Rep. Justin Keen

Maddy summaryHB 1, the "Build Up Mississippi Act," reduces Mississippi's income tax rate for taxable income over $10,000 to 3.75% in 2027, 3.5% in 2028, 3.25% in 2029, and 3% in 2030 and beyond, with potential further reductions after 2031 under specific fiscal conditions. It also imposes a 5% sales tax on grocery purchases starting July 1, 2025, and increases gasoline excise taxes to 27 cents per gallon by 2027. Additionally, the bill creates a new retirement system tier for state employees joining on or after March 1, 2026, combining a defined benefit component with a defined contribution plan requiring 9% employee contributions.

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 summaryHR 87 is a commemorative resolution recognizing DeSoto County Deputy Sheriff Brian Brock for his selfless actions on March 4, 2025, when he deliberately positioned his vehicle to block an oncoming speeding car on Interstate 269, preventing a potential collision and saving other drivers. The resolution, adopted by the Mississippi House of Representatives on March 17, 2025, formally commends Brock for his courage and protects public safety, with no policy changes or funding involved. It is purely ceremonial, expressing gratitude for Brock’s actions and honoring his service.

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 888 updates Mississippi's Burn Care Fund by expanding eligible recipients to include Baptist Medical Center and burn centers affiliated with Level I trauma centers, while removing the University of Mississippi Medical Center as a designated recipient. It increases the fee for distinctive license tags from $1.00 to $2.50 per tag or plate, and adds a $0.50 fee for commercial vehicle decals, with all new proceeds deposited into the Burn Care Fund. These changes direct funding toward specific burn care facilities within Mississippi's trauma system, shifting support from the University of Mississippi Medical Center to Baptist Medical Center and Level I-affiliated centers. The bill does not create new facilities but alters how existing funds are distributed. The fee increases take effect for vehicle registrations starting in 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1656, the STRONG Act, would provide tax benefits and health care support for Mississippi National Guard members and their families. It increases income tax exemptions for Guard and Reserve members, creates a $250 annual credit against motor vehicle taxes for service members and their spouses, and establishes a program to reimburse National Guard members for Tricare Reserve Select health insurance premiums. The Adjutant General would administer the program and report its progress to the legislature. The bill passed the legislature in February 2025 but died on calendar before becoming law.

Maddy summaryThis Mississippi state resolution (HC 32) honors James Henry Taylor, a soldier who died when Flying Tiger Line Flight 739 vanished during a secret 1962 Vietnam War mission. It specifically recognizes Taylor and the 93 Army soldiers and 11 crew members who perished, whose names are now inscribed on a granite monument in Maine unveiled by Wreaths Across America. The resolution, passed by the Mississippi legislature, formally acknowledges their sacrifice and legacy without altering any laws or policies. It directly affects Taylor’s family, including his daughter Merry Taylor-Mattix, who attended the monument dedication.

Maddy summaryHB 1866 provides $400,000 from the state general fund to the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) to hire a consultant for a feasibility study on the most efficient design for a section of Mississippi Highway 305 in DeSoto County, specifically from Church Street to Lewisburg. The study, to be completed by June 2026, will evaluate potential design options for improving traffic flow, safety, or infrastructure in this corridor. This bill only funds the study and does not implement any changes to the highway or its current design.

Maddy summaryHB 209 appropriates $10 million from the State General Fund to the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) for fiscal year 2026. The funds will directly assist in widening the lanes of the bridge over Mississippi Highway 78 in Olive Branch, addressing infrastructure needs for local traffic. This is a funding measure with no new policy provisions, solely providing financial support for a specific bridge upgrade project.

Maddy summaryHB 845 was a bill appropriating $10 million from the State General Fund to the City of Olive Branch for land acquisition and engineering services related to improvements on Mississippi Highway 305 during fiscal year 2026 (July 2025-June 2026). The bill died in committee on February 26, 2025, and never became law. It did not create new policy but provided funding for a specific infrastructure project.