areas, migratory bird corridors, and residential zones to protect farming operations and ecosystems. It also requires projects to demonstrate public benefit and prohibits development near sensitive habitats, with penalties for noncompliance.

Maddy summaryHB 420 increases homestead tax exemptions for Mississippi veterans aged 85 or older who were honorably discharged, and their unremarried surviving spouses. Currently, most homeowners receive capped tax exemptions (up to $288 for properties valued at $7,200+), but this bill removes that cap for eligible veterans and surviving spouses. It ensures they receive full exemption from all property taxes on the entire assessed value of their homestead property, not just a portion. This change directly affects qualifying elderly veterans and their surviving spouses who own homes in Mississippi. The bill amends Mississippi Code Section 27-33-75 to expand existing veteran homestead protections.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a policy bill) commending the Mississippi Forestry Commission for its 100th anniversary. It formally honors the agency's century of service since its 1926 founding, recognizing its role in wildfire protection, forest management, and supporting Mississippi's economy and environment. The resolution has no policy impact - it simply expresses legislative appreciation through a formal commendation. It does not affect any individuals, programs, or laws.

Maddy summaryHB 612 creates a streamlined pathway for military health technicians to become licensed practical nurses in Mississippi. It allows individuals who completed U.S. Coast Guard Health Services Technician training plus two years of direct patient care clinical experience to qualify for licensure without completing a standard nursing program. The bill amends Mississippi’s nursing licensure law to specifically recognize military medical training and experience as meeting the required qualifications. This directly affects active and veteran military health technicians seeking to practice nursing in Mississippi after their service.

Maddy summaryHB 1402 designates a one-mile segment of Mississippi Highway 537 in Yazoo County as the "Colonel Donnell Berry Memorial Highway" to honor Colonel Donnell Berry. The Mississippi Department of Transportation will install and maintain signage along this highway segment. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2026. This is a commemorative designation with no policy or funding changes.

Maddy summaryHB 1361 requires Mississippi hunters of white-tailed deer to use an electronic game check system (via app, website, or digital tools) to report harvests. This mandatory program, to be developed by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, collects detailed harvest data to inform wildlife conservation policies. Hunters who fail to comply face fines starting at $100 for a first offense, increasing to $500-$1,000 for repeat violations. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, and mandates annual reports to legislative committees on program implementation.

Maddy summaryHB 1814 authorizes Mississippi to issue state general obligation bonds to fund the City of Olive Branch's Lick Creek Conservatory and Recreational Area project. The bonds would be repaid using state funds if needed, with proceeds directly transferred to the city to cover project costs like land development and facility construction. This bill provides a financing mechanism for the city's recreational project without changing existing laws or creating new regulations. The City of Olive Branch is the direct beneficiary of the funding.