Rep. Omeria Scott

Maddy summaryHB 33 appropriates $10 million from Mississippi's general fund to the Mississippi Department of Employment Security for summer youth employment programs during fiscal year 2026 (July 2025-June 2026). The bill directly funds job opportunities for Mississippi youth through state-administered programs. It specifies that funds must be paid by the State Treasurer upon proper requisitions. The bill was referred to the Appropriations committee but died there on February 26, 2025, and did not become law.

Maddy summaryHB 316 allocates $25 million from Mississippi's state general fund to the Department of Health for fiscal year 2026 to provide funding to federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) across the state. This bill directly affects community health centers that serve underserved populations, including rural and low-income areas, by providing stable state funding. The key mechanism is a straightforward appropriation requiring the State Treasurer to disburse funds upon proper requisitions, effective July 1, 2025. The bill does not create new programs but ensures existing FQHCs receive dedicated state support for the 2025-2026 fiscal year.

Maddy summaryHB 304 exempts the retail sales of certain electronic devices and educational software from Mississippi's sales tax during the last weekend in July, and permanently exempts the retail sales of feminine hygiene products from sales tax. This means consumers will not pay sales tax on these specific items during the designated weekend for electronics and educational software, while feminine hygiene products become tax-free year-round. The bill amends Mississippi Code Section 27-65-111 to add these exemptions to the existing list of tax-exempt items. The policy directly affects retailers selling these products and consumers purchasing them by removing sales tax from these categories.

Maddy summaryHB 348 appropriates $10 million from Mississippi's State General Fund for the Department of Mental Health to expand alcohol and drug rehabilitation services during fiscal year 2026. The funds will be split: $3 million to increase rehab beds in state facilities and $7 million to community mental health centers for more beds and new crisis intervention teams. This bill directly affects state mental health facilities and community centers by providing specific funding to scale up these services.

Maddy summaryHB 52 would have exempted sales tax on certain electronic devices, educational software, textbooks, and school supplies during the last weekend in July. This exemption would apply only if local authorities (municipalities or county boards) approved it for their area. The bill specifically targets retail sales during that single weekend, not year-round, and requires local authorization before taking effect. It directly affects retailers selling these items and consumers purchasing them during that designated period.

Maddy summaryHB 1679 would create a Mississippi state income tax credit of $1,200 per child for taxpayers who claim the federal child tax credit on their federal return. It directly affects Mississippi families with children who qualify for the federal credit, allowing them to reduce their state tax bill by up to $1,200 per child annually. Unused credit amounts could be carried forward for up to five years. The bill died in committee on February 26, 2025, and was never enacted.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution passed by the Mississippi House of Representatives to honor Mrs. Otha Mae Shelby following her death on February 4, 2025. It expresses the House's sympathy to her family and commemorates her life as a devoted mother, church member, and community pillar. The resolution has no policy provisions or direct impact on legislation or affected groups - it serves solely as a formal tribute.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HR 19) expressing condolences and commemorating the life of Mary Lee Pearson-Finch, a Mississippi community member who passed away on January 29, 2025. It does not create new laws or affect any policies; it solely serves to honor her legacy through formal words of sympathy. The resolution highlights her personal history - her family, faith, community service at Providence Baptist Church, career, and role as a matriarch - before stating the House of Representatives' intent to "mourn the loss" and "commemorate the life, service and legacy" of Mrs. Pearson-Finch. It directly affects her family and community by formally recognizing her contributions. The bill was adopted and signed by the Mississippi House of Representatives on February 7, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 466 would expand Mississippi's Medicaid program to include low-income adults who are entitled to benefits under the federal Affordable Care Act (ACA). Currently, Mississippi Medicaid eligibility is limited to specific groups like families on public assistance, seniors on SSI, or pregnant women meeting strict income thresholds, but this bill would add individuals who qualify for ACA-based coverage. It amends state law to update eligibility criteria (Section 43-13-115) and requires coverage of essential health benefits for these new enrollees (Section 43-13-117). This change would directly affect thousands of low-income Mississippi residents who currently lack Medicaid access under the state’s current rules.

Maddy summaryHB 272 authorizes Mississippi school districts rated "D" or "F" to create a summer program for rising 10th graders (students who completed 9th grade). The program must include three required components: soft skills training (e.g., teamwork, time management), personal living skills (e.g., job applications, financial responsibility), and education/academic planning for college or vocational training. Students completing the program receive a certificate of completion, and districts may offer stipends if funding is available. The state appropriates $2 million to support this initiative, which must be implemented by July 1, 2025.