Rep. Jill Ford

Maddy summaryThis procedural bill reorganized existing Mississippi Code sections (45-38-1 through 45-38-13) that form the "Walker Montgomery Protecting Children Online Act" into a new section numbering system. It did not create new requirements but moved the current rules governing digital services to updated code sections. The law would have required digital service providers to verify users' ages, obtain parental consent for minors, limit data collection for minors, and restrict certain practices like targeted ads with harmful material. The bill died in committee in February 2026 and was never enacted.

Maddy summaryHB 893 requires Mississippi public schools to create safety plans for students with autism spectrum disorder or intellectual disabilities who are at risk of elopement (unauthorized departure from school grounds due to disability-related safety concerns). Schools must form a SAFE Team (including a school resource officer) to develop individualized "elopement quick reference guides" for at-risk students, containing photos, communication needs, health considerations, and possible locations. The plan mandates immediate parental notification, coordinated on-campus response, and limited use of emergency services only when verified risk exists. Schools must train staff annually, maintain the guides, and submit the plan to the local school board each year.

Maddy summaryHB 1491 establishes a Cloud Center of Excellence (CCOE) within Mississippi's Department of Information Technology Services to guide state agencies and local governments (including school districts and municipalities) in adopting cloud computing. The CCOE will develop a two-year implementation plan by July 2027, requiring agencies to prioritize cloud-compatible systems when purchasing new IT software and report on cloud adoption progress annually. Key provisions include creating standardized migration processes, enhancing cybersecurity, and mandating justification reports for exceptions to cloud adoption. The bill directly affects all state agencies and local governing authorities through new procurement requirements and centralized technical support.

Maddy summaryHB 1203 prohibits camping on most public property in Mississippi, including sidewalks, streets, highways, and alleys, unless the area is specifically designated for camping by local authorities or state law. It defines "camping" to include setting up tents, sleeping bags, or other personal items and requires all camping to occur only in authorized locations. Local governments can remove camping materials after 24 hours' notice (or immediately for unsanitary or dangerous items) and must provide information about housing or health resources when removing individuals. Violations may result in penalties, but courts can consider mitigating factors like access to services when determining punishment.

Maddy summaryHB 1201 creates a 25% income tax credit for developers who rehabilitate blighted, tax-forfeited properties in Mississippi, requiring costs to exceed $50,000 for owner-occupied homes or $100,000 for commercial buildings. The credit applies to eligible properties declared unsafe by local authorities and placed into use as residences or businesses within 36 months. Developers can carry forward unused credit amounts for up to 10 years if the credit exceeds their annual tax liability, or opt for a 75% rebate instead. This law directly affects developers who redevelop qualifying properties, aiming to increase property values and community safety through tax incentives.

Maddy summaryHB 1200, the "Real Property Owners Protection Act," creates a legal framework for property owners to quickly remove unauthorized occupants (defined as "squatters") who remain on property without the owner's consent after being asked to leave. The bill requires owners or their agents to file a sworn affidavit with local law enforcement, triggering a 24-hour deadline for the alleged squatter to vacate or request a hearing. If contested, a hearing must occur within seven days to determine if the occupant is a squatter, using a "preponderance of evidence" standard. The law also clarifies that owners (or their designated agents) exclusively control property rights, rental income, and eviction processes, while imposing penalties for false complaints and specifying procedures for handling abandoned property.

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 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 summaryHR 93 is a resolution passed by the Mississippi House of Representatives to commend and congratulate the Madison Central High School boys soccer team for winning the 2024-2025 MHSAA Class 7A State Championship. The resolution recognizes the team's sixth state title, their 17-3-1 season record, and the leadership of head coach Cecil Hinds, while highlighting key players and tournament victories. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws, impose obligations, or directly affect any policies or individuals beyond extending formal recognition to the team and coaching staff.

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.