Rep. Billy Adam Calvert

Maddy summaryHB 703 authorizes local police departments to partner with Mississippi's independent nonpublic schools (defined as accredited institutions not overseen by the State Board of Education) to place sworn law enforcement officers as school resource officers (SROs) on campus. It requires schools and police to sign agreements specifying at least one SRO per campus and mandates that any non-sworn staff hired as SROs complete basic law enforcement training within two years. Failure to meet this training requirement would revoke their authority to act as peace officers on school property. The bill specifically defines SROs as sworn officers focused on school safety, not security guards, and updates existing laws to formalize these agreements and training standards.

Maddy summaryHB 1656, the STRONG Act, would provide tax benefits and health care support for Mississippi National Guard members and their families. It increases income tax exemptions for Guard and Reserve members, creates a $250 annual credit against motor vehicle taxes for service members and their spouses, and establishes a program to reimburse National Guard members for Tricare Reserve Select health insurance premiums. The Adjutant General would administer the program and report its progress to the legislature. The bill passed the legislature in February 2025 but died on calendar before becoming law.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution commends Jacelyn "Jaycie" Collins of Meridian, Mississippi, for being named the 2024 State Games of Mississippi Female Athlete of the Year and the 2024 National Congress of State Games Adult Athlete of the Year. It recognizes her achievements as a swimmer with Down Syndrome who won multiple gold medals at the State Games and represented Mississippi at the National Special Olympics. The resolution formally honors her athletic accomplishments and dedication to swimming, with copies provided to Collins and the Capitol Press Corps.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a law) commending the West Lauderdale High School Lady Knights fast-pitch softball team and head coach Jake Loper for winning back-to-back Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 4A state championships in 2023 and 2024. It formally recognizes their 35-4 record, key players like MVP Addison Cornish and "Miss Softball" Breelyn Cain, and the team's sportsmanship. The resolution has no policy impact - it simply expresses legislative appreciation for their athletic achievement. It was adopted by the Mississippi Legislature and signed into formal recognition on February 27, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HC 39) is a ceremonial concurrent resolution commending Lewis Scott Gray, Jr. of Meridian, Mississippi, for being named the 2024 State Games of Mississippi Male Athlete of the Year. It recognizes his 30+ years of participation and service in the State Games, including volleyball leadership, three gold medals, and his continued athletic involvement despite health challenges. The resolution has no policy impact - it simply expresses the Mississippi Legislature’s formal praise and congratulations to Gray for embodying the State Games’ values. As a procedural resolution, it does not create new laws, allocate funds, or affect any legal rights or obligations.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (HC 41) commends Rowdy Briscoe, a 13-year-old Choctaw youth from Mississippi, for being named the 2024 State Games of Mississippi Youth Athlete of the Year. It recognizes his athletic achievements, including winning a gold medal and being named MVP in stickball (a traditional Choctaw sport), as well as his participation in baseball and the World Series of Stickball. The resolution has no policy impact - it is purely ceremonial, extending congratulations to Briscoe for his dedication and community representation.

Maddy summaryHB 1850 creates a property tax exemption for Mississippi homeowners and property owners whose assessed value increases by more than 5% in a single year starting in 2026. Specifically, the portion of a property's value exceeding a 5% annual increase is exempt from ad valorem (property) taxes, but this exemption does not apply to value increases from construction, renovations, or improvements - except those enhancing energy efficiency, safety, or access. It also excludes the first year when a property's use or classification changes (e.g., from residential to commercial). The bill applies to all property types and adds this exemption to existing tax breaks without altering how property value is calculated.

Maddy summaryHB 1255 increases the homestead property tax exemption for Mississippi homeowners aged 65 or older. Starting January 1, 2026, qualifying seniors will receive an exemption covering up to $12,500 of their home's assessed value (up from the current $7,500 limit for this group). This applies to primary residences (homestead property) and reduces property taxes levied for both school districts and county general funds. The change affects Mississippi residents aged 65+ who own and occupy their primary home as of the tax year.

Maddy summaryHR 35 is a ceremonial resolution commending the Lamar High School Lady Raiders Volleyball Team and head coach Courtney Schimelpfening for winning the 2024 MAIS Division II State Championship - their third consecutive title. The resolution formally recognizes their championship victory (including a 3-0 sweep against Pillow Academy with scores 25-16, 25-14, 25-14), their 21-9 season record, and their coach’s leadership. As a non-binding resolution, it has no policy impact and solely serves to honor the team’s achievement. The bill was adopted and enrolled by the Mississippi House of Representatives on February 17, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 181 requires courts to hold hearings when individuals challenge asset forfeitures, directly affecting property owners whose assets (excluding controlled substances, raw materials, or paraphernalia) are seized by law enforcement. The bill shifts the burden to the property owner to prove forfeiture is excessive by a preponderance of evidence, considering factors like the offense's seriousness, community impact, and whether the forfeiture would deprive the owner of their primary residence or livelihood. Courts must evaluate these factors without considering the state's interest in the property's value. This amendment modifies Mississippi's asset forfeiture procedures to provide greater procedural safeguards for property owners.