Rep. Stephanie Foster

Maddy summaryHB 835 authorizes the state of Mississippi to issue general obligation bonds to fund repairs, renovations, and interior upgrades to the Hinds County Courthouse in Jackson. The bond proceeds would be paid directly to Hinds County to cover eligible costs for courthouse improvements, with the state guaranteeing repayment through its general credit. This bill specifically affects Hinds County and its courthouse operations by providing state-backed funding for physical facility upgrades. The measure does not change existing laws or create new programs, but rather establishes a funding mechanism for a specific infrastructure project.

Maddy summaryHB 829 provides $200,000 in state funding to the Town of Learned, Mississippi, to cover costs for repairing, upgrading, and improving the town's infrastructure during fiscal year 2025-2026 (July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026). The funds, drawn from the State General Fund, are intended to assist the town's governing authorities with infrastructure projects like road repairs or utility updates. The bill specifies that the state treasurer will disburse the funds upon proper requisitions from the town. This is a straightforward funding appropriation with no policy changes, directly benefiting Learned's residents through improved local infrastructure.

Maddy summaryHB 832 appropriates $50,000 from the state general fund to Hinds County's Board of Supervisors for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. This funding is specifically intended to help cover installation costs for surveillance cameras in strategic locations within House District 63, distributed equally among five homeowners associations in that district. The bill does not create new policies or requirements but provides direct financial assistance for camera installation already planned by the associations. It is a procedural funding measure that expired when the bill died in committee.

Maddy summaryHB 833 proposed appropriating $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 2026 (July 2025-June 2026). The bill directed the State Treasurer to disburse funds upon proper requisitions from Bolton’s governing authorities. This procedural bill died in committee on February 26, 2025, and was never enacted into law.

Maddy summaryHB 837 authorizes Mississippi to issue state bonds to fund paving for specific rural roads in Bolton, Edwards, and Brownsville within Hinds County. The bill directs bond proceeds to cover paving costs, aiming to improve residents' access to economic opportunities, commerce, healthcare, education, and government services. Key provisions include using state general obligation bonds (backed by Mississippi's full credit), restricting funds strictly to these road projects, and requiring the State Bond Commission to manage the bond issuance and disbursement. The bill does not create new taxes or alter existing funding mechanisms but provides a dedicated funding source for targeted infrastructure.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a policy bill) commending the Hinds Community College Raymond Cheer Team for winning the 2025 UCA National Championship in the Open Small Co-Ed Game Day Division. It formally recognizes their victory, highlighting their championship performance and resilience, and extends congratulations to the team, coach Kadin Adcox, and Hinds Community College. The resolution has no policy impact or funding provisions - it is purely a symbolic gesture of recognition.

Maddy summaryHB 1045 would increase the number of full-time assistant public defenders in Hinds County (Seventh Circuit Court District) by authorizing six new positions. It requires that these new staff receive office space, equipment, two investigators, two legal secretaries, and operating expenses at least equal to the District Attorney’s office, subject to legislative funding. The bill directly affects public defenders serving criminal defendants in Hinds County court cases by expanding their staffing and resource support. The legislation was introduced but died in committee on February 4, 2025, and did not become law.

Maddy summaryHB 1059 would authorize Mississippi's Capitol Police Chief or the Department of Public Safety Commissioner to create and employ a part-time reserve law enforcement unit. This reserve would specifically assist Capitol Police in carrying out their duties within the Capitol Complex Improvement District, including enforcing state laws on state-owned properties there. The bill amends existing law (Section 45-1-19) to formally establish this part-time reserve option, without changing current jurisdictional responsibilities or requiring new funding. It directly affects Capitol Police operations and their ability to manage security at state properties in the Capitol Complex.

Maddy summaryHB 831 would have increased penalties for illegally dumping solid waste in Mississippi. It raised fines and potential jail time based on waste volume and whether dumping was for commercial purposes - for example, dumping over 500 pounds or for business use would have been a felony punishable by up to five years in prison and $75,000 in fines. Convicted individuals would also have been required to remove the waste, repair property damage, and cover investigative costs. However, the bill died in committee in February 2025 and did not become law.

Maddy summaryHB 1119 (the "Representative Andy Stepp Pharmacy Benefit Prompt Pay Act") requires pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) to reimburse pharmacies at least the National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NADAC) for drugs plus a standard dispensing fee, ensuring pharmacies are paid fairly for medications. It prohibits PBMs from charging patients more than the amount retained by the pharmacy and bans PBMs from penalizing patients for choosing specific pharmacies or favoring certain pharmacies in networks. The bill also mandates clear appeal processes for pharmacies disputing low reimbursements and prohibits PBMs from retaliating against pharmacies for exercising rights under the law. These provisions directly affect PBMs, pharmacies, and patients in Mississippi by setting fair reimbursement standards and protecting patient choice.