Rep. Omeria Scott

Maddy summaryHB 1743 appropriates $6,854,812 from the state General Fund and $1,825,000 from the Capital Expense Fund to support the Mississippi State Fire Academy for fiscal year 2026 (July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026). The bill authorizes 62 permanent staff positions, requires training 8,100 students at an average cost of $1,151.60 per student, and prohibits using funds for salary increases of current employees or to replace federal funds. It mandates detailed financial record-keeping, prioritizes purchasing from Mississippi Industries for the Blind, and ties future funding to meeting performance targets. This funding directly affects the State Fire Academy’s operations, staffing, and training programs for firefighters across Mississippi.

Maddy summaryHB 1741 appropriates $63 million from the State General Fund and $535 million from special funds to cover the Mississippi Department of Health's operations for fiscal year 2026. It allocates specific amounts to key programs, including $34 million for the Trauma Care System (with $13 million for trauma centers and $1.8 million for emergency medical services), $20 million from tobacco funds for cancer programs and the Tobacco Control Office, and $7 million for initiatives like the Magnet Community Health Disparity Program and Breast/Cervical Cancer Program. The bill directly affects state health programs, hospitals within Mississippi's trauma network (including designated out-of-state centers like Le Bonheur Children's Hospital), and health centers receiving grants. Funds must be used as specified, with no spending on out-of-state hospitals except for approved trauma centers participating in Mississippi's system.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $1,786,295 from the Real Estate License Fund to cover the Mississippi Real Estate Commission's operating expenses for fiscal year 2026 (July 2025-June 2026). It authorizes 16 permanent staff positions and strictly prohibits salary increases for current employees without new funding, requiring all personnel costs to stay within the approved budget. The commission must comply with State Personnel Board rules, maintain detailed financial records matching 2025 standards, and follow IRS guidelines for contract employee reporting. The funds cannot replace withdrawn federal or special funds, and all spending must adhere to Mississippi Code §27-104-25 on budget limitations.

Maddy summaryHB 1747 appropriates $209,142 from state funds for the Mississippi State Board of Nursing Home Administrators to cover its expenses during fiscal year 2026 (July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026). The bill authorizes two permanent staff positions and strictly limits fund usage to personnel costs without increasing salaries for current employees, requiring adherence to budgeted payroll levels. It mandates detailed accounting records matching 2025 standards and prohibits using state funds to replace federal or special funds. Additionally, the bill requires preference for Mississippi Industries for the Blind in purchasing decisions and ensures all expenditures comply with state budget laws.

Maddy summaryHB 1751 appropriates $162,606 from the state treasury to cover the Mississippi State Board of Psychology's operational expenses for fiscal year 2026 (July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026). The bill authorizes one permanent position and strictly prohibits using funds for salary increases, promotions, or title changes for current employees, requiring all spending to align with existing salary minimums and budget limits. It mandates detailed accounting records and compliance with state budget laws, ensuring funds are used solely for board operations without exceeding the approved appropriation.

Maddy summaryHB 1752 appropriates $746,698 from state funds to cover the operational expenses of the Mississippi Real Estate Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board for fiscal year 2026 (July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026). The bill authorizes five permanent positions for the board and includes strict rules governing how funds can be spent, such as prohibiting salary increases for current employees using these funds and requiring compliance with state payroll guidelines. It does not change licensing rules or affect real estate appraisers directly - it solely provides funding for the board’s existing administrative operations. The bill also mandates detailed financial records and ensures funds are used strictly for approved purposes under state budget laws.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (HC 59), not a policy bill. It formally honors the late Robert George Clark, Jr., a trailblazing Mississippi legislator who died on March 4, 2025. The resolution commemorates his life, career as the first African American elected to the Mississippi Legislature in the 20th century (1967), and his service as Speaker Pro Tempore (1992-2000), recognizing his 36-year legislative career and contributions to education reform. The Mississippi legislature adopted this resolution on March 13, 2025, expressing sympathy to his family and affirming his legacy as a champion of equality.

Maddy summaryMississippi's legislature passed a concurrent resolution (HC 50) to express sympathy and honor the life of Heidelberg Mayor David Taylor II following his passing on July 13, 2024. The resolution commemorates his service as a teacher, mayor, and community leader, highlighting his work to address food deserts and establish youth engagement programs in Heidelberg. It formally mourns his death and extends condolences to his family, friends, and the Heidelberg community. This resolution has no policy or legal effect, as it is a ceremonial expression of respect.

Maddy summaryHB 317 allows Mississippi offenders on probation or parole (including intensive supervision) to earn earned-discharge credits by participating in faith-based activities. For every 40 hours of participation, they can reduce their supervision period by 5 days per month. Offenders must engage with approved faith-based organizations, which must submit monthly verification reports to the Corrections Department by the 15th of the following month. This applies to all eligible offenders starting July 1, 2025, and does not affect sentence length but shortens the required supervision period.

Maddy summaryHB 349 appropriates $49,692,200 from Mississippi's State General Fund to the Department of Health for infrastructure upgrades at county health departments during fiscal year 2026. The funds will directly support specific improvements including new or repaired buildings ($13 million total), accessibility enhancements for patients with disabilities ($15.2 million), medical equipment ($572,900), fire safety systems ($762,000), and other facility maintenance needs. This bill provides concrete funding for physical infrastructure at all county health departments, focusing on operational safety, accessibility, and equipment upgrades. The appropriation is effective July 1, 2025, and applies to all county health departments receiving these funds.