Rep. Chris Bell

Co-sponsor HB 1322

died · Mississippi House · Co-sponsor

Public purchasing laws; revise to include set asides for businesses owned by veterans and people with disabilities.

Maddy summaryHB 1322 revises Mississippi's public purchasing laws to expand eligibility for set-aside contracts. It requires state agencies to reserve at least 5% of annual procurement spending for minority-owned businesses, now including businesses owned by veterans and people with disabilities. Agencies may set aside up to 20% of their annual purchases for these eligible businesses. The bill directly affects state agencies purchasing goods and services, aiming to increase opportunities for veteran- and disability-owned businesses in state contracts.

VeteransSupports VeteransBill explicitly expands procurement opportunities for veteran-owned businesses through mandatory set-aside contracts (5-20% of spending), directly supporting veteran business ownership and employment as per topic indicators.95% confidence

died Feb 4, 2025 1 co-sponsor Track

Co-sponsor HB 1119

died · Mississippi House · Co-sponsor

Pharmacy benefit managers; revise provisions related to.

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.

HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires fair PBM reimbursement to pharmacies, prevents patient overcharging, and bans network favoritism - directly improves patient access to medications and protects patient rights in healthcare.95% confidence

died Feb 4, 2025 1 co-sponsor Track

Co-sponsor HB 1323

died · Mississippi House · Co-sponsor

Public procurement; require purchasing agents for state agencies and local governments to receive training about ways to promote inclusiveness in.

Maddy summaryHB 1323 requires purchasing agents at Mississippi state agencies and local governments to complete regular training on recognizing systemic barriers in procurement and promoting inclusiveness. The bill amends state procurement law to mandate this training, ensuring procurement policies better reflect Mississippi's diverse population. Key mechanisms include requiring training focused on understanding barriers to procurement opportunities and implementing inclusive practices. This policy change directly affects purchasing staff who manage public spending, without altering existing procurement rules or standards. The training requirement applies to all relevant state and local purchasing personnel.

died Feb 4, 2025 1 co-sponsor Track

Co-sponsor HB 1234

died · Mississippi House · Co-sponsor

Civics; require State Board of Education to develop curriculum for public middle and high school students.

Maddy summaryHB 1234 requires Mississippi's State Board of Education to create a mandatory civics curriculum for all public middle and high schools, to be implemented by the 2026-2027 school year. The curriculum must cover five key areas: foundational U.S. government, civic knowledge, critical thinking skills, citizenship responsibilities (like voting and jury duty), and respectful participation in democracy. It specifically mandates teaching constitutional principles, how citizens engage with government, and skills for informed civic action. The bill died in committee on February 4, 2025, so it has not become law.

EducationSupports EducationMandates mandatory civics curriculum covering government, citizenship, and critical thinking, enhancing educational content for students.95% confidence

died Feb 4, 2025 1 co-sponsor Track

Co-sponsor HB 774

died · Mississippi House · Co-sponsor

MS Mobile Sports Wagering Act; create to legalize "online race book" and "online sports pool" betting.

died Apr 29, 2024 1 co-sponsor Track

Co-sponsor HB 1210

Signed into law · Mississippi House · Co-sponsor

The Dr. Elton Mac Huddleston Rural Veterinarians Scholarship Program; establish.

Signed into law Apr 17, 2024 1 co-sponsor

Co-sponsor HR 83

Passed · Mississippi House · Co-sponsor

Cynthia M.A. Butler-McIntyre; commend esteemed service as 24th National President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Passed Apr 8, 2024 1 co-sponsor Track

Co-sponsor HR 92

Passed · Mississippi House · Co-sponsor

Alfred Williams; commend for being the first African American inducted into the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame.

Passed Apr 8, 2024 1 co-sponsor Track

Co-sponsor HB 1832

died · Mississippi House · Co-sponsor

Bonds; authorize issuance to assist Jackson Municipal Airport Authority with construction of an emergency access road at Hawkins Field.

died Mar 27, 2024 1 co-sponsor Track

Co-sponsor HB 1961

died · Mississippi House · Co-sponsor

Appropriation; IHL for repair and improvements to Rose E. McCoy Auditorium at Jackson State University.

died Mar 27, 2024 1 co-sponsor Track