Rep. Jill Ford

Maddy summaryHB 553 would have required all hunters aged 16+ to purchase a Mississippi Wild Turkey Stamp (or its digital equivalent) to legally hunt wild turkeys in the state. The bill set fees at $10 for residents and $100 for non-residents, with all revenue dedicated to turkey conservation projects like habitat restoration (not administrative costs). Violations would have carried fines of $25-$100, though penalties could be waived if hunters proved prior stamp purchase. This bill "died in committee" on March 4, 2025, and never became law.

Maddy summaryHB 1081 declares that parents have a fundamental right to direct their children's upbringing, education, care, and control. It prohibits Mississippi state agencies and local governments from infringing on this right unless a narrowly tailored law serves a compelling state interest using the least restrictive means. The bill would have applied to all parents and state entities like schools or child welfare agencies, limiting their ability to intervene in family decisions. However, the bill "died in committee" on March 4, 2025, and did not become law, so these provisions never took effect. (Note: The bill was pending but not enacted as of the provided status.)

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 summaryHB 1255 increases the homestead property tax exemption for Mississippi homeowners aged 65 or older. Starting January 1, 2026, qualifying seniors will receive an exemption covering up to $12,500 of their home's assessed value (up from the current $7,500 limit for this group). This applies to primary residences (homestead property) and reduces property taxes levied for both school districts and county general funds. The change affects Mississippi residents aged 65+ who own and occupy their primary home as of the tax year.

Maddy summaryHB 551 appropriates $20 million from the State General Fund to the Mississippi Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund for fiscal year 2026 (July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026). This funding supports existing outdoor stewardship programs under Mississippi Code Section 49-39-7, though the bill does not specify new program details or direct beneficiaries. The legislation died in committee on February 26, 2025, and did not become law. As a budgetary measure, it only allocates existing funds without creating new policies or regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 596 would have redirected a portion of Mississippi's sales tax revenue from businesses with specific North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes into the Mississippi Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund. This fund supports conservation and outdoor recreation initiatives, directly affecting businesses in qualifying industries that pay state sales tax. The bill amended existing tax distribution laws to require this deposit, though it did not specify the exact percentage of revenue to be redirected. The legislation died in committee in February 2025 and did not become law.

Maddy summaryThis bill would have prevented Mississippi Medicaid from seeking repayment for benefits from ABLE savings accounts established under state law. It specifically protects funds in these accounts - designed for people with disabilities to save without losing eligibility for benefits - from being used to cover Medicaid costs after the account holder's death. The bill amended state laws to ensure ABLE accounts are exempt from estate recovery rules that typically allow Medicaid to reclaim funds from a beneficiary's estate. This change would directly affect Mississippi residents with disabilities who use ABLE accounts to save for future needs while maintaining eligibility for public assistance.

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.