Rep. Omeria Scott

Maddy summaryHB 53 amends Mississippi law to make it a misdemeanor for any adult (parent, guardian, or other person) who knowingly causes a child to violate the state's drug laws or participate in gang activities. It directly affects adults responsible for minors, adding these specific actions to the existing "contributing to delinquency" offense. The bill imposes penalties of up to $1,000 in fines, one year in jail, or both for violations. This change expands accountability for adults who facilitate minors' involvement in illegal drug use or gang-related conduct, without altering the underlying drug or gang laws themselves.

Maddy summaryHB 1594 is a procedural bill that reorganizes existing Mississippi law (specifically Sections 27-51-101, 103, 105, and 107) related to a motor vehicle property tax credit. It authorizes a tax credit equal to 5% (reduced to 4.25% after 2009) of a vehicle's assessed value for businesses operating "private carriers of passengers" (like taxis) and "light carriers of property" (vehicles under 10,000 lbs). The credit reduces local property tax revenue for counties, which is reimbursed through a dedicated state fund (Motor Vehicle Ad Valorem Tax Reduction Fund) that collects state sales tax revenue. This bill did not become law, as it died in committee in February 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 305 requires Mississippi's State Department of Education to create an online prekindergarten program called the "ABC Program" to provide instruction statewide via the internet. The program must deliver daily, real-time lessons by licensed prekindergarten teachers during three different time slots each day, with all lessons available for replay on the program's website. It directly affects all Mississippi prekindergarten children and their families or caregivers by making structured early education accessible online. The department must track participation and report on the program's success to education committees by January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 284 requires Mississippi school districts with the three lowest accountability ratings to adopt specific policies on daily homework, reading assignments, spelling practice, parental involvement (including one annual school service), dress codes (for students and teachers), school holidays (limited to specified dates), and parent-teacher conferences. Alternative schools in these districts must follow the same rules and hold mandatory Saturday sessions ("Attitude Adjustment Day") with community volunteers. Additionally, all school districts must implement a video streaming program with the U.S. Department of Labor to develop a career-track curriculum based on projected job growth, which must satisfy graduation requirements and lead to a standard high school diploma. The bill aims to standardize educational practices and align curricula with workforce needs for students in affected districts.

Maddy summaryHB 1596 prohibits all Mississippi law enforcement officers (state, county, municipal, or special agency) from using, possessing, or deploying tasers or stun guns in official duties, effective July 1, 2025. The bill requires agencies to remove all such devices from active service by June 30, 2025, and transfer them to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety for destruction or non-law enforcement redistribution. Violations carry disciplinary actions, including officer suspension/termination and agency fines up to $10,000 per violation. This bill directly affects every law enforcement agency and officer in Mississippi by eliminating a specific use-of-force tool.

Maddy summaryHB 281 requires school attendance officers to file a petition with youth court after a student (aged 6-17) misses school without a valid reason for a third time in a school year. The youth court can then order the student to complete 16 hours of community service within 30 days of the court hearing. This bill directly affects students with repeated unexcused absences and changes enforcement procedures by adding community service as a consequence. It amends existing Mississippi school attendance laws to implement this specific penalty for chronic absenteeism.

Maddy summaryHB 457 creates a scholarship program for African American medical residents in Mississippi, administered by the University of Mississippi Medical Center. It requires recipients to practice medicine in underserved areas (such as health professional shortage zones or rural communities) for five years after residency. If they fail to fulfill this service obligation, they must repay all scholarship funds, including support received during undergraduate and medical school. The program aims to increase the number of African American physicians serving in communities with limited healthcare access.

Maddy summaryHB 355 requires high schools in Mississippi school districts rated "C," "D," or "F" under the state's accountability system to teach vocational education, agriculture, forestry, and home economics as part of their curriculum. The State Board of Education must create uniform standards and collaborate with agencies to develop consistent course materials across all affected districts. Students taking these courses earn elective credits that count toward high school graduation requirements. The bill amends existing education codes to implement these changes, focusing on expanding practical career-focused education in struggling school districts.

Maddy summaryHB 471 designates June 19 as "Juneteenth Freedom Day" in Mississippi, adding it as an official state legal holiday. This bill amends Mississippi Code Section 3-3-7 to include June 19 alongside other recognized holidays like Independence Day and Christmas. It directly affects state government operations, meaning state offices and agencies will close on this day, though it does not require private businesses to observe it. The bill cites June 19, 1865, as the date enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, learned of their freedom following the Emancipation Proclamation, emphasizing the day's historical significance in commemorating the end of slavery.

Maddy summaryHB 23 revises deadlines for election officials to count absentee ballots in Mississippi. It requires resolution boards to count all absentee ballots received before 7:00 p.m. the day before an election by the time polls open, and to process ballots received after that deadline but before the fifth business day after the election by 5:00 p.m. on the sixth business day. The bill also mandates that officials post vote totals for absentee ballots after counting. This directly affects election officials handling absentee ballots and ensures voters who submit absentee ballots receive timely processing.