Rep. Fred Shanks

Maddy summaryHB 1993 allocates $3 million from Mississippi's State General Fund to the existing Mississippi Volunteer Firefighter Length-of-Service Awards Program Fund for fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). This funding supports the program established under Mississippi Code § 45-11-271, which provides monetary awards to volunteer firefighters based on years of service. The bill directly affects Mississippi's volunteer firefighters by ensuring continued funding for these service-based recognition awards. It is a straightforward budget allocation with no new policy changes, solely directing existing state funds to an established program.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic House Resolution (not a law), recognizing the retirement security crisis identified by the National Council on Aging (NCOA) and National Council of Insurance Legislators (NCOIL). It cites data showing 80% of households with adults aged 60+ faced financial insecurity in 2020, linking this to factors like longer lifespans, healthcare costs, and declining pensions. The resolution urges federal and state leaders to promote policies supporting secure retirements - such as lifetime income options in retirement plans - but contains no binding requirements or new programs. It does not directly affect citizens or change existing laws.

Maddy summaryHB 749 extends deadlines for renewable energy projects to qualify for tax benefits in Mississippi. It pushes the construction start date for eligible projects from December 31, 2026, to December 31, 2030, and requires county boards and municipal authorities to approve tax exemptions by July 1, 2029 (instead of 2026). This directly affects renewable energy developers seeking partial ad valorem tax exemptions and local governments responsible for approving these agreements. The bill does not create new tax policies but extends existing deadlines for projects already covered under Sections 27-31-46.1 and 27-31-104 of Mississippi law.

Maddy summaryHB 1771 extends the expiration date of Mississippi's building energy efficiency standards, which require certain commercial, public, and institutional buildings to meet specific energy-saving design and construction requirements. The law applies to buildings with heating/cooling systems (like offices, schools, hotels, and retail stores) but excludes small, unheated structures, mobile homes, and federal properties. It delays the automatic repeal of these standards from July 1, 2029, to a later date (not specified in the text), keeping the current requirements in place. The bill does not change the standards themselves but ensures their continued application for covered buildings.

Maddy summaryHB 935 extends the expiration date for Mississippi's MAICU Infrastructure Grant Program, which provides ARPA-funded grants to seven specific private colleges: Belhaven University, Blue Mountain College, Millsaps College, Mississippi College, Rust College, Tougaloo College, and William Carey University. Funds are distributed based on each institution's full-time equivalent student enrollment and can be used for water, wastewater, stormwater, broadband, and other eligible infrastructure projects. The program requires projects to comply with federal ARPA guidelines and prioritizes water/wastewater projects before broadband and other eligible investments. This extension ensures continued access to these funds for participating institutions.

Maddy summaryHB 934 extends the expiration date for Mississippi's Independent Schools Infrastructure Grant Program, which provides funding to eligible private schools for infrastructure improvements. The program, funded by federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) coronavirus recovery funds, allows qualifying independent schools (members of MAIS or state/national accrediting bodies, not under state education authority) to apply for grants covering water, wastewater, stormwater, and broadband projects. Each school can receive up to $100,000 in reimbursable grants, with funds limited to prospective projects initiated after July 1, 2022. The extension ensures the program continues operating beyond its original sunset date while requiring annual reporting to the legislature on grant allocations and project status.

Maddy summaryHB 716 extends the deadline for repealing a law requiring four temporary special judges in Mississippi's 7th Circuit Court District. The bill delays the expiration date of the statute (currently set for December 31, 2029) and the terms of the temporary judges to a later date. This procedural change directly affects the 7th Circuit Court District's operations by maintaining the current temporary judge appointments beyond the original deadline. The bill does not alter judicial duties, compensation, or court structure.

Maddy summaryHB 929 creates a study committee to examine how to fund and fully cover health insurance for retired certified law enforcement officers, firefighters, and other first responders who have already met retirement eligibility under Mississippi's Public Employees' Retirement System. The committee, composed of nine members including representatives from law enforcement and fire associations, state legislators, and retirement system officials, will study the issue and report by January 1, 2027. This bill does not change current insurance policies or funding - it only establishes a process to study the matter. The committee will receive staff support from the state's PEER committee and gather input from relevant agencies.

Maddy summaryHB 998 would have required business owners who are registered sex offenders to display a clear, visible sign outside their business entrance, at least 18 inches tall in bold font, visible to all entering the business. The law would have applied to all registered sex offenders regardless of conviction date, affecting businesses serving the public. The bill died in committee in February 2026 and never became law, so this requirement is not in effect.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies that requests for DNA testing in post-conviction cases are exempt from Mississippi's rule barring second or successive motions. It explicitly adds that inmates who previously filed a motion can seek new DNA testing with untested evidence or advanced technology without being blocked by the "second motion" rule. This directly affects incarcerated individuals seeking to challenge convictions or sentences using newly available DNA evidence. The change amends Mississippi Code sections 99-39-23 and 99-39-27 to make this exception clear in post-conviction procedures.