Maddy summaryHB 857 expands Mississippi's literacy program to support students in grades 4 through 8 by requiring evidence-based reading instruction and interventions. It mandates annual universal reading screenings for all students in these grades, professional development for teachers focused on the "science of reading" (including phonics and decoding), and prohibits the use of "three-cueing systems" for teaching word reading. The bill also creates a system to identify "Middle Literacy Support Schools" based on reading data and requires the state education department to develop a structured literacy course for grades 6-8. Schools must provide targeted interventions for struggling readers, and the department must submit annual implementation reports to the legislature.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 11) is a ceremonial measure commending the City of Vicksburg, Mississippi, for its 200th anniversary of incorporation (January 29, 2025). It acknowledges Vicksburg's historical significance, including its role in the Civil War, river commerce, and community resilience, without creating new laws or affecting any policies. The resolution formally recognizes the city's legacy and extends congratulations to Vicksburg's leadership and residents. As a procedural resolution, it has no direct impact on constituents or legislation beyond the symbolic gesture.
Maddy summaryHB 885 would give Mississippi county and municipal election commissioners retirement credit for their service time in the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). Commissioners who served at least eight years before July 1, 2025, would receive an extra retirement payment equal to one year of benefits for each full year served in that role. The bill specifically amends retirement rules to count election commissioner service toward retirement credits and add supplemental payments for qualifying long-term service. This directly affects local election officials serving in elected county and municipal roles.
Maddy summaryHB 498 designates June 19th (Juneteenth) as a legal holiday in Mississippi, adding it to the state's official list of recognized holidays. This change directly affects all state employees, public schools, and government offices, which must observe Juneteenth as a paid holiday like other designated days (e.g., Independence Day). The bill amends Mississippi Code Section 3-3-7 to formally include "the nineteenth day of June (Juneteenth)" in the list of legal holidays, with the same observance rules as other holidays (e.g., if it falls on Sunday, the next Monday is observed). No new obligations or funding are created - this is solely a designation change to the existing holiday schedule.
Maddy summaryHB 488 requires Mississippi public school boards to designate a daily period of reflection at the start of each school day, allowing students to engage in voluntary, nonsectarian, nonproselytizing prayer on their own initiative. This policy directly affects all public school students and school boards across Mississippi, mandating they create a specific time for student-led prayer without school staff leading or endorsing it. The bill specifies that this reflection period must not be structured as a religious service and must align with existing laws protecting student prayer rights under the First Amendment. It takes effect July 1, 2025, and does not require schools to promote or facilitate prayer beyond designating the time.
Maddy summaryHB 1568 reinstates a tax credit program allowing businesses to claim credits against state income, insurance premium, and property taxes for cash donations to specific charitable organizations serving vulnerable children. It directly affects Mississippi businesses (corporations, LLCs, partnerships, or sole proprietorships) that contribute to eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits providing foster care support, educational services for children in need, or disability assistance. Key provisions include a 50% credit limit on tax liability, strict certification requirements for charities (including no abortion funding), and a prohibition against using the same contribution for other tax credits. The bill also requires organizations to verify their compliance with these criteria annually.
Maddy summaryHB 484 allows licensed home inspectors in Mississippi to inspect new residential construction for a fee without needing a separate residential home builders license or certification from organizations like the Southern Building Code Congress. It directly affects licensed home inspectors who previously could not perform these inspections without additional credentials. The bill amends existing law to remove the requirement for a builder's license and specific certifications when conducting new construction inspections. This change takes effect July 1, 2025, streamlining the process for inspectors serving new home construction projects.
Maddy summaryHB 1224 would have changed the property classification of Alcorn State University's president's residence from commercial to residential. This would have allowed licensed residential builders (not restricted by typical height or size limits for residential projects) to perform construction or capital improvements on the property. The bill amended Mississippi Code Sections 73-59-1 and 73-59-19 to enable this change. The bill died in committee on February 4, 2025, and was never enacted.
Maddy summaryHB 404 increases the minimum financial bond amounts required for Mississippi elected officials who handle public funds. The bill raises bonds to $100,000 for justice court judges and county assessors, and to $60,000 for notaries public and county tax collectors. These bonds must be provided by licensed surety companies and cover misconduct during an official’s term. The policy strengthens financial accountability for public fund handling without changing eligibility requirements.
Maddy summaryHB 487 requires courts and mental health facilities to notify Mississippi's Department of Public Safety (DPS) when a person is declared mentally incompetent by a court or voluntarily committed to a hospital or treatment facility. This notification allows DPS to review firearm licenses for concealed pistols, revolvers, or stun guns under existing law (Section 45-9-101), potentially denying, suspending, or revoking licenses for those affected. The bill specifies that records related to these notifications are confidential and exempt from public disclosure. It directly affects individuals with court-ordered mental health commitments who seek or hold concealed carry permits. The law clarifies and automates a process already in place for restricting firearm access based on mental health status.