Rep. Zakiya Summers

Maddy summaryThis bill (HB 1924) restores voting rights to Joseph Earl Greer, a Hinds County, Mississippi resident. It specifically reverses his disqualification as an elector stemming from three past convictions: forgery (1993), grand larceny (2000), and cocaine possession (2011), all of which resulted in probation or short sentences. The bill cites his completion of all sentences by 2016 and current law-abiding conduct as justification. It does not change general voting laws but directly affects only this individual's right to vote. The bill passed the House but died in committee in April 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 662 updates Mississippi's Medicaid rules to align with federal requirements for pregnant women's prenatal care access. It allows qualified providers (like clinics or health centers) to quickly determine if a pregnant woman's income meets Medicaid limits, granting temporary eligibility for prenatal services while her full application is processed. Women must apply for full Medicaid by the end of the month following the provider's determination, and the state must simplify application forms and processes. This ensures consistent care continuity during the approval period without changing income thresholds.

Maddy summaryHB 1063 creates Mississippi's first state-level paid parental leave policy for eligible state employees. It provides six weeks (240 hours) of paid leave at 100% salary for primary caregivers after a child's birth or adoption, requiring at least 12 months of full-time state employment. The leave must be taken within 12 weeks of the event, used only once per year, and runs concurrently with federal FMLA without counting against other leave types. Public school and community college districts may adopt similar policies for their employees. The law became effective after Governor approval on March 25, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 658 requires Mississippi's Department of Corrections to provide specific protective equipment - such as face masks, gloves, and eye protection - to state inmates assigned to work involving raw cleaning chemicals. This applies directly to inmates working in correctional facility maintenance, public service programs, cemetery restoration, or other designated assignments where they handle chemicals like acids, alkalies, or surfactants. The bill amends multiple sections of state law to mandate this safety provision, ensuring inmates receive necessary gear when using hazardous cleaning agents. It does not alter inmate eligibility for work programs but adds a clear safety requirement for specific job assignments.

Maddy summaryHB 1535 establishes Mississippi's Artificial Intelligence Regulation (AIR) Task Force to study AI's impact on state operations and develop policy recommendations. The task force, composed of state officials and sector experts (including IT, homeland security, healthcare, and private industry representatives), must annually evaluate AI risks, government use, and ethical frameworks by December 1. Key provisions require the group to review other states' AI policies, assess privacy and bias concerns, and propose funding strategies for responsible AI adoption across state agencies. This bill directly affects Mississippi state government departments and agencies using AI tools, aiming to balance innovation with public safety through structured oversight.

Maddy summaryHB 1419 prohibits changing polling place locations within 60 days before any primary, general, runoff, or special election in Mississippi, unless "exigent circumstances" exist. This applies to municipal and county election authorities, directly affecting how voting locations are managed. If a change is made within the 60-day window, authorities must document their reasons in meeting minutes and provide public notice at city hall, the courthouse, the registrar's office, and a local newspaper for three weeks (or weekly if within three days of the election). The law aims to prevent last-minute disruptions that could hinder voter access to polling sites.

Maddy summaryHB 1401 creates a state certification program for community health workers (CHWs) in Mississippi, requiring all CHWs to be certified by the State Department of Health by January 1, 2026. It directs Medicaid to seek federal approval for reimbursing providers who employ certified CHWs for specific services like health education, chronic disease prevention, communication assistance across cultural barriers, and patient self-management support. The law establishes rules for certification requirements, training programs, continuing education, and the scope of practice for CHWs. This affects CHWs (who must now be certified), Medicaid providers (who can bill for these services), and patients in underserved communities by standardizing the profession and expanding access to community-based care.

Maddy summaryHB 927 establishes a state licensing system for professional midwives in Mississippi, requiring them to obtain a license from the newly created State Board of Licensed Midwifery. The bill mandates that health insurance plans covering maternity must also cover and reimburse services provided by licensed midwives, while prohibiting discriminatory language against midwifery in insurance policies. It exempts certified nurse midwives and physicians from licensing requirements and clarifies that midwifery is not considered the practice of medicine. The law sets standards for midwifery practice, including scope of care and confidentiality rules, and creates a regulatory framework for oversight and enforcement.

Maddy summaryHB 928 requires all Mississippi hospitals with emergency departments to have at least one qualified healthcare provider (physician, advanced nurse, or nurse practitioner) on duty during every shift who can conduct forensic exams and prepare evidence kits for sexual assault victims. The bill prohibits hospitals from refusing treatment to sexual assault victims and mandates they maintain sufficient evidence kits. It also specifies storage requirements for evidence kits in separate refrigeration units and allows hospitals to contract with forensic nurses for these services. This bill directly affects hospitals operating ERs and ensures timely, specialized medical care for sexual assault survivors in emergency settings.

Maddy summaryHB 1498 creates the Mississippi Comprehensive Cancer Care Coalition Task Force to develop a state-wide plan addressing cancer care gaps. The task force, composed of 20 members including legislators, health officials, cancer advocacy groups, survivors, and healthcare providers, must create a data-driven plan by December 1, 2025, focusing on equity, prevention, treatment, and survivorship across all cancer care stages. It will propose specific legislation to the legislature based on its findings, using principles aligned with CDC and National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines. This bill directly affects Mississippi's cancer care system by mandating a coordinated strategy to reduce disparities and improve outcomes for all residents.