Maddy summaryHB 1627 would automatically restore voting rights to Mississippi residents convicted of certain non-violent crimes (like bribery, theft, or perjury) after they complete all sentencing requirements, including probation or fines. It specifically excludes individuals convicted of arson, armed robbery, carjacking, embezzlement over $5,000, murder, rape, sexual battery, human trafficking, child exploitation, commercial sexual activity, or statutory rape from automatic restoration. The bill amends multiple election codes to implement this automatic restoration process and remove voters' names from records until sentencing is complete. The bill was referred to committees but died in committee on February 3, 2026, and did not become law.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill would add kratom to Mississippi's Schedule III controlled substances under the Uniform Controlled Substances Act. It directly affects individuals who use or sell kratom products in Mississippi, as possession or distribution would become regulated under state law. The key mechanism is reclassifying kratom as a Schedule III substance, placing it alongside drugs like ketamine and certain barbiturates with recognized medical use but potential for abuse. The bill died in committee on February 3, 2026, and is not currently law.
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 599 creates civil liability for commercial entities (like websites or platforms) that knowingly distribute child pornography or obscene material online. It allows individuals to sue these entities for damages up to $500,000, plus attorney fees, for publishing such content. The law explicitly exempts news organizations and internet service providers from liability for merely providing connectivity, not creating content. It also defines "material harmful to minors" and requires "reasonable age verification" methods to prevent minors' access. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, after being signed by the governor on April 10, 2025.
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 1878 specifies new rules for calculating property taxes on rural structures like barns and poultry houses in Mississippi. It requires tax assessors to revalue structures appraised before 2025 using older appraisal guidelines and apply a 7% annual depreciation rate thereafter, with a 20% minimum value floor for poultry houses. Commercial poultry operations must also have a 45% economic obsolescence adjustment applied to their structures. These changes directly affect agricultural property owners, particularly those operating poultry farms, by standardizing how these structures are valued for tax purposes starting in 2025.
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 565 requires Mississippi law enforcement agencies to report officer resignations and terminations to the Board on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Training. Agencies must provide timely notification within a specified timeframe and include an explanation if the resignation or termination resulted from disciplinary action. Failure to report carries penalties, though agencies may appeal the board's decision. This bill directly affects all law enforcement agencies in Mississippi, aiming to improve transparency in officer employment history.
Maddy summaryHB 1227 designates the Strong River Bridge on Mississippi Highway 149 in Simpson County as the "Badger-Malone-Igleharte Memorial Bridge" to honor Charles Badger, Kevin Malone, and Charles Igleharte, who died in a bridge collapse there on October 16, 2024. The Mississippi Department of Transportation will install and maintain signs identifying the bridge with this name. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, and is purely commemorative with no policy changes.