Rep. Justis Gibbs

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 summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (HC 44), not a policy bill. It formally honors Charles R. Guy for his decades of public service as an educator and community leader in Mississippi. The resolution recognizes his work as a teacher, principal, and mentor in Gulfport and Biloxi schools, his involvement with organizations like the Boys and Girls Clubs and NAACP, and his contributions to education and civic life. It expresses the legislature's appreciation but creates no new laws or obligations.

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 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 summaryHR 37 is a ceremonial resolution passed by the Mississippi House of Representatives to commend Briana McElroy, a Jackson, Mississippi native and Lionsgate's Senior Vice President of Worldwide Digital Marketing, for her career achievements. The resolution highlights her work leading digital campaigns for major films like *John Wick: Chapter 4* and *The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes*, as well as her 8 Clio Awards and prior roles at Warner Bros. and Twitter. It does not create new laws or affect policy - it is solely a symbolic gesture of recognition adopted by the House and delivered to McElroy.