Rep. Zakiya Summers

Maddy summaryHB 1053 would have authorized Mississippi to issue state bonds to fund the acquisition, removal, and demolition of dilapidated properties in House District 68 (primarily in Jackson, Hinds County). The bill's key mechanism directs bond proceeds into a special fund specifically for these demolition costs, with the State Bond Commission managing the bond issuance and sale. This would have directly affected property owners and residents in House District 68 by targeting blighted properties for removal. The bill died in committee on February 26, 2025, and was never enacted.

Maddy summaryHB 720 would create a Mississippi state income tax credit for taxpayers who claim the federal child tax credit. It provides a $200 credit per child (capped at $1,000 total per return), directly benefiting low-to-moderate-income families who already qualify for the federal credit. Unused portions of the credit could be carried forward for up to five years. The bill requires taxpayers to claim the federal credit on their federal return and submit proof to Mississippi's Department of Revenue. It would take effect January 1, 2025, but died in committee before passing.

Maddy summaryHB 721 creates a refundable state income tax credit equal to 5% of the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) claimed by Mississippi taxpayers. It directly affects low-to-moderate income Mississippi residents who qualify for and claim the federal EITC on their federal tax returns. The bill allows these taxpayers to receive a state credit that reduces their state tax liability, and if the credit exceeds their state tax bill, they get a refund for the difference. To claim the credit, taxpayers must first claim the federal EITC and provide their federal return to the state tax department. The credit applies to tax years beginning January 1, 2025, and is codified in Mississippi tax law.

Maddy summaryHB 1698 authorizes Mississippi to issue state general obligation bonds to provide funds for Hinds County to purchase and install video cameras. These cameras are intended to prevent public health violations and promote public safety. The bill establishes a legal framework for bond issuance, repayment, and fund disbursement, with proceeds solely dedicated to covering the county's camera costs. The bill was referred to the Ways and Means committee but died there on February 26, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends Mississippi's homestead property tax exemption for totally disabled homeowners to their unremarried surviving spouses. It modifies Section 27-33-67 to include these spouses as eligible for the same tax exemption amount (ranging from $6 to $300 annually based on property value) that previously applied only to disabled homeowners themselves. The exemption applies to primary residences and forest acreage taxes, maintaining the existing value-based exemption tiers. This change directly affects surviving spouses who lost a disabled spouse and did not remarry, providing them continued tax relief they previously lost upon the spouse's death.

Maddy summaryHB 1853 authorizes Mississippi to issue general obligation bonds to fund the construction, equipment, and upgrades of an infectious disease testing lab at the Mississippi Blood Services Building in Flowood. The funds would specifically support the Mississippi Organ Recovery Agency in establishing this lab to handle infectious disease testing for organ recovery. The bill outlines bond issuance procedures, repayment terms using state funds, and specifies that proceeds must be used solely for the lab's construction and related costs. This is a funding mechanism, not direct appropriations, and the bill died in committee before becoming law.

Maddy summaryHB 751 appropriates $100,000 from the state general fund to the City of Jackson for repairs and upgrades to the tennis courts at Battlefield Park during fiscal year 2026 (July 2025-June 2026). This one-time funding directly supports the city’s maintenance of public recreational facilities at a specific park. The bill provides no new policy or program, only authorizing state money to cover eligible costs for existing park improvements.

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.