Maddy summaryHB 1767 appropriates $1,562,907 from the State General Fund and $2,690,000 from a special fund (including $1.49 million from the Education Enhancement Fund) to cover the Mississippi Arts Commission’s expenses for fiscal year 2026. The funds support the Commission’s operations, staff positions (10 permanent, 2 time-limited), and specific programs like educator training, public school arts grants, and the "Whole Schools Initiative." Strict rules govern spending, including limits on salary increases, requirements to maintain detailed records, and prohibitions on using state funds to replace federal or special funds. The bill ensures all spending complies with state appropriation laws and specifies that $1.49 million must be used for designated education and program activities.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 1878 specifies new rules for calculating property taxes on rural structures like barns and poultry houses in Mississippi. It requires tax assessors to revalue structures appraised before 2025 using older appraisal guidelines and apply a 7% annual depreciation rate thereafter, with a 20% minimum value floor for poultry houses. Commercial poultry operations must also have a 45% economic obsolescence adjustment applied to their structures. These changes directly affect agricultural property owners, particularly those operating poultry farms, by standardizing how these structures are valued for tax purposes starting in 2025.
Maddy summaryHR 85 is a commemorative resolution naming Camp Shelby's East Gate entrance "CSM Plez William Summers III East Gate" in honor of Command Sergeant Major Plez William Summers III. It directly commemorates his service and death while on duty at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center on June 14, 2024. The resolution has no policy impact - it solely provides a formal, symbolic tribute through the gate's new designation. The bill was adopted by the Mississippi House of Representatives in March 2025.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HR 79) passed by the Mississippi House of Representatives to formally commend the Parklane Academy Lady Pioneers Basketball Team and Head Coach Vicki Rutland for winning the Midsouth Association of Independent Schools (MAIS) Overall Basketball Championship in 2024-2025. The resolution recognizes their championship victory, including their comeback win against Madison-Ridgeland Academy, and honors the team's achievement of a 5A South-State title and Class 5A Tournament second-place finish. It has no policy impact or direct effect on any individuals or entities beyond the ceremonial recognition.
Maddy summaryHB 565 requires Mississippi law enforcement agencies to report officer resignations and terminations to the Board on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Training. Agencies must provide timely notification within a specified timeframe and include an explanation if the resignation or termination resulted from disciplinary action. Failure to report carries penalties, though agencies may appeal the board's decision. This bill directly affects all law enforcement agencies in Mississippi, aiming to improve transparency in officer employment history.
Maddy summaryHB 1296 revises Mississippi's Plant and Soil Amendment Law to replace the term "amending ingredient" with "beneficial substance" and formally define "plant biostimulant" to align with standards set by the Association of American Plant Food Control Officials (AAPFCO). The bill requires that labels for soil amendments and plant biostimulants display specific information, including brand, net weight, purpose statement, usage directions, and ingredient composition. This change directly affects manufacturers and sellers of these agricultural products in Mississippi, who must update their labeling to meet the new requirements. The legislation ensures consistency with industry guidelines without altering the underlying regulatory framework for these products.
Maddy summaryHB 1295 revises Mississippi's definition of "agritourism activity" to include public viewing of farming, ranching, or cultural/historical attractions on commercial agricultural properties. It requires agritourism professionals (like farms offering public tours) to post a specific warning sign at entrances - using black letters at least 1 inch tall - stating participants assume risks inherent to farm activities, such as land conditions, equipment, animals, or participant negligence. Failure to post this sign means professionals lose liability protection for injuries caused by these inherent risks. The bill directly affects farm operators hosting public agritourism activities and visitors participating in them.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a substantive bill), commending Parklane Academy's football team and head coach for winning the MAIS Class 5A state championship. It formally recognizes their 70-42 victory over Leake Academy, highlighting their 12-2 record, first title since 1994, and standout player performances (like Jax Toler's 278-yard championship game). The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it is purely a symbolic gesture of legislative approval. The resolution was adopted and signed into law by the legislature on March 3, 2025.
Maddy summaryHB 816 proposes requiring Mississippi hunters to report white-tailed deer harvests through an electronic system (like a mobile app or website) developed by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks. This mandatory reporting would affect all deer hunters in the state, with penalties including fines starting at $100 for first violations (up to $500 for subsequent offenses). The bill also mandates an annual report to legislative committees and specifies that funds for the program cannot come from the department’s existing budget. However, the bill "died in committee" on March 4, 2025, meaning it has not become law and is not currently in effect.
Maddy summaryHB 1081 declares that parents have a fundamental right to direct their children's upbringing, education, care, and control. It prohibits Mississippi state agencies and local governments from infringing on this right unless a narrowly tailored law serves a compelling state interest using the least restrictive means. The bill would have applied to all parents and state entities like schools or child welfare agencies, limiting their ability to intervene in family decisions. However, the bill "died in committee" on March 4, 2025, and did not become law, so these provisions never took effect. (Note: The bill was pending but not enacted as of the provided status.)