Rep. Fred Shanks

Maddy summaryHB 953 extends the expiration date for Mississippi's weight and route approval rules that apply to harvest permit holders. These rules currently limit vehicle weights (up to 88,000 pounds for permitted vehicles) and require pre-approval for routes when transporting agricultural products like wood, sand, gravel, and crops. The bill prevents these specific regulations from automatically ending on their scheduled date, maintaining existing allowances for haulers. It directly affects commercial transporters with harvest permits who move qualifying materials within 100 miles of their origin.

Maddy summaryHB 1203 prohibits camping on most public property in Mississippi, including sidewalks, streets, highways, and alleys, unless the area is specifically designated for camping by local authorities or state law. It defines "camping" to include setting up tents, sleeping bags, or other personal items and requires all camping to occur only in authorized locations. Local governments can remove camping materials after 24 hours' notice (or immediately for unsanitary or dangerous items) and must provide information about housing or health resources when removing individuals. Violations may result in penalties, but courts can consider mitigating factors like access to services when determining punishment.

Maddy summaryHB 1201 creates a 25% income tax credit for developers who rehabilitate blighted, tax-forfeited properties in Mississippi, requiring costs to exceed $50,000 for owner-occupied homes or $100,000 for commercial buildings. The credit applies to eligible properties declared unsafe by local authorities and placed into use as residences or businesses within 36 months. Developers can carry forward unused credit amounts for up to 10 years if the credit exceeds their annual tax liability, or opt for a 75% rebate instead. This law directly affects developers who redevelop qualifying properties, aiming to increase property values and community safety through tax incentives.

Maddy summaryHB 1200, the "Real Property Owners Protection Act," creates a legal framework for property owners to quickly remove unauthorized occupants (defined as "squatters") who remain on property without the owner's consent after being asked to leave. The bill requires owners or their agents to file a sworn affidavit with local law enforcement, triggering a 24-hour deadline for the alleged squatter to vacate or request a hearing. If contested, a hearing must occur within seven days to determine if the occupant is a squatter, using a "preponderance of evidence" standard. The law also clarifies that owners (or their designated agents) exclusively control property rights, rental income, and eviction processes, while imposing penalties for false complaints and specifying procedures for handling abandoned property.

Maddy summaryMississippi's House Concurrent Resolution 12 (HC 12) is a state application urging Congress to call a constitutional convention under Article V of the U.S. Constitution. It proposes a specific amendment to limit congressional terms: capping re-elections for both House members (max 6 terms) and Senators (max 2 terms). The resolution requests that Mississippi's application be counted toward the 34-state threshold needed to compel Congress to convene such a convention, aggregating with similar applications from other states. This is a procedural request, not a law, and does not change current term limits or directly affect voters or legislators.

Maddy summaryHouse Concurrent Resolution 29 calls for a joint session of the Mississippi legislature on January 29, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. in the House chamber to hear Governor Tate Reeves' annual State of the State address. This procedural resolution directly affects the legislature by scheduling the formal meeting for the Governor's address, with no policy changes or specific affected groups.

Maddy summaryHR 126 is a resolution passed by the Mississippi House of Representatives to formally commend Assistant Chief Oscar Wayne King for his 36 years of public service, including 30 years with the Mississippi Department of Public Safety Capitol Police, upon his retirement on December 31, 2024. The resolution recognizes his career achievements, leadership in roles like Assistant Chief overseeing administrative operations, and dedication to public safety without altering any laws or policies. It serves as a symbolic tribute to his service, highlighting his professional background and community involvement, and was adopted by the House on March 31, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a policy bill) commending Mississippi Methodist Hospital and Rehabilitation Center for its 50 years of providing rehabilitation services. It honors the hospital's work restoring independence to patients with disabilities like strokes, brain injuries, and spinal cord injuries. The resolution contains no new policies, funding, or legal changes - it is purely a formal expression of appreciation signed by the Mississippi Legislature.

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 972 extends the expiration date of a tax credit program for businesses transporting cargo on Mississippi waterways (like rivers and lakes). It ensures companies already eligible for the credit before January 1, 2029, can continue claiming it and carry forward unused credits after that date. The credit provides $2,000 annually per full-time Mississippi job created in qualifying positions, with unused credits allowed to carry forward for up to five years. This change preserves existing benefits for current participants without creating new eligibility for other businesses.