Rep. Lee Yancey

Maddy summaryHB 1502 legalizes the manufacture and sale of hemp-based beverages (like drinks) under state health regulations, while expanding rules for other hemp products (edibles, oils) to be regulated by the State Department of Health. Key provisions include lowering THC limits to 0.3%, requiring business licenses, mandatory lab testing, a 3% excise tax on consumable hemp products, and creating an online public directory of approved products. Businesses must label products clearly, post safety notices, and face fines for selling unlisted or non-compliant items. The bill died in committee in April 2025 after failing a vote.

Maddy summaryHB 608 combines the licensing requirements for land surveyors and professional engineers in Mississippi under a single board. It revises definitions, increases application and renewal fees for both professions, and eliminates separate licensure for surveyors by repealing existing surveyor-specific sections. The bill creates new provisions allowing surveyors to enter land without trespass liability (with limited civil liability) and exempts sole proprietors and professional associations from needing a separate certificate of authority. This directly affects licensed surveyors and engineers by consolidating their regulatory framework and changing fee structures.

Maddy summaryHB 17, the "Protecting Patient Access to Physician-Administered Drugs Act," prevents health insurance companies from refusing to cover or charging extra fees for drugs that must be administered by a doctor (like certain IV treatments or injections). It requires insurers to pay doctors and clinics the agreed-upon rate or wholesale cost for these drugs when medically necessary, and prohibits patients from being charged additional fees to get them from their regular provider. The law directly affects patients covered by health insurance, physicians, clinics, and insurance companies in Mississippi. It became law without the governor’s signature in March 2025.

Maddy summaryThis resolution honors the Mississippi Dental Association (MDA) on its 150th anniversary, recognizing its founding in 1875 and its role in advancing dental care and oral health across Mississippi. It specifically acknowledges the MDA's work representing over 1,000 dentists, promoting dental education, and improving public health outcomes in the state. The resolution is purely commemorative, with no policy changes or direct impact on citizens or regulations. It formally expresses the Mississippi House's appreciation for the MDA's longstanding contributions to the dental profession.

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 summaryHB 999 revises Mississippi's definition of "modular home" under the Uniform Standards Code for Factory-Built Homes Law. It clarifies that modular homes must be certified by manufacturers to comply with Mississippi's current building code, installed on approved foundations, and explicitly excludes manufactured homes (which follow federal safety standards). This change directly affects manufacturers, contractors, and installers of modular homes by defining their regulatory requirements. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, and does not alter existing rules for manufactured or mobile homes.

Maddy summaryHB 1295 revises Mississippi's definition of "agritourism activity" to include public viewing of farming, ranching, or cultural/historical attractions on commercial agricultural properties. It requires agritourism professionals (like farms offering public tours) to post a specific warning sign at entrances - using black letters at least 1 inch tall - stating participants assume risks inherent to farm activities, such as land conditions, equipment, animals, or participant negligence. Failure to post this sign means professionals lose liability protection for injuries caused by these inherent risks. The bill directly affects farm operators hosting public agritourism activities and visitors participating in them.

Maddy summaryHB 610 defines "nonemergency medical transportation" (NEMT) in Mississippi law as transportation for individuals who need healthcare access but aren't in medical emergencies. It requires NEMT providers (companies or individuals offering paid transportation services) to obtain permits from the State Department of Health and meet strict safety standards, including driver background checks, vehicle safety equipment, and insurance requirements. The bill directly affects NEMT providers, drivers, and vehicles used for transporting patients to medical appointments, while exempting Medicaid contractors using broker-certified services and ambulatory transportation provided by licensed ride-share or contract carriers. These changes take effect July 1, 2025.

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 1449 increases staffing in Mississippi's Twentieth Circuit Court District by amending two statutes. It raises the authorized number of assistant district attorneys from 11 to 13 (under Section 25-31-5) and adds one criminal investigator position, increasing the total to three (under Section 25-31-10). The bill directly affects the Twentieth Circuit Court District's prosecution office, which covers counties including Hinds, Rankin, and Madison. These changes would allow the district attorney's office to hire additional staff for criminal prosecutions, subject to available funding. The bill was referred to committee but died there on March 4, 2025.