Rep. Grace Butler-Washington

Maddy summaryHB 1199 authorizes Mississippi's Secretary of State to use the existing Land Records Maintenance Fund to contract with vendors for routine upkeep of unredeemed tax-sale lands (blighted properties) that remain unsold. This directly affects counties and municipalities responsible for maintaining these properties, allowing them to cover costs like mowing, debris removal, and minor repairs through competitive vendor contracts. The bill also prevents unspent funds in this dedicated account from lapsing into the General Fund at year-end. While the bill passed the House in January 2025, it died in the Senate Committee on Public Property and Appropriations on March 4, 2025, and did not become law.

Maddy summaryHB 1551 creates a Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board within Mississippi's Department of Health to analyze deaths from domestic violence incidents and develop prevention strategies. The board, composed of survivors, advocates, healthcare professionals, law enforcement, and other experts, reviews case records (including medical, court, and social services data) from relevant agencies and requires healthcare providers to share medical records with immunity. It must submit biennial reports to legislators detailing fatality statistics, trends, and policy recommendations, while maintaining strict confidentiality for all collected data. The bill died in committee on March 4, 2025, and did not become law.

Maddy summaryHB 1198 requires that land sold at a tax sale automatically transfers to the State of Mississippi if the purchaser does not demand a deed within 90 days after the redemption period ends. The chancery clerk must then certify the land to the Secretary of State within 30 days, and the taxing authority cancels any debt accrued during the redemption period. This applies to lands sold for nonpayment of taxes on or after July 1, 2025. The bill updates procedures for recording such land transfers and ensures the state gains clear title without requiring additional legal action.

Maddy summaryHB 1656, the STRONG Act, would provide tax benefits and health care support for Mississippi National Guard members and their families. It increases income tax exemptions for Guard and Reserve members, creates a $250 annual credit against motor vehicle taxes for service members and their spouses, and establishes a program to reimburse National Guard members for Tricare Reserve Select health insurance premiums. The Adjutant General would administer the program and report its progress to the legislature. The bill passed the legislature in February 2025 but died on calendar before becoming law.

Maddy summaryHR 56 is a ceremonial resolution passed by the Mississippi House of Representatives to commemorate the 155th anniversary of Hiram Rhodes Revels becoming the first African American elected to the U.S. Senate in 1870. It honors his legacy as a pioneering legislator, pastor, and educator who served Mississippi and the nation, including his historic 1870 Senate term and role as the first president of Alcorn University. The resolution formally acknowledges his contributions through a state legislative declaration, with copies sent to his descendants and the press. It has no policy impact or funding provisions - it is purely a commemorative gesture recognizing historical significance.

Maddy summaryHB 1879 creates the "City of Jackson Revitalization Act" to incentivize redevelopment of abandoned or deteriorated properties in Jackson, Mississippi. It establishes a refundable income tax credit for developers who renovate blighted properties into owner-occupied homes or commercial buildings, with excess credits carryable forward for up to 10 years. The bill also exempts building materials from sales tax for these projects and authorizes state bonds to fund city infrastructure improvements and demolition of blighted properties. Revenue from additional gaming license fees will finance a new City of Jackson Development Fund, which will provide loans and grants for business development and property revitalization. The law directly affects developers, the City of Jackson, and businesses seeking to expand or establish operations in the city.

Maddy summaryHB 1677 authorizes Mississippi to issue state general obligation bonds to fund the construction, equipment, and operation of a Science, Technology, Engineering, Agriculture, and Math (STEAM) outreach center at Alcorn State University. The bill specifies that bond proceeds would cover all project costs, including construction and equipment, and are backed by the full credit of the Mississippi state government. This funding mechanism would directly support Alcorn State University's facility development. The bill was referred to the Ways and Means committee but died there on February 26, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1796 would have provided $5 million in state funding from the General Fund to Alcorn State University for repairs and renovations to two student residence halls (Revels Hall and Robinson Hall) during fiscal year 2026 (July 2025-June 2026). The bill directly affected Alcorn State University students living in those residence halls by funding necessary infrastructure improvements. If enacted, the funds would have been paid by the State Treasurer upon official requisitions. The bill died in committee on February 26, 2025, and was not enacted into law.

Maddy summaryHB 1794 would have provided $65 million from the state general fund to Alcorn State University for new regional health care and medical sciences facilities in the Southwest Mississippi River Region, covering fiscal year 2025-2026. The bill directly affected Alcorn State University by funding facility growth, with no other entities or individuals named as direct beneficiaries. Key provisions included appropriating funds for "strengthening and enhancing" these facilities, to be paid by the State Treasurer upon proper requisitions. The bill died in committee on February 26, 2025, and did not become law.

Maddy summaryHB 1817 appropriates $100,000 from the state general fund to Hinds County's Board of Supervisors for acquiring and installing security cameras in specific neighborhoods within House District 69 that overlap with Supervisor's District 3. The funds are designated for the 2025-2026 fiscal year to cover costs associated with the camera system installation. This bill directly affects Hinds County residents in those targeted neighborhoods by providing state funding for local security infrastructure. The measure is a straightforward funding authorization with no additional policy provisions or requirements.