Rep. Fabian Nelson

Maddy summaryHB 1678 establishes the Mississippi Youth and Family Systems Coordination Task Force to develop coordinated, research-based strategies for improving youth outcomes in juvenile justice and behavioral health systems. The task force, composed of 24 members including at least 12 youth or individuals with lived experience, will meet monthly and submit an annual report to the Governor and Legislature starting December 1, 2027. It operates solely as an advisory body without regulatory authority, and the Department of Mental Health will provide administrative support. The bill does not change existing laws governing Youth Courts or state agency responsibilities.

Maddy summaryHB 1656 regulates real estate brokerage agreements for residential properties with 1-4 dwelling units. It requires written agreements detailing services and compensation before brokers list property or submit offers on behalf of clients, giving consumers the choice to select their preferred brokerage service type. The bill excludes transactions like court-ordered sales, foreclosures, family transfers, and open houses. Brokers cannot demand written agreements just for property tours. This applies to licensed Mississippi brokers handling eligible residential sales.

Maddy summaryHB 1641 revises Mississippi's real estate broker regulations by updating key definitions and procedures. It clarifies the term "real estate broker" to include modern business structures and activities, adds definitions for "automated valuation method" (computerized home value models) and "broker price opinion" (broker estimates of property value), and updates how delinquency notices for unpaid fees are handled. The bill directly affects licensed real estate brokers, salespersons, and their companies operating in Mississippi by standardizing terminology and administrative processes. These changes aim to modernize the regulatory framework without altering licensing requirements or exempting new categories of businesses.

Maddy summaryThis bill's title contains an error - it's not about dyslexia but concerns school calendar exceptions after Winter Storm Fern. HB 1207 allows school districts in northern Mississippi affected by "Winter Storm Fern" (for which a state of emergency was declared January 22-27, 2026) to operate beyond the standard 180-day school year. Specifically, it extends the allowable days for receiving state per-pupil funding from 10 to 15 days for districts still impacted after the emergency ended, for the 2025-2026 school year. The bill modifies existing statutes to provide this temporary exception for affected school districts.

Maddy summaryHB 788 modifies Mississippi's election rules to allow voters who are not registered in the jurisdiction they are voting in (but are otherwise eligible) to cast an affidavit ballot. This ballot will be used as their official voter registration, adding them to the statewide voter rolls as if they had completed a standard registration form. The bill also allows the affidavit ballot to serve as a written request to transfer voting precincts or wards, and automatically reactivates voters who were placed on inactive status (due to a confirmation notice) after they cast such a ballot. These changes aim to streamline voter registration and address common issues at polling places.

Maddy summaryHB 1126 increases base teacher salaries by $5,000 annually starting with the 2026-2027 school year, with an additional $3,000 annual supplement for licensed special education teachers and $6,000 for certified occupational therapists and school psychologists. It also raises assistant teachers' pay by $5,000 and caps superintendent salaries at 250% of equivalent teacher pay, including district supplements. The bill includes related provisions for retirement benefits for first responders and revised roles for student success coaches, but its core focus is direct compensation increases for educators.

Maddy summaryHB 1578 requires all Mississippi public school districts to adopt policies addressing online safety risks, including social media predators, grooming, and human trafficking, by October 2028. It mandates the State Board of Education to create a model policy by July 2027, covering definitions, safety planning, reporting procedures, staff training, and parent/student education. Schools must integrate age-appropriate lessons on healthy relationships and social media dangers into health courses for grades K-12, using state-approved materials. The policy must be included in school discipline codes and distributed to students and parents annually.

Maddy summaryHB 4071 appropriates $150,000 from the state general fund to the Town of Terry to cover costs for extending a water main from Volley Campbell Road south to the generators shop. This funding supports a specific infrastructure project to improve the town's water system, directly affecting residents and operations in Terry. The appropriation is for the 2027 fiscal year (July 2026-June 2027) and requires state funds to be disbursed via standard state fiscal procedures. The bill is purely procedural, providing targeted financial assistance for a defined waterline extension.

Maddy summaryHB 4072 appropriates $40,000 from the State General Fund to the Town of Terry, Mississippi, to cover costs for repairing a water well and equipment located behind Terry City Hall. The funds are designated for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2027. This bill directly assists the Town of Terry’s local government in maintaining essential water infrastructure. The appropriation is a one-time payment for specific repair work, with no new regulations or broader policy changes.

Maddy summaryHB 4070 appropriates $62,000 from the State General Fund to the Town of Terry, Mississippi, to cover costs for purchasing body cameras, in-car cameras, and GPS equipment for its police department during fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). The funds will be paid by the State Treasurer upon proper requisitions. This bill directly affects the Town of Terry’s police department by providing state financial support for specific technology upgrades. It is a straightforward funding measure with no new policy requirements or voting implications.