Rep. Chris Bell

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 1945 appropriates $21.89 million from the state general fund to Hinds County for specific infrastructure and public safety projects during fiscal year 2026. The funds will directly support the construction of a new county detention center, courthouse renovations, road repairs in Jackson and rural communities, water association improvements, and public safety equipment like surveillance cameras and emergency sirens. This bill provides state funding for existing county projects but does not create new laws or policies. The bill was referred to committee in February 2025 but died there and did not become law.

Maddy summaryHB 1946 appropriates $31.4 million from the state general fund to fund specific renovations at Jackson State University (JSU) and campus safety enhancements for fiscal year 2026. The funds will cover interior renovations of the T.B. Ellis Building, Heritage Building, and Rose E. McCoy Auditorium, plus safety project improvements for students, faculty, and staff. The bill, which died in committee on February 26, 2025, directly affects JSU's campus infrastructure and community safety. It provides concrete funding for named projects without altering broader policy.

Maddy summaryHB 1944 appropriates $20.55 million from the state general fund to the Jackson Redevelopment Authority for fiscal year 2026. The funds directly support specific projects in Jackson, including revitalizing disinvested areas (like the Infill Housing Program and demolition of the old Atmos building), enhancing public safety (parking structure upgrades and Convention Center improvements), and advancing economic development (downtown business loans and Civic Arena planning). The bill outlines exact allocations for each project category but does not create new policies or change existing laws. It is a funding measure, not a substantive legislative change.

Maddy summaryHR 37 is a ceremonial resolution passed by the Mississippi House of Representatives to commend Briana McElroy, a Jackson, Mississippi native and Lionsgate's Senior Vice President of Worldwide Digital Marketing, for her career achievements. The resolution highlights her work leading digital campaigns for major films like *John Wick: Chapter 4* and *The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes*, as well as her 8 Clio Awards and prior roles at Warner Bros. and Twitter. It does not create new laws or affect policy - it is solely a symbolic gesture of recognition adopted by the House and delivered to McElroy.

Maddy summaryHB 678, the Mississippi Doxxing Prevention Act, prohibits intentionally sharing restricted personal information (like home addresses, phone numbers, or email) of specific protected individuals with the intent to harass or threaten them. It directly affects law enforcement officers, government employees, jurors, witnesses, and informants (defined as "covered persons") by creating criminal penalties: first offenses are misdemeanors (up to 6 months jail or $2,000 fine), while repeat offenses or cases involving violence become felonies (up to 10 years in prison or $10,000 fine). The bill also amends Mississippi’s public records law to exempt the restricted personal information of these covered persons from public disclosure. The bill was referred to the Judiciary Committee but died there on February 4, 2025, and did not become law.

Maddy summaryHB 974 establishes a licensing system for anesthesiologist assistants in Mississippi, requiring them to obtain a license from the State Board of Medical Licensure to practice. It mandates completion of an accredited education program, passing a certification exam, and working exclusively under the supervision of a licensed anesthesiologist who delegates specific duties for patient care plans. The bill prohibits unlicensed practice (with criminal penalties), sets renewal requirements, and grants the Board authority to issue disciplinary actions. The bill was referred to the Public Health and Human Services Committee but died there on February 4, 2025, without further action.

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.

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.