Rep. Shanda Yates

Maddy summaryHB 1459 establishes an inferior court for Mississippi's Capitol Complex Improvement District (CCID), authorizing the Chief Justice of the Mississippi Supreme Court to appoint two full-time and one part-time judge. The court will handle criminal matters and traffic violations occurring within the CCID boundaries (the Jackson Capitol Complex area), with full-time judges paid up to $10,000 less than county court judges and part-time judges paid hourly. All fines collected will be deposited with the City of Jackson. The law expires on July 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 1284 renames Mississippi's "Native Spirit Law" to the "Native and Craft Spirits Law" and defines "craft distillery" and "craft spirit" for the first time. The bill legalizes the production and sale of craft spirits under the same regulations as native spirits, while allowing both types of distilleries to operate one permanent satellite tasting room in any location that permits alcohol sales (previously limited to within 5 miles of the main facility). It also revises permit requirements, sales rules, and distance restrictions for distilleries, directly affecting Mississippi distilleries producing craft spirits and native spirits. These changes aim to modernize the regulatory framework for small-scale spirit producers in the state.

Maddy summaryHB 1268 creates the Mississippi Save Our Service Member Task Force to study mental health needs and suicide prevention for Mississippi National Guard members and veterans. The 15-member task force - including military leaders, mental health experts, and legislative representatives - will assess current services, identify gaps in support, and develop recommendations for improved mental health resources. It must submit a final report with proposed legislation and funding needs to the legislature by January 1, 2026. The bill also establishes a separate task force for first responders, but its primary focus is on military service members' mental health.

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 1194 allows certain for-profit water companies - specifically those created solely to meet federal or state water compliance orders - to convert their status to a "water authority" (a public entity). This change enables them to access tax-exempt financing for water infrastructure, potentially lowering costs for customers. To convert, these entities must file a resolution, application, and bylaws with Mississippi’s Secretary of State, meeting specific requirements outlined in the bill. The law takes effect July 1, 2025, and directly affects eligible water providers formed for regulatory compliance.

Maddy summaryHB 1199 authorizes Mississippi's Secretary of State to use the existing Land Records Maintenance Fund to contract with vendors for routine upkeep of unredeemed tax-sale lands (blighted properties) that remain unsold. This directly affects counties and municipalities responsible for maintaining these properties, allowing them to cover costs like mowing, debris removal, and minor repairs through competitive vendor contracts. The bill also prevents unspent funds in this dedicated account from lapsing into the General Fund at year-end. While the bill passed the House in January 2025, it died in the Senate Committee on Public Property and Appropriations on March 4, 2025, and did not become law.

Maddy summaryHB 1456 transfers a 10.17-acre property at 1900 East Woodrow Wilson Avenue in Jackson, Mississippi - currently used as the Mississippi Highway Safety Patrol headquarters - to the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC). The bill requires the Department of Finance and Administration (acting for the Department of Public Safety) to convey the property to UMMC's board of trustees, with terms considering redevelopment options like medical facilities or police administrative buildings. It also specifies that the state retains mineral rights and mandates consideration of FAA flight patterns, zoning, and cleanup costs during the transfer. This procedural bill directly affects the Department of Public Safety (current owner) and UMMC (new owner), with no policy changes beyond the property transfer.

Maddy summaryHB 1198 requires that land sold at a tax sale automatically transfers to the State of Mississippi if the purchaser does not demand a deed within 90 days after the redemption period ends. The chancery clerk must then certify the land to the Secretary of State within 30 days, and the taxing authority cancels any debt accrued during the redemption period. This applies to lands sold for nonpayment of taxes on or after July 1, 2025. The bill updates procedures for recording such land transfers and ensures the state gains clear title without requiring additional legal action.

Maddy summaryHB 1656, the STRONG Act, would provide tax benefits and health care support for Mississippi National Guard members and their families. It increases income tax exemptions for Guard and Reserve members, creates a $250 annual credit against motor vehicle taxes for service members and their spouses, and establishes a program to reimburse National Guard members for Tricare Reserve Select health insurance premiums. The Adjutant General would administer the program and report its progress to the legislature. The bill passed the legislature in February 2025 but died on calendar before becoming law.

Maddy summaryHB 1202 allows certain water providers to convert from for-profit or not-for-profit entities into public water authorities. Specifically, it applies to for-profit entities formed solely to comply with federal or state water regulations, and existing not-for-profit water corporations. To convert, these entities must file a resolution, application, and bylaws with the Secretary of State, changing their status to a "water authority" under Mississippi law. This conversion enables them to access tax-exempt financing for water infrastructure projects, aiming to secure affordable water supplies at lower rates.