Rep. Earle Banks

Maddy summaryHB 1333 appropriates $5 million from the State General Fund to the Jackson Municipal Airport Authority for airport improvements at Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport during fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). The funds are intended to assist with costs associated with infrastructure upgrades at the airport, directly supporting the Authority's operations. The bill specifies that payments will come from state general funds and become effective July 1, 2026. This is a straightforward funding allocation with no new regulations or policy changes.

Maddy summaryHB 1275 appropriates $2,175,750 from Mississippi's State General Fund to the Jackson Municipal Airport Authority. This funding provides the state's matching share for federal money to cover repairs, upgrades, and improvements at Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport during fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). The bill directly supports airport infrastructure projects by enabling the authority to access federal grants that require state matching funds.

Maddy summaryHB 727, the "Land Bank Act," allows Mississippi counties and municipalities to create land banks to acquire and convert vacant, abandoned, or state-struck property into productive use (like housing or businesses). The bill authorizes these land banks to purchase, assemble, and sell properties through streamlined title processes, while prohibiting casino development and eminent domain. It also grants land banks tax exemptions, requires ethical safeguards, and permits borrowing via bonds. The bill died in committee in February 2026 and was never enacted.

Maddy summaryHB 728 would require that only licensed plumbers, electricians, contractors, or individuals with a certificate of responsibility or demolition permit can sell copper materials to scrap metal dealers. Scrap metal dealers must keep a scanned copy of the seller's license or permit for each transaction involving copper materials. The bill also references an existing section governing air conditioner coils for possible amendment, though its primary focus is on copper. This policy directly affects sellers of copper (e.g., from homes or businesses) and scrap metal dealers, aiming to restrict unauthorized sales of copper.

Maddy summaryHB 729 allows licensed funeral homes to request specific life insurance details for a deceased person within two business days of submitting required documents (like a death notice and authorization). Insurers must then provide information on policy existence, beneficiaries, outstanding loans, payable benefits, and policy reinstatement status. Funeral providers must also notify beneficiaries in writing that life insurance funds aren’t required to cover funeral costs or debts. The bill died in committee in February 2026 and would directly affect funeral homes, families, and life insurers in Mississippi.

Maddy summaryHB 725 prohibits Mississippi counties and municipalities from using automated cameras or radar systems to enforce automobile insurance requirements on public roads. The bill bans local governments from adopting or enforcing ordinances that authorize such equipment to detect uninsured vehicles, requiring existing systems used for insurance enforcement to be removed by October 1, 2026. It specifically defines "automated recording equipment" as devices capturing license plate images for traffic law violations, but limits the prohibition to insurance enforcement (not speed or signal violations). The bill would have prevented local fines for uninsured driving via automated systems, directly affecting county boards and municipal authorities. This is a policy change focused on restricting local enforcement methods, not altering state insurance laws.

Maddy summaryHB 741 establishes Mississippi's minimum wage at $10.00 per hour for most workers, directly affecting hourly employees across the state. It exempts tipped employees (like waitstaff) from the $10 rate, requiring employers to pay $3.62 per hour base wage while allowing tips to make up the difference. The bill mandates overtime pay at 1.5x the regular rate for workers earning $455 or less weekly, specifically protecting manual laborers, public safety workers (police, firefighters, etc.), and non-managerial staff from being denied overtime. It also aligns Mississippi's wage laws with federal standards for uncovered employees.

Maddy summaryHB 740 authorizes Mississippi's Joint Legislative Committee on Performance Evaluation and Expenditure Review (PEER) to monitor all economic development contracts funded with tax dollars. It requires the committee to evaluate whether minority contractor participation is "fair and equitable" by reviewing bid processes, contract awards, bid requirements, and bonding rules. The bill directly affects state agencies, contractors, and minority businesses involved in tax-funded economic development projects. The committee must assess these contracts to ensure compliance with fair participation standards, without creating new requirements for contractors.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HC 27) proposes a constitutional amendment in Mississippi that would automatically restore voting rights to people convicted of felonies once they complete all court-ordered sentences (like prison time, probation, or fines). It directly affects individuals with felony convictions who are otherwise eligible voters. The amendment would replace current law, which allows the legislature to restore voting rights for felons through a two-thirds vote (Section 253), by eliminating that legislative process and requiring automatic restoration after sentencing is fully satisfied. The proposal is a constitutional amendment, not a regular bill, and died in committee in February 2026 without advancing further.

Maddy summaryHB 860 requires bars and restaurants with on-premises alcohol permits (under Mississippi's Local Option Alcohol Law) to keep at least one breathalyzer device available for patrons to request a blood alcohol test. The bill also states that these businesses cannot be held liable for inaccurate or false results from such tests. This law takes effect July 1, 2026, directly impacting licensed establishments that serve alcohol on-site. It focuses on providing a tool for patrons to check their BAC levels, not on changing alcohol sales rules or penalties.