Rep. Grace Butler-Washington

Maddy summaryHB 1808 exempts the retail sale of menstrual hygiene products (such as pads and tampons) from Mississippi's state sales tax. This policy change directly affects consumers who purchase these essential items, removing a financial burden on individuals who menstruate. The bill amends Mississippi's tax code by adding menstrual hygiene products to the list of exempt items under Section 27-65-111, alongside existing exemptions like medicines and certain educational materials. This creates a concrete policy change where these products are no longer subject to the state sales tax.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a policy bill) commemorating Alcorn State University's 155th anniversary. It honors the university as America's first Historically Black Land-Grant University, founded in 1871, and recognizes its historical significance, economic impact ($187 million annually), and role in producing leaders. The resolution expresses the Mississippi House of Representatives' commendation and celebrates the institution's legacy without creating new laws or affecting any policies.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial House Resolution (not a bill) honoring Dr. Charles F. McClelland for his leadership as Commissioner of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). It recognizes his role in expanding the conference with new members (Florida A&M and Bethune Cookman), creating the SWAC TV streaming platform, and becoming the first HBCU representative to chair the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Committee. The resolution, passed by the Mississippi House of Representatives, has no policy impact and serves solely to commend his contributions to HBCU athletics. It does not create new laws or affect any individuals or organizations beyond this expression of recognition.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a law) commending Jamal Roberts, a Meridian, Mississippi native, for winning the 23rd season of *American Idol*. It formally congratulates him as the second Mississippian and second African-American male to win the competition, highlighting his musical achievements and roots. The resolution has no policy impact; it simply expresses the Mississippi House of Representatives' praise and will be sent to Roberts and the press. It does not affect any laws, regulations, or funding.

Maddy summaryHB 1004, which died in committee on February 3, 2026, proposed creating a voluntary state program for high school reproductive health education. The bill would have required parental permission for students aged 16+ to participate in curriculum covering reproductive anatomy, contraception, STI prevention, and healthy relationships, delivered by trained medical professionals or advocates. School districts could opt in to receive state support, but participation would not affect academic standing, and the curriculum must be inclusive and evidence-based. The program was intended to be funded through state budgets or grants, with annual reviews mandated, though it never advanced beyond committee.

Maddy summaryHB 1003 revises Mississippi law to criminalize the *intentional transmission* of serious non-airborne infectious diseases (like HIV or hepatitis) instead of merely exposing others. It requires proof of specific intent to transmit and adds defenses, such as if the affected person knew the disease status beforehand or if transmission didn’t occur. The bill defines "substantial risk" using medical evidence and clarifies that failing to use protection (like condoms) alone doesn’t prove intent. It sets misdemeanor penalties (up to 1 year in jail or $1,000 fine) and includes specific provisions for transmission to corrections staff, visitors, or inmates. The bill died in committee in February 2026 and was never enacted.

Maddy summaryHB 1000 would establish Mississippi's first state-run paid family and medical leave program, providing eligible workers with partial wage replacement (up to 60-70% of average weekly wage) for up to 12 weeks annually to care for a newborn, adopted child, seriously ill family member, or address their own serious health condition. It would require employers to provide written notice about the program to employees and create a Family and Medical Leave Insurance Fund financed through premiums. The bill defines "covered individuals" as workers meeting specific earnings thresholds (e.g., $26x minimum benefit amount in their base period) and outlines benefits for medical leave, newborn/adoptive care, and military family needs ("qualifying exigency leave"). However, the bill died in committee on February 3, 2026, and did not become law.

Maddy summaryHB 1001 would have allowed voters who registered after Mississippi's 30-day election registration deadline but before Election Day to cast a ballot using an affidavit. The bill required voters to sign a written affidavit at the polling place confirming their registration status and providing personal details, with the ballot then processed separately. Voters casting such ballots would have had five business days after the election to provide acceptable photo ID or a Mississippi Voter ID card to ensure their ballot was counted. The bill, which died in committee in February 2026, proposed this as a specific mechanism for late registrants affected by the registration cutoff.

Maddy summaryHB 918 revises how payments from nuclear power plants (like Mississippi's Grand Gulf plant) replace local property taxes. It requires utilities to pay 2% of the plant's assessed value annually (minimum $20 million per year until 2026), with excess payments beyond $16 million distributed as $3.04 million yearly to counties where the plants are located. The bill updates the formula for allocating these payments, ensuring counties receive a fixed annual amount from the excess funds. This directly affects nuclear plant operators and the counties hosting these facilities, changing how tax-equivalent payments are distributed. The policy change applies to qualifying plants licensed to operate through 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 920 reclassifies Alcorn State University's president's residence from commercial to residential property. This change allows licensed residential builders (under Mississippi law) to perform construction or improvements on the residence without being restricted by standard height and square footage limits for residential dwellings. The bill directly affects Alcorn State University's president and the university's ability to hire qualified residential builders for the president's home. It amends two sections of Mississippi law to align with this reclassification, specifically removing limitations that previously applied to such properties. The bill makes a procedural adjustment to property classification for a single university residence, with no broader policy changes.