Rep. Grace Butler-Washington

Maddy summaryHB 1679 would create a Mississippi state income tax credit of $1,200 per child for taxpayers who claim the federal child tax credit on their federal return. It directly affects Mississippi families with children who qualify for the federal credit, allowing them to reduce their state tax bill by up to $1,200 per child annually. Unused credit amounts could be carried forward for up to five years. The bill died in committee on February 26, 2025, and was never enacted.

Maddy summaryHB 1798 appropriates $257,807,216 from Mississippi's State General Fund to Alcorn State University for fiscal year 2026. The bill directly addresses a documented 30-year funding disparity between Alcorn State University and Mississippi State University, the state's two land-grant universities. The funds would cover historical financial gaps, not ongoing operational costs. The bill was referred to the Appropriations Committee but died there on February 26, 2025, and did not advance further.

Maddy summaryHB 1672 authorizes Mississippi to issue state general obligation bonds specifically to fund repairs and renovations at Alcorn State University for ADA compliance (making buildings accessible for people with disabilities). The bill directs all bond proceeds to cover costs for upgrading university facilities to meet accessibility standards. It establishes the State Bond Commission as the issuing body, with funds restricted solely to these accessibility projects at Alcorn State University. The bonds would be backed by the full faith and credit of the State of Mississippi.

Maddy summaryHB 1675 authorizes Mississippi to issue state general obligation bonds to fund repairs, renovations, and infrastructure upgrades at Alcorn State University's agricultural facilities. The bill directly affects Alcorn State University by providing dedicated funding for its agricultural infrastructure, with proceeds restricted solely to these projects. Key mechanisms include the state pledging its full credit for bond repayment and requiring the bonds to be sold through standard state procedures. The bill died in committee on February 26, 2025, and did not become law.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $300,000 from the state general fund to Jackson's governing authorities to cover costs for removing dilapidated houses and blighted properties in the city during fiscal year 2026 (July 2025-June 2026). It provides direct funding for property cleanup but does not create new policies or regulations. The bill died in committee on February 26, 2025, and was never enacted.

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.

Maddy summaryHB 1920 appropriates $100 million (split equally as $50 million each) to Coahoma Community College and Mississippi Delta Community College for campus facility repairs and improvements through June 2026. The funds cover specific projects like restoring historic buildings, upgrading electrical/plumbing systems, modernizing academic spaces, improving student housing, enhancing safety systems, and implementing energy efficiency initiatives. Each college must submit a detailed plan with timelines and provide annual progress reports to the Legislature. The bill, referred to Appropriations committees in February 2025, died in committee and did not become law.

Maddy summaryHB 1921 appropriates $300 million ($100 million to each) to Mississippi's three HBCUs - Alcorn State, Jackson State, and Mississippi Valley State - for repairing and upgrading campus buildings and infrastructure. The funds cover specific projects like restoring historic structures, modernizing electrical/plumbing systems, improving student housing, creating new academic spaces, enhancing safety systems, and supporting energy efficiency. Each university must submit a detailed plan for approval and provide annual progress reports to the legislature on how the money is spent.