Rep. Brent Powell

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 128) formally commends the Jackson Prep Lady Patriots Basketball Team for winning the Midsouth Association of Independent Schools (MAIS) Class 6A State Championship in 2024-2025. It recognizes the team's achievement of a 10th overall state title, their 26-7 season record, and their championship victory over Presbyterian Christian School. The resolution is a ceremonial gesture by the Mississippi House of Representatives, extending congratulations to the players, coaches, and staff named in the resolution. It does not create new laws or policies, as it is a standard commendation resolution for athletic achievement.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a law), not a bill with policy changes. It formally commends the 2024-2025 Jackson Prep Patriots basketball team for winning the Midsouth Association of Independent Schools (MAIS) Overall State Championship. The resolution highlights their championship victory over Jackson Academy, key players, and coaching staff, but contains no binding provisions or changes to law. It solely serves to recognize the team's athletic achievement.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (not a policy bill) that formally commends Major General John Trent Kelly for his 40-year military career and congratulates him upon his retirement in May 2025. It specifically recognizes his service in the Mississippi Army National Guard, including deployments to Desert Storm and Iraq, his leadership roles, and his awards. The resolution has no policy impact or direct effect on any laws, regulations, or people beyond expressing the Mississippi House of Representatives' gratitude for his service. It was adopted and signed by the legislature in March 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1644 revises Mississippi's tax incentives for telecommunications companies deploying broadband infrastructure. It establishes tiered tax credits (5-15% of equipment costs) based on rural area designations (Tier One to Three), with annual limits of $15 million total and $1.5 million per company. The bill prohibits credits for equipment paid for via the federal BEAD broadband program and requires companies to submit sworn equipment descriptions to county tax assessors by April 1 to claim property tax exemptions for equipment placed in service between 2025-2030. These exemptions last 10 years for fixed broadband and 5 years for mobile broadband, subject to FCC speed benchmarks.

Maddy summaryHB 1197, the "Safe Solicitation Act," requires anyone soliciting money or goods in public spaces (like streets or sidewalks) to obtain a permit from their local municipality, county, or political subdivision. It limits solicitation to daylight hours, prohibits blocking traffic, restricts activities to within 100 feet of an approved intersection, and bans harassment or amplification devices. Violations can result in fines up to $300 or jail time for forgery, while permits cost no more than $25. The law amends existing traffic obstruction statutes to align with these requirements and allows local governments to opt out within six months of enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 999 revises Mississippi's definition of "modular home" under the Uniform Standards Code for Factory-Built Homes Law. It clarifies that modular homes must be certified by manufacturers to comply with Mississippi's current building code, installed on approved foundations, and explicitly excludes manufactured homes (which follow federal safety standards). This change directly affects manufacturers, contractors, and installers of modular homes by defining their regulatory requirements. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, and does not alter existing rules for manufactured or mobile homes.

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 summaryHB 1191 updates Mississippi's rules for excavating near underground and submerged utility lines. It directly affects construction crews (excavators) and utility companies (operators) by requiring more precise location markings (within 18 inches for ground lines, 15 feet for submerged lines), setting different response timeframes for operators based on excavation type, and mandating contact information for emergency digs. The bill also creates a new process for large projects to hold preconstruction meetings with utility operators to agree on timelines. These changes aim to reduce damage to utility infrastructure during digging operations.

Maddy summaryHB 1196 authorizes the Pearl River Valley Water Supply District to join Mississippi’s existing Local Governments and Rural Water Systems Improvements Revolving Loan and Grant Program. This program, administered by the State Department of Health, provides loans and grants to eligible entities - including counties, municipalities, and water districts - for water system upgrades like construction, repairs, or expansion. The bill specifically adds the Pearl River Valley Water Supply District to the list of eligible participants under Section 41-3-16 of the Mississippi Code. It does not create new funding but expands access to an existing program designed to improve rural water infrastructure.

Maddy summaryHB 1186, now law in Mississippi, requires all public and charter K-12 schools, plus accredited private schools, to conduct annual pressure tests on natural gas piping systems before each school year (or by July 1 for year-round schools). Schools must hire qualified plumbers to test if systems hold normal pressure, report results to gas suppliers and the State Department of Education, and notify school boards of any leaks found during testing. Gas suppliers must cut off service immediately if a hazardous leak is confirmed or if testing isn’t done. The Mississippi Public Service Commission will create implementing rules by December 2025, with natural gas utilities potentially offering financial help for school compliance costs. The law takes effect July 1, 2026.