Rep. Omeria Scott

Maddy summaryHB 86 removes an age restriction that previously prevented some individuals from clearing misdemeanor criminal records. The bill amends Mississippi law to allow people convicted of misdemeanors (excluding traffic violations) to seek expungement of their records after two years of good conduct, regardless of age. This change directly affects eligible misdemeanor offenders who meet the rehabilitation and time requirements. The law does not apply to felony convictions or traffic violations and leaves existing expungement procedures unchanged beyond removing the age barrier.

Maddy summaryHB 160 requires every Mississippi public school district to hire at least one vocal music instructor and one instrumental music instructor for elementary schools. If a district has multiple elementary schools, these instructors must rotate between sites to provide students with at least 40 minutes of music instruction weekly, based on state standards. The bill amends school board powers to ensure compliance with this requirement, directing boards to implement the rotation system when full-time staffing per school isn't feasible. This directly affects all Mississippi school districts and elementary students by guaranteeing regular music education access.

Maddy summaryHB 155 would allow Mississippi public school districts to hire licensed social workers and psychologists to support student services. Districts meeting the requirement of at least one professional per 1,000 enrolled students would qualify for a 50% state reimbursement of their salaries. The State Department of Education would process these reimbursements after districts submit applications and verify eligibility. The bill was scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2026, but it died in committee in February 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 166, titled "Health Careers Academy," would have created a six-week nonresidential summer program at the University of Mississippi Medical Center for Mississippi public school students in grades 9-12. The program required participants to maintain a 2.25 GPA, have teacher recommendations, and meet other criteria, while including ACT preparation, health-related hands-on activities, CPR certification, and interactions with medical professionals. It mandated nondiscriminatory selection, full-day instruction, and research projects, with funding provided through a new trust fund. The bill died in committee on February 3, 2026, and was never enacted.

Maddy summaryHB 33 would have allowed first-time Mississippi voters to register online using a secure state website, provided they have a current Mississippi driver's license or photo ID. The bill required the online system to verify applicants' ID numbers, names, birth dates, and citizenship against Mississippi Department of Public Safety records before submission. It would have applied directly to first-time voters meeting these ID requirements, replacing paper registration forms for this group. The bill also updated related election laws to align with this online registration process. (Note: The bill died in committee in February 2026.)

Maddy summaryHB 91 would require students under 18 who wish to drop out of school to first take the ACT test. If they score below 21 (or 18 if attending a school rated "D" or "F"), they must continue attending school until age 18. Parents could face penalties for their child's unexcused absences during this period. The bill amends Mississippi's compulsory school attendance law to include this ACT requirement and enforcement mechanism. However, the bill died in committee on February 3, 2026, and did not become law.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Mississippi election officials to remove blank spaces for write-in votes on ballots and instead print supplementary ballots if a candidate dies, resigns, withdraws, or is removed after ballots are printed but before an election. It mandates that supplementary ballots must match the format of regular ballots and include the new candidate's name alongside other contenders in that race. Absentee voters who already cast ballots before the supplementary ballot is ready must be notified and offered options to return to the clerk's office or receive the ballot by mail. The change does not apply to nonpartisan judicial elections.

Maddy summaryHB 191 would provide state funding for social workers in Mississippi public schools located in districts with the highest crime and violence rates, as determined by state records. School districts identified under this bill would receive funds to hire licensed social workers who must spend at least 75% of their time directly supporting students. The bill also establishes a state-run video conferencing program where 10 social workers employed by the Department of Human Services would connect remotely with schools via video, particularly when local staff are unavailable. School counselors would coordinate these virtual sessions, which must maintain strict confidentiality, and the program requires social workers to meet specific licensing and time allocation standards. (HB 191, passed in 2026 but died in committee)

Maddy summaryHB 169 would require Mississippi school districts with the three lowest state accountability ratings to implement specific policies, including daily homework, handwriting instruction, reading assignments, mandatory parent volunteer hours, school uniforms, and a strict holiday calendar. It also mandates alternative schools in these districts to follow the same rules, including 16-hour school days (with Saturdays designated as "Attitude Adjustment Day" for community mentorship). Additionally, all districts must develop a career-focused curriculum using U.S. Department of Labor job market data to align with graduation requirements. The bill died in committee in February 2026 and was never enacted.

Maddy summaryHB 162 requires all Mississippi public middle schools to create two new programs: one to help students meet college entrance requirements, and another to provide career-focused skills training with industry certification preparation. Schools must collaborate with community colleges, career centers, or other districts to offer hands-on STEM learning aligned with college or career pathways. The bill mandates funding for approved programs and takes effect in 2026. It directly affects every public middle school in Mississippi by restructuring how math and science instruction supports future educational or work opportunities.