Rep. Steve Horne

Maddy summaryHB 646 would require counties and municipalities in Mississippi to hold a public election before issuing bonds for infrastructure, public works, or other projects. It mandates that local governments publish bond resolution notices weekly for three weeks in local newspapers (or post them publicly if no newspaper exists) and schedule elections at least 21 days after the first notice. This bill directly affects county boards of supervisors and municipal governing authorities, ensuring residents vote on bond issuances before funds are allocated. The law, if enacted, would take effect July 1, 2025, but it died in committee on February 4, 2025, and is not currently law.

Maddy summaryHB 644 would allow fireworks retailers to sell year-round (instead of seasonally) and require all fireworks storage and sales to occur in permanent buildings (replacing temporary stands). It also lowers penalties for violations from felony to misdemeanor and updates labeling requirements for basic fireworks like sparklers. The bill directly affects retailers, local governments (which retain authority to regulate), and consumers purchasing fireworks. It died in committee in February 2025 and did not become law.

Maddy summaryHB 651 requires counties and municipalities in Mississippi to hold an election before issuing bonds for public projects. It mandates that local governing bodies publish bond resolution notices in newspapers for three weeks and post them publicly for 21 days before the election, with the first notice appearing at least 21 days before voting. The bill applies directly to county boards of supervisors and municipal authorities when proposing bond issuances for purposes listed in state code. It would have taken effect July 1, 2025, but died in committee on February 4, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 647 would require all fireworks sold at retail or wholesale to be stored and displayed inside a permanent building, not in temporary stands. The bill mandates specific safety measures, including "FIREWORKS-NO SMOKING" signs, two approved fire extinguishers (or water barrels/buckets as an alternative), and requiring fireworks to stay in original packaging unless staff are present at the counter. It directly affects businesses selling fireworks by changing their storage and display requirements. The bill was introduced in 2025 but died in committee before becoming law.

Maddy summaryHB 645 would exempt Mississippi water well contractors who are 65 or older or have at least 20 years of experience from mandatory continuing education requirements for license renewal. The bill amends state licensing rules to automatically grant this exemption to qualifying contractors, reducing administrative burdens for this specific group. The bill died in committee on February 4, 2025, and was never enacted.

Maddy summaryHB 652 prohibits Mississippi state agencies and community/junior colleges from using public funds to hire external lobbyists for advocacy. The bill makes any contract for such lobbying services void and unenforceable, and public employees who authorize these payments could face termination. It clarifies that the ban does not apply to employees whose job duties include lobbying on behalf of their institution. The law aims to prevent public money from being spent on external lobbying efforts while maintaining existing requirements for reporting and disclosure.

Maddy summaryHB 650 prevents Mississippi municipalities from collecting property taxes in newly annexed areas until they provide specific services promised in the annexation ordinance. It directly affects municipalities (which must delay taxes) and property owners in annexed zones (who won't face immediate tax bills). The bill requires municipalities to detail planned services in their annexation ordinance and only allows tax collection once those services are delivered. This changes existing law by delaying tax liability for annexed territory until service commitments are fulfilled, as specified in Section 21-1-61. The bill was introduced but died in committee in 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 649 requires residents in territory proposed for municipal annexation or deannexation to vote on the change through a binding election. The bill mandates an election within 60 days of a municipal ordinance, with notice published 21 days prior, and limits voting to residents of the affected area. It repeals a prior requirement for annexation petitions to be filed in chancery court and requires municipalities to cover all attorney fees and court costs if they appeal election results. The bill also ensures election results are treated as key evidence in court proceedings reviewing annexation or deannexation proposals.