Rep. Oscar Denton

Maddy summaryHB 1804 authorizes Mississippi to issue state bonds to fund repairs, renovations, and upgrades to Albert Lott Hall and the Nursing Campus Residence Halls at Alcorn State University. The bonds, backed by the full faith and credit of the state, will be sold to investors, with proceeds dedicated exclusively to these specific building projects. The State Bond Commission will manage the bond issuance process, including determining terms and sale methods. This bill provides a funding mechanism for physical infrastructure improvements at the university, directly benefiting its campus facilities and students.

Maddy summaryHB 1802 allocates $9,020,613 from Mississippi's State General Fund to support Alcorn State University's agricultural land-grant research and extension programs for the 2027 fiscal year (July 2026-June 2027). The bill directly provides funding for the university's farming research, crop development, and community agricultural education initiatives. It is a procedural funding measure with no policy changes, simply directing state money to sustain these specific programs.

Maddy summaryHB 1805 allocates $1.5 million from Mississippi's State General Fund to Alcorn State University for the 2027 fiscal year (July 2026-June 2027). The funding directly supports enhancing the university's campus facilities and programs in science, technology, engineering, and medical (STEM) fields. This bill provides concrete financial resources to strengthen Alcorn State's existing STEM academic, research, and service offerings without changing laws or creating new requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 1803 appropriates $1,000,000 from the State General Fund to Alcorn State University’s Mississippi Small Farm and Agribusiness Center for the 2027 fiscal year. The funds directly support expanding research and production of shiitake mushrooms at the center. This is a straightforward funding allocation with no new policy requirements or regulations. The bill specifies the amount, recipient, purpose, and timeframe (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027) without altering existing laws or affecting broader public policy.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (not a policy bill), passed by the Mississippi House of Representatives. It honors Mark Anthony Smith, Sr., a Vicksburg community member, former football player, and businessman, following his passing on February 9, 2026. The resolution expresses the House's deepest sympathy to his family and commemorates his life, athletic achievements, community service, and legacy. It has no legal effect or policy impact - it is solely a ceremonial tribute.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a law with policy changes) commending the Warren Central High School Vikings Football Team for winning the 2025 Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 6A State Championship. It formally recognizes their victory over Hattiesburg High School on December 5, 2025, marking their first title in 31 years and third overall. The resolution was adopted by the Mississippi legislature in February 2026 and directs copies to the school's coach, district superintendent, and press corps. It does not create legal obligations or affect any individuals or policies.

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 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.