Rep. Shanda Yates

Maddy summaryHB 1274 would prevent Mississippi car insurers from raising premiums, canceling policies, or refusing to renew coverage based on nonfault car accidents (where the insured driver wasn't at fault, even if unreported). It directly affects drivers who have been in accidents they didn't cause, ensuring insurers cannot use these incidents to increase costs or deny coverage. The law requires insurers to refund overcharges plus triple the amount or $1,000 (whichever is greater) plus attorney fees if they violate these rules. This bill amends existing insurance laws (Sections 83-11-3 and 83-11-7) to enforce these protections.

Maddy summaryHB 1669 changes Mississippi's youth court jurisdiction rules for repeat firearm offenses by youth. It requires circuit court jurisdiction (instead of youth court) when a youth has been previously adjudicated delinquent in youth court for a firearm-related act that would be a felony if committed by an adult, and then commits a subsequent firearm-related act that would also be a felony as an adult. The bill directly affects youth with prior adjudications for felony-level firearm offenses who commit a second similar offense. This policy change takes effect on July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 1670 updates Mississippi's youth court procedures across multiple statutes. It requires chancery clerks to prepare specific documents when guardian ad litem fees exceed $1,000 (affecting family court cases involving youth), removes restrictions on removing youth court documents from clerks' offices, and clarifies that judges - not designees - must handle key decisions like appointing personnel, authorizing custody, and drafting petitions. The bill also establishes new programs like the Statewide Youth Diversion Program and Family Services Roundtable while repealing outdated sections. These changes directly affect youth court judges, clerks, prosecutors, and youth offenders navigating the system.

Maddy summaryHB 1682 requires real estate wholesalers to provide specific written disclosures to homeowners when purchasing residential property with the intent to transfer the purchase contract to a third party. The bill defines "wholesaler" as any person or entity buying residential property (with 1-4 dwelling units) to assign or sell their contractual rights for profit, excluding it from standard licensing exemptions. Contracts lacking these disclosures would be invalid, and the requirement applies only to residential transactions. The law clarifies that wholesalers must comply with these disclosure rules, which are separate from existing real estate licensing requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 811 revises Mississippi's candidate qualification process for state and federal offices. It requires candidates to submit a written statement and prescribed form with their fees by 6:00 p.m. on the qualifying deadline date, with executive committees forwarding these documents to the Secretary of State by that time. The bill establishes clear timelines for determining qualifications, including a 10-day appeal window if the Secretary of State disagrees with an executive committee's decision. It also prohibits candidates who voted outside their intended jurisdiction during required residency periods from appearing on ballots, except when redistricting changes their district. Additionally, it changes the presidential primary qualification deadline from January to November/December.

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 summaryHB 1777 allows the City of Ridgeland to impose a 1% tax on restaurant sales and a 2% tax on hotel/motel room rentals to fund capital improvements for Freedom Ridge Park, Phase II. It directly affects restaurants with $100,000+ in annual sales and hotels/motels with more than 10 units. The tax would be collected at checkout, remitted to the state, and dedicated solely to the park project - separately from general city funds. Before implementation, a voter referendum (requiring 60% approval) must be held in June 2025. The bill requires annual audits of the funds and expires after the park project is completed.

Maddy summaryHB 1987 increases the maximum bond amount Madison County's Economic Development Authority (MCEDA) can issue for economic development projects from $20 million to $25 million. This directly affects MCEDA's ability to fund infrastructure improvements, industrial parks, and related facilities within Madison County. The key provision simply raises the authorized bond limit under existing law without changing the Authority's structure or other operational rules. The bill does not alter the process for issuing bonds or the types of projects eligible for funding.