Rep. Stephanie Foster

Maddy summaryHB 396 appropriates $50,000 from the state general fund to Hinds County's Board of Supervisors to help cover the cost of installing surveillance cameras in strategic locations across House District 63. The funds will be distributed equally ($10,000 each) to the five homeowners associations in the district for camera installation in their neighborhoods. This funding is for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, starting July 1, 2026. The bill directly affects these five homeowners associations by providing financial support for neighborhood security camera systems.

Maddy summaryHB 398 appropriates $200,000 from the Mississippi State General Fund to the Town of Learned for infrastructure repairs, upgrades, and improvements during the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The funds directly support the town's governing authorities in covering costs for maintaining and enhancing local infrastructure like roads or utilities. The bill specifies that the money will be paid by the State Treasurer upon proper requisitions. This is a straightforward funding allocation with no additional policy provisions or voting record impact.

Maddy summaryHB 388 appropriates $200,000 from the state general fund to the Town of Bolton, Mississippi, to cover costs for renovating its police department facilities during fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). The bill directly affects Bolton’s police department by providing state funding for facility improvements. It specifies that the funds will be paid by the State Treasurer upon proper requisitions and takes effect July 1, 2026. This is a straightforward funding measure with no additional policy provisions.

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 1589 amends Mississippi law to prohibit teachers found guilty of sexual relations with students from resigning and instead mandates their termination. The bill specifically adds that if a school board finds an employee responsible for such misconduct, the employee must be terminated and cannot resign to avoid this outcome. This change applies within the existing disciplinary hearing process outlined in Section 37-9-111, where the school board reviews evidence and issues a final decision. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, and directly affects teachers in Mississippi public schools who face termination for this specific violation.

Maddy summaryHB 1292 requires all Mississippi public school board members to serve four-year terms and be elected in either statewide general elections (starting November 2027) or presidential elections (starting November 2028), giving each school district the choice of election cycle. It directly affects all county, municipal, and special school districts by replacing current election methods with standardized four-year terms and flexible election timing. Key provisions include allowing districts to choose between single-member districts or at-large elections, standardizing nomination petition requirements, and establishing procedures for filling vacancies. The bill updates election rules for all school boards under the State Board of Education's jurisdiction, excluding charter school boards.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a law) commending Jamal Roberts, a Meridian, Mississippi native, for winning the 23rd season of *American Idol*. It formally congratulates him as the second Mississippian and second African-American male to win the competition, highlighting his musical achievements and roots. The resolution has no policy impact; it simply expresses the Mississippi House of Representatives' praise and will be sent to Roberts and the press. It does not affect any laws, regulations, or funding.

Maddy summaryHB 397 would require most Mississippi driver's license applicants to pass a practical road test demonstrating safe vehicle operation in real traffic conditions, replacing the previous optional requirement. It directly affects new license seekers (excluding those with valid out-of-state licenses) by mandating this test as part of the licensing process. Key provisions include requiring vehicle safety checks (horn, brakes, registration) before the test and allowing exemptions for those completing school driver education or with parent-certified driving experience. The bill died in committee in February 2026 and is not law.

Maddy summaryHB 518 would increase penalties for illegally dumping solid waste in Mississippi. The bill sets higher fines (up to $75,000) and potential jail time based on the amount dumped (e.g., felony charges for over 500 pounds or commercial dumping) and requires offenders to clean up waste, repair damage, and pay related costs. It directly affects individuals and businesses that discard waste without authorization, including those who dump on public roads, waterways, or private property without consent. The bill also includes provisions for seizing vehicles used in felony violations and requires defendants to prove they had permission to discard waste.

Maddy summaryHB 705, titled "Enhanced penalties for use of mask in commission of a crime; authorize," would have required Mississippi courts to add a mandatory 1-2 year prison sentence for anyone convicted of a crime while wearing a facial mask, hood, or other face-covering that concealed their identity. The bill directly affected individuals convicted of crimes committed with facial concealment during sentencing. Key provisions mandated the enhanced penalty be added to the standard sentence for such offenses, with no judicial discretion to reduce it. However, the bill died in committee in February 2026 and never became law.