Maddy summaryHB 857 expands Mississippi's literacy program to support students in grades 4 through 8 by requiring evidence-based reading instruction and interventions. It mandates annual universal reading screenings for all students in these grades, professional development for teachers focused on the "science of reading" (including phonics and decoding), and prohibits the use of "three-cueing systems" for teaching word reading. The bill also creates a system to identify "Middle Literacy Support Schools" based on reading data and requires the state education department to develop a structured literacy course for grades 6-8. Schools must provide targeted interventions for struggling readers, and the department must submit annual implementation reports to the legislature.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a policy bill) commending the Hinds Community College Raymond Cheer Team for winning the 2025 UCA National Championship in the Open Small Co-Ed Game Day Division. It formally recognizes their victory, highlighting their championship performance and resilience, and extends congratulations to the team, coach Kadin Adcox, and Hinds Community College. The resolution has no policy impact or funding provisions - it is purely a symbolic gesture of recognition.
Maddy summaryHB 1050 revises Mississippi law to criminalize the *intentional transmission* of certain infectious diseases (non-airborne, with serious health consequences) rather than mere exposure. It specifically targets transmission to corrections employees, visitors, or other inmates in jails/prisons, with penalties including up to one year in jail or a $1,000 fine. Key defenses include if the victim knew of the disease status beforehand, transmission didn’t occur, or the defendant used scientifically proven prevention methods (like condoms or treatment). The bill died in committee on February 4, 2025, and never became law.
Maddy summaryHB 678, the Mississippi Doxxing Prevention Act, prohibits intentionally sharing restricted personal information (like home addresses, phone numbers, or email) of specific protected individuals with the intent to harass or threaten them. It directly affects law enforcement officers, government employees, jurors, witnesses, and informants (defined as "covered persons") by creating criminal penalties: first offenses are misdemeanors (up to 6 months jail or $2,000 fine), while repeat offenses or cases involving violence become felonies (up to 10 years in prison or $10,000 fine). The bill also amends Mississippi’s public records law to exempt the restricted personal information of these covered persons from public disclosure. The bill was referred to the Judiciary Committee but died there on February 4, 2025, and did not become law.
Maddy summaryHB 1059 would authorize Mississippi's Capitol Police Chief or the Department of Public Safety Commissioner to create and employ a part-time reserve law enforcement unit. This reserve would specifically assist Capitol Police in carrying out their duties within the Capitol Complex Improvement District, including enforcing state laws on state-owned properties there. The bill amends existing law (Section 45-1-19) to formally establish this part-time reserve option, without changing current jurisdictional responsibilities or requiring new funding. It directly affects Capitol Police operations and their ability to manage security at state properties in the Capitol Complex.
Maddy summaryHB 1119 (the "Representative Andy Stepp Pharmacy Benefit Prompt Pay Act") requires pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) to reimburse pharmacies at least the National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NADAC) for drugs plus a standard dispensing fee, ensuring pharmacies are paid fairly for medications. It prohibits PBMs from charging patients more than the amount retained by the pharmacy and bans PBMs from penalizing patients for choosing specific pharmacies or favoring certain pharmacies in networks. The bill also mandates clear appeal processes for pharmacies disputing low reimbursements and prohibits PBMs from retaliating against pharmacies for exercising rights under the law. These provisions directly affect PBMs, pharmacies, and patients in Mississippi by setting fair reimbursement standards and protecting patient choice.