Maddy summaryHB 1152, the "Right to Try Medical Cannabis Act," creates a new pathway for Mississippi patients with chronic, progressive, severely disabling, or terminal illnesses not currently covered under the state’s medical cannabis program to access medical cannabis. It allows a patient’s treating doctor (physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant) to submit a petition to the State Department of Health detailing the diagnosis, treatment history, and rationale for cannabis use, including proof that conventional therapies were ineffective or unavailable. The State Health Officer makes the final, non-appealable decision within 45 days, and approved patients become eligible for a registry card but must undergo annual reevaluations by their provider. The bill does not expand existing qualifying conditions but adds this specific process for uncovered serious illnesses, with the Department retaining authority to limit cannabis type, form, or quantity for public health safety.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 895 extends the validity of medical cannabis certifications for patients from six months to 24 months, eliminating the mandatory follow-up visit requirement. It also extends registry ID card validity for patients to 24 months and for caregivers to five years. The bill removes THC potency limits for cannabis tinctures, oils, and concentrates. These changes directly affect Mississippi medical cannabis patients, their treating practitioners, and designated caregivers under the state's medical cannabis program.
Maddy summaryHB 538 prohibits Mississippi state and local governments, including public schools and universities, from adopting policies that interfere with federal immigration enforcement. It requires all government entities to cooperate with federal immigration authorities, share information about immigration status when requested, and comply with immigration detainer requests. Violations could lead to legal action against the government entity, as the law waives sovereign immunity for such cases. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026.
Maddy summaryHB 1150 merges Mississippi's separate licensure systems for land surveyors and professional engineers into a single licensing framework under the "Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Surveyors." The bill revises qualifications, increases application and renewal fees for both professions, and creates new provisions allowing surveyors to legally access land for surveys without trespass liability (Section 73-13-47). It directly affects current and future licensed land surveyors, who must now obtain licensure through the combined board, and replaces all existing land surveyor licensing statutes (Sections 73-13-71 through 73-13-105). The key mechanism is consolidating regulatory oversight while adding specific protections for surveyors' fieldwork.
Maddy summaryHB 1599 extends the expiration date of a 2% tax on prepared food and beverages sold in Brandon, Mississippi restaurants and bars from July 1, 2028, to July 1, 2032. This bill does not change the tax rate or its purpose - it maintains the existing 2% tax that funds tourism, parks, and recreation initiatives. The tax applies to restaurants and bars within Brandon's city limits (excluding certain facilities like schools or convenience stores), with proceeds required to be kept in a separate special fund. The extension ensures Brandon’s city government can continue collecting this revenue for designated purposes beyond the original 2028 deadline.
Maddy summaryHB 557 requires Mississippi health insurers to reimburse pharmacists at least the same rate they pay other non-physician healthcare providers for specific services within a pharmacist’s scope of practice (as defined in §73-21-73) that would otherwise be covered under a policy. This applies to all health insurance policies issued or renewed in Mississippi on or after January 1, 2027. The law ensures pharmacists receive equitable payment for services like medication therapy management or vaccinations that fall within their professional scope. It directly affects pharmacists providing covered services and insurers operating in Mississippi.
Maddy summaryHB 479 revises Mississippi's Universal Recognition of Occupational Licenses Act to adjust temporary practice permit rules for marriage and family therapists and psychologists. This change ensures these professions are subject to the same universal recognition standards as other licensed occupations, allowing relocating professionals to obtain temporary permits under standard conditions like holding a current license in good standing from another state. The bill also directs the state to review the existing licensing laws for these professions for potential future amendments. It directly affects licensed therapists and psychologists moving to Mississippi from other states seeking temporary practice authorization.
Maddy summaryHB 1719 creates a 11-member study committee to examine prevention strategies for financial fraud and scams, while also focusing on improving investor education. The committee includes key state officials like the Secretary of State, Attorney General, Banking Commissioner, and other department heads, appointed by legislative leaders and agency heads. It will operate until January 1, 2027, gathering data and making recommendations to the legislature. This bill does not enact new laws but directs the committee to study issues affecting consumers and financial systems across Mississippi state agencies.
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 1137 revises Mississippi's requirements for becoming a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA). It mandates that new applicants must have either a postgraduate accounting degree, a bachelor's degree with 150+ semester hours including accounting coursework, or a bachelor's degree with an accounting concentration. Additionally, applicants need 1-2 years of verified professional experience in accounting, auditing, tax, or related fields, depending on their education level. The bill also extends these same education and experience standards to out-of-state CPAs seeking to practice in Mississippi, replacing previous exemptions. This directly affects individuals pursuing CPA licensure in Mississippi or moving from another state to practice there.