Rep. Omeria Scott

Maddy summaryHB 36 changes how vacancies in municipal executive committees are filled when they occur within 90 days of a municipal primary election. Instead of the municipal committee filling the vacancy, the State Executive Committee must appoint a replacement. Appointees serve until the next regular election for executive committees, ensuring continuity through the election cycle. This applies only to vacancies near primary elections and does not alter other committee procedures or candidate qualifications.

Maddy summaryHB 179 would have amended Mississippi's Medicaid law to add a new eligibility category for individuals aged 55 or older who require nursing facility-level care, reside in an area served by a Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) organization, and meet additional program-specific requirements set by the Division of Medicaid. This change would have directly affected elderly Mississippi residents needing intensive long-term care who live within PACE service areas but did not previously qualify for Medicaid coverage under existing categories. The bill’s key mechanism involved updating Section 43-13-115 of the Mississippi Code to explicitly include this group as Medicaid recipients. The proposal aimed to expand access to comprehensive care through PACE programs, which integrate medical, social, and support services. (Note: The bill died in committee on 2026-02-03 and did not become law.)

Maddy summaryHB 165 would create the "Dream Makers Program" for public school students in grades 7 and 8 across Mississippi, aiming to spark interest in science, mathematics, and healthcare careers. The two-year after-school program requires participants to maintain a 2.5 GPA, receive teacher recommendations, and demonstrate good attendance and positive conduct. It includes hands-on components like specimen dissection, health professional panels, and interactions with University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) staff. The bill establishes a state trust fund to cover startup and operational costs for school districts implementing the program.

Maddy summaryHB 22 would allow eligible Mississippi voters to register and vote on election day at designated polling locations. To register, voters must present photo ID and address proof (if the ID doesn't show address), sign a sworn statement confirming they haven't voted before, and meet all existing voter eligibility requirements. Election officials would set up specific locations for this process, with registration ballots handled and counted identically to absentee ballots. The bill requires the Secretary of State to create implementing rules and amend related election laws to support this process.

Maddy summaryHB 197 designates June 19 (Juneteenth National Independence Day) as a legal holiday in Mississippi, adding it to the state's official list of recognized holidays. The bill specifically adds "the nineteenth day of June (Juneteenth National Independence Day)" to Section 3-3-7 of the Mississippi Code, making it a day when state offices and institutions close. It also clarifies that if Juneteenth falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the following Monday will be observed as the holiday, consistent with existing rules for other state holidays. This change aligns Mississippi with 47 other states and the District of Columbia that recognize Juneteenth as a public holiday.

Maddy summaryHB 210 increases Medicaid reimbursement rates for hospitals in Mississippi counties with both high unemployment (8%+ average monthly rate for the prior fiscal year) and a critical shortage of physicians/nurses. It requires the state Medicaid division to pay at least 80% of the Medicare rate for inpatient and outpatient services at qualifying hospitals, starting September 1, 2026. The bill targets hospitals in underserved areas to support healthcare access, with eligibility determined by a committee including hospital and nursing associations. This policy change directly affects hospitals in designated counties, not all healthcare providers.

Maddy summaryHB 230 would have required Mississippi's Department of Human Services to reinstate a program providing nutritionally balanced meals to older residents at community sites like senior centers. It aimed to restore a discontinued service for seniors who rely on these meals for food security and social connection. However, the bill died in committee on February 3, 2026, and was never enacted into law. The proposal directly affected older Mississippians in community settings who previously accessed this meal service.

Maddy summaryHB 198 requires the Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) to annually study public infrastructure conditions - such as roads, water systems, and utilities - in the 20 counties with the highest poverty rates in Mississippi. It mandates the MDA to report findings to the legislature by December 31 each year and provide guidance to these counties on accessing federal and state grants or loans for infrastructure improvements. The bill directly affects the 20 designated counties and the MDA, which must now formalize this review process. This creates a structured mechanism for identifying and addressing infrastructure gaps in economically disadvantaged areas.

Maddy summaryMississippi's HB 196 changes the legal classification for first-time possession of small amounts of marijuana or synthetic cannabinoids. Specifically, it makes possessing 30 grams or less of marijuana or 10 grams or less of synthetic cannabinoids a civil offense instead of a criminal one. This means first-time offenders would face fines or other civil penalties, not criminal charges, jail time, or a criminal record. The bill directly affects individuals caught with these specific small quantities for the first time. It does not alter penalties for larger amounts or subsequent offenses.

Maddy summaryHB 200 amends Mississippi's legal holiday schedule to designate June 19 as "Juneteenth Freedom Day," adding it to the list of days when state offices and public institutions close. This change directly affects state government operations and public schools, which must observe the day as a legal holiday under Mississippi Code §3-3-7. The bill specifies that June 19 will be recognized annually as a legal holiday, aligning with the national observance of Juneteenth commemorating the end of slavery in the U.S. (June 19, 1865). The provision does not create new paid leave requirements but formally establishes the date as a recognized state holiday.