Rep. Gene Newman

Maddy summaryHB 286 appropriates $600,000 from the state general fund to the City of Pearl for constructing a traffic signal at the intersection of Mississippi Highway 468 and Murray Drive during fiscal year 2026-2027. This funding directly assists the City of Pearl in covering construction costs for the traffic signal, which will affect drivers and pedestrians using that specific intersection. The bill is purely a funding authorization with no policy changes beyond the allocation.

Maddy summaryHB 1729 authorizes Mississippi's Department of Finance and Administration to sell or lease the Highway Safety Patrol headquarters facility (10.17 acres at 1900 East Woodrow Wilson Avenue in Jackson) for private redevelopment. The property must be redeveloped exclusively as a hotel, restaurant, or both, with the purchaser/lessee covering all site development costs including demolition of unused structures. The bill requires sales to meet fair market value (via two appraisals) and leases to match fair market rental value with periodic adjustments, while mandating consideration of impacts on nearby medical centers (UMMC and VA) and compliance with local zoning. The state retains all mineral rights, and the process includes public advertising, proposal evaluations, and requirements for financial documentation.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a law) honoring Mississippi's historical and economic ties with Quebec. It recognizes the 1699 French settlement in Mississippi led by Quebec-born explorer d'Iberville, celebrates ongoing cultural exchanges (like annual commemorations), and highlights mutual economic benefits - including Quebec supplying over half of U.S. primary aluminum (used in Mississippi's auto industry) and Mississippi exporting 75% of its auto parts to Quebec. The resolution formally expresses Mississippi's commitment to continued collaboration with Quebec through trade and shared values. It has no binding effect but serves as a symbolic gesture of goodwill, directed to Quebec officials.

Maddy summaryHB 293 delays the disclosure of specific sensitive medical test results to patients via their electronic health records (EHR) for 72 hours after finalization, unless a patient's healthcare provider directs earlier release. It specifically applies to pathology/radiology reports with a reasonable likelihood of showing cancer (malignancy) or genetic test results. The bill aims to prevent premature disclosure that could cause patient distress before providers can review and discuss results. The law would take effect July 1, 2026, but the bill died in committee in February 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 292 requires Mississippi restaurant employees to complete food allergy awareness training that specifically covers gluten as a food allergen. The training must teach employees about gluten sources, symptoms of gluten intolerance and celiac disease, safe gluten-free food preparation, and cleaning methods to prevent cross-contamination. It applies to all restaurants defined under Mississippi law (businesses primarily selling ready-to-eat food with on-site kitchens and seating). The bill, which died in committee on February 3, 2026, would have taken effect July 1, 2026, if passed.

Maddy summaryHB 289 would require Mississippi courts to suspend a driver's license if someone misses their court date for a traffic citation. After a 30-day notice period, the court clerk must notify the Department of Public Safety to suspend the license. The license can only be reinstated once the driver appears in court, resolves their case, or receives court notification of resolution. This applies to all traffic citations, not just serious violations, and mandates specific notice and reinstatement procedures.

Maddy summaryHB 287 requires drivers in Mississippi to slow down or move to a non-adjacent lane when approaching a disabled vehicle on or near the roadway, if safe and possible on multi-lane roads. It defines a "disabled vehicle" as any temporarily stopped vehicle (e.g., due to mechanical failure) using hazard lights or safety devices. The law applies to all drivers and prohibits passing such vehicles without caution, with violations punishable by fines up to $250 (or $1,000 if causing injury or damage). The bill, which died in committee on February 3, 2026, would have taken effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 291 prohibits texting while driving by making it a traffic violation (not a civil infraction) and imposes a $100 fine per offense. It specifically bans manually writing, sending, or reading text messages or accessing social media on handheld devices while operating a vehicle, excluding voice-operated or hands-free devices. The bill requires law enforcement to record the driver's age, race, and whether additional violations or crashes occurred during citations. This policy directly affects drivers who use handheld devices for texting or social media while driving, changing enforcement from civil penalties to traffic violations.

Maddy summaryHB 328 authorizes Mississippi's Department of Archives and History (MDAH) to approve exemptions from standard repair and renovation requirements for state-owned properties over 20 years old with historical, cultural, or architectural significance. It requires repairs to maintain original architectural integrity using replica materials if original materials are unavailable, and mandates written MDAH approval for properties designated as both Mississippi Landmarks and National Historic Landmarks. The bill also establishes additional rules for these dual-designation properties, including compliance with federal preservation standards and submission of detailed preservation plans. The bill died in committee on February 3, 2026, and did not become law.

Maddy summaryHB 393 would give school district tax authorities (like county boards) discretion to approve or partially approve school board requests for property tax increases. If a requested tax rate exceeds 55 mills or the current rate, the bill requires a public referendum before implementation. Exceptions include districts already levying above 55 mills or those needing tax hikes after declared disasters. This bill directly affects how Mississippi school districts seek funding through property taxes.