Rep. Justis Gibbs

Maddy summaryHB 4011 extends the expiration date of Jackson's existing convention and visitors tax from July 1, 2026, to July 1, 2030. It authorizes an additional 1% tax on hotel and motel sales and a 0.5% tax on restaurant sales within Jackson, but requires a public election before these new rates take effect. The taxes would apply to businesses meeting the $100,000 annual sales threshold in Jackson (excluding small lodgings under 10 units and 501(c)(3) non-profits). This bill directly affects hotels, motels, and qualifying restaurants in Jackson by potentially increasing their tax burden if voters approve the new rates.

Maddy summaryHB 1402 designates a one-mile segment of Mississippi Highway 537 in Yazoo County as the "Colonel Donnell Berry Memorial Highway" to honor Colonel Donnell Berry. The Mississippi Department of Transportation will install and maintain signage along this highway segment. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2026. This is a commemorative designation with no policy or funding changes.

Maddy summaryHB 788 modifies Mississippi's election rules to allow voters who are not registered in the jurisdiction they are voting in (but are otherwise eligible) to cast an affidavit ballot. This ballot will be used as their official voter registration, adding them to the statewide voter rolls as if they had completed a standard registration form. The bill also allows the affidavit ballot to serve as a written request to transfer voting precincts or wards, and automatically reactivates voters who were placed on inactive status (due to a confirmation notice) after they cast such a ballot. These changes aim to streamline voter registration and address common issues at polling places.

Maddy summaryHB 4036 authorizes Mississippi to issue state bonds to provide financial assistance to Alliance Training, Inc. for repairing, renovating, and upgrading its worksite training facility. The bill directly affects Alliance Training, Inc., which would use the bond proceeds to cover costs for facility improvements. Key mechanisms include the State Bond Commission issuing the bonds as general state obligations, with proceeds deposited into a special fund for the company's project. The bonds would be backed by the full faith and credit of Mississippi, with repayment funded through state treasury if needed.

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 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 1777 allows the City of Ridgeland to impose a 1% tax on restaurant sales and a 2% tax on hotel/motel room rentals to fund capital improvements for Freedom Ridge Park, Phase II. It directly affects restaurants with $100,000+ in annual sales and hotels/motels with more than 10 units. The tax would be collected at checkout, remitted to the state, and dedicated solely to the park project - separately from general city funds. Before implementation, a voter referendum (requiring 60% approval) must be held in June 2025. The bill requires annual audits of the funds and expires after the park project is completed.

Maddy summaryHB 1987 increases the maximum bond amount Madison County's Economic Development Authority (MCEDA) can issue for economic development projects from $20 million to $25 million. This directly affects MCEDA's ability to fund infrastructure improvements, industrial parks, and related facilities within Madison County. The key provision simply raises the authorized bond limit under existing law without changing the Authority's structure or other operational rules. The bill does not alter the process for issuing bonds or the types of projects eligible for funding.

Maddy summaryHB 1197, the "Safe Solicitation Act," requires anyone soliciting money or goods in public spaces (like streets or sidewalks) to obtain a permit from their local municipality, county, or political subdivision. It limits solicitation to daylight hours, prohibits blocking traffic, restricts activities to within 100 feet of an approved intersection, and bans harassment or amplification devices. Violations can result in fines up to $300 or jail time for forgery, while permits cost no more than $25. The law amends existing traffic obstruction statutes to align with these requirements and allows local governments to opt out within six months of enactment.

Maddy summaryThis resolution commends the Ida B. Wells APAC School Thespian Troupe 4909 for winning the Chapter Select Category at the International Thespian Festival (ITF) for the second consecutive year. It specifically recognizes their performance of *For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/When The Rainbow Is Enuf* and their representation of Mississippi in theater arts. The resolution formally congratulates the troupe, its director, and supporting staff without creating any new laws or funding. It serves as a ceremonial honor from the Mississippi House of Representatives.