Maddy summaryHB 1623 creates the Mississippi HBCU Maternal Health Workforce Pipeline Program to address maternal health disparities in underserved communities. It establishes a 5-year initiative co-administered by Mississippi's Department of Health (MSDH) and the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning, targeting students at Jackson State University, Alcorn State University, and Mississippi Valley State University. The program provides scholarships with tuition support, stipends, and training for students pursuing maternal health careers (including doulas, nurses, and mental health specialists), requiring a 2-year service commitment in designated shortage areas for each year of support received. Funding of $10 million annually ($50 million total over five years) is allocated through a dedicated Maternal Health Pipeline Fund to support scholarships and workforce development. The bill mandates tracking of enrollment, credentialing, job placements, and health access metrics to evaluate program impact.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 1162 requires Mississippi's Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) to identify up to five toxic air pollutants most likely to harm infants and children, review existing controls for them within two years, and prepare reports on new regulations for unregulated pollutants within three years. It mandates MDEQ to annually evaluate at least 15 toxic pollutants, update its list by 2027, and adopt new control measures to reduce emissions. The bill also requires public reporting of fence-line monitoring data for "covered facilities" and public input on proposed regulations. The bill died in committee on February 3, 2026, and did not become law.
Maddy summaryHB 1453 establishes a two-year pilot program within Mississippi's Department of Health to provide remote health monitoring for pregnant women with hypertension or diabetes. It targets eligible participants enrolled in Medicaid who are members of participating managed care organizations. The program uses FDA-approved technology to track blood pressure, glucose levels, and other health data remotely, with a clinical care team offering support and an escalation pathway for concerning readings. The pilot will enroll up to 300 participants across multiple counties and require a report within two years evaluating outcomes and recommending potential statewide expansion.
Maddy summaryHB 787 creates a scholarship program for spouses and children of Mississippi first responders (including law enforcement, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel) who were killed in the line of duty or became permanently and totally disabled due to duty-related injuries. The scholarship covers eight semesters of tuition and fees at any state-supported Mississippi college or university, excluding books and extracurricular costs. To qualify, recipients must maintain a 2.5 GPA and be under 23 years old (with exceptions for interrupted education), while excluding cases of self-inflicted injury or death. The bill defines "first responders" broadly to include sheriffs, conservation officers, EMS personnel, and others serving in state or local roles.
Maddy summaryHB 1465 establishes Mississippi's Medical Education Pipeline and Readiness Act to create a structured pathway from 9th grade through college for students pursuing medical careers. It directly affects Mississippi high school and college students, particularly those in rural, high-poverty, or historically underrepresented communities, by requiring standardized coursework (like biology, chemistry, and medical ethics), mentorship, summer bridge programs, and dual-enrollment opportunities. The program, jointly run by the Mississippi Department of Education, public universities, and UMMC, sets uniform readiness benchmarks and guarantees priority consideration for medical school admission upon completion. Annual reports will track enrollment, diversity metrics, and outcomes to ensure accountability and measure progress toward increasing local medical school admissions and improving healthcare access.
Maddy summaryMississippi's HB 896 requires most health insurance policies (including those for state and school employees) to cover medically necessary custom-made orthotic and prosthetic devices starting July 1, 2026. The bill defines "medically necessary" using nationally recognized clinical guidelines and mandates coverage for all device materials, fittings, training, repairs, and up to three devices per affected limb every three years. It specifically covers devices aiding daily activities, work, hygiene, and physical health, while excluding over-the-counter items like canes or elastic supports. The law also requires the Insurance Commissioner to report on implementation to state legislators.
Maddy summaryThe Fatherhood Engagement in Maternal Health Act would require Mississippi's State Department of Health to create a public awareness campaign about fathers' roles in maternal health during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. It directs the Department to post online resources for healthcare providers (including hospitals and clinics) on engaging fathers and screening for paternal depression as part of routine maternity care. The bill is based on legislative findings that father involvement can improve maternal outcomes, reduce risks like preterm birth, and support infant development. These provisions aim to integrate father engagement into standard maternal health practices without mandating specific provider actions.
Maddy summaryHB 1446, the "Robert G. Clark, Jr., Voting Rights Act of Mississippi," would create a Mississippi Voting Rights Commission to prevent voter suppression and protect voting rights. It prohibits political subdivisions (like counties and cities) and state agencies from implementing election policies that disproportionately affect racial, ethnic, or language minority voters, requiring such policies to be reviewed by the Commission before implementation. The bill also mandates protections for limited English proficient voters and voters with disabilities, requires advance notice of election policy changes, and establishes a statewide voting database with universities. The bill died in committee on February 3, 2026, and was never enacted.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HR 15), not a policy bill. It formally recognizes and commends Mrs. Andrea Washington Smith for her service, specifically highlighting her 23-year career as a commercial flight attendant, her role as a Master Helmsman with the Department of Defense's Military Sealift Command (navigating ships for naval support), and her work as a wellness coach and minister. The resolution has no binding effect or policy changes - it is purely a symbolic honor from the Mississippi House of Representatives.
Maddy summaryHB 1974 restores voting rights to Tracey Rushing of Hinds County, Mississippi, who was disqualified due to past felony convictions (robbery in 1984 and compounding/burglary in 1993/1996). The bill states Rushing completed his sentences by 1999 and has since lived as a law-abiding citizen. This is a one-time restoration for an individual, not a new voting rights policy. The bill died in committee in April 2025 and did not become law.