Maddy summaryHB 1204 removes a restriction that previously limited Mississippi school districts' use of career and technical education (CTE) grant funds to only specific programs leading to industry certifications. The bill now allows districts to use these funds for equipment purchases in *any* CTE program that leads to a qualifying industry certification - defined as credentials linked to high-demand occupations with wages meeting 70% of median state income. It explicitly prohibits using these grants to replace basic program funding but maintains the $600 per student incentive for students earning such certifications. The change expands flexibility for districts to support CTE programs aligned with workforce needs, without altering the certification criteria or reporting requirements.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 168 exempts certain retail sales from Mississippi's sales tax: (1) electronic devices and educational software sold during the last weekend in July, and (2) all sales of feminine hygiene products year-round. The bill adds these categories to Mississippi's existing sales tax exemptions under Section 27-65-111 of the Mississippi Code. This directly affects retailers selling these items and consumers purchasing them during the specified July weekend or for feminine hygiene products generally. The policy change removes sales tax liability for these specific transactions without altering other tax classifications.
Maddy summaryHB 181 exempts retail sales of certain electronic devices, educational software, textbooks, and school supplies from Mississippi's sales tax during the last weekend in July. This applies only to purchases made by consumers during that specific weekend, not year-round. Retailers must first obtain authorization from their local municipality or county board of supervisors before the exemption can take effect in their area. The bill adds these items to Mississippi's existing sales tax exemptions, which currently cover other categories like medical supplies and educational institutions. The exemption is limited to one annual weekend and does not apply to other tax categories.
Maddy summaryHB 82 appropriates $4.27 million from state funds to the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) for 122 scholarships in its Rural Physicians Scholarship Program for fiscal year 2027 (July 2026-June 2027). The funding directly supports medical students committed to practicing medicine in Mississippi's rural areas after graduation. The bill allocates $3.6 million from the State General Fund and $669,040 from the Education Enhancement Fund to cover scholarship costs, with payments processed through the State Treasurer. This is a purely financial appropriation with no new policy requirements, solely providing resources for an existing scholarship program.
Maddy summaryHB 83 appropriates $500,000 from Mississippi's State General Fund to the Department of Health for implementing an Obstetrics (OB) System of Care during fiscal year 2027 (July 2026-June 2027). The bill directs the state to standardize and regionalize maternal and infant healthcare, improve transfer systems between facilities, and clarify care level designations. This funding directly supports hospitals and healthcare providers delivering obstetric services across Mississippi. The legislation focuses on operational changes to enhance care coordination, with no new taxes or regulations beyond the allocated budget.
Maddy summaryHB 213 appropriates $10 million from Mississippi's State General Fund to the Mississippi Department of Employment Security for summer youth employment programs during fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2027). The bill directly funds job opportunities for eligible Mississippi youth through state-administered summer programs. Key provisions include the specific funding amount, the administering agency (Employment Security), and the fiscal year coverage. This is a straightforward funding measure with no additional program requirements or eligibility details specified in the bill text.
Maddy summaryHB 215 allocates $10 million from Mississippi's general fund for mental health services during the 2026-2027 budget year. It directs $3 million to state mental health facilities to increase alcohol and drug rehabilitation beds and $7 million to community mental health centers to expand beds and establish additional crisis intervention teams. This funding directly supports state and community programs providing addiction treatment and emergency mental health response. The bill becomes effective July 1, 2026.
Maddy summaryHB 212 appropriates $25 million from Mississippi's State General Fund to the Department of Health for fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027), specifically to fund federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) across the state. These community health centers, which provide primary care in underserved areas, will directly benefit from this funding. The bill establishes a clear mechanism: the State Treasurer will disburse funds via warrants upon requisitions from the Department of Health. This is a procedural funding allocation with no new policy requirements, solely directing existing state resources to support FQHC operations.
Maddy summaryHB 202 creates 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 but may not have received a state-level benefit. The credit can be carried forward for up to five years if not fully used in a single tax year. The bill takes effect January 1, 2026, and requires taxpayers to provide proof of their federal credit claim to the Mississippi Department of Revenue.
Maddy summaryHB 216 appropriates $10 million from the state treasury to the Mississippi Department of Employment Security for summer youth employment programs during fiscal year 2027 (July 2026-June 2027). The bill directly funds job opportunities for Mississippi youth through state-run programs, with funds distributed by the State Treasurer upon proper requisitions. Key provisions include the specific funding amount, the designated recipient (Mississippi Department of Employment Security), and the fiscal year coverage. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026, and focuses solely on allocating existing funds without creating new programs or requirements.