Rep. Troy Smith

Maddy summaryHB 1073 would allow Mississippi counties and municipalities to choose not to require building permits for construction in unincorporated areas. Currently, counties must enforce permit requirements for construction in these areas under existing law (Section 19-5-9(11)). The bill amends Section 19-5-9 to explicitly authorize local governments to opt out of this mandatory permit system. This change would directly affect construction projects in rural county areas outside city limits, removing a standard regulatory requirement.

Maddy summaryHB 255, the Second Amendment Preservation Act, prohibits Mississippi cities and counties from creating their own laws about firearms, ammunition, or related items. It invalidates all existing or future local firearm regulations unless they exactly match specific state laws on concealed carry, open carry, and firearm discharge rules. The bill also prevents local governments from suing firearm manufacturers or dealers over lawful sales, though it does not block lawsuits for negligence or defects. This law ensures state-level regulation replaces local ordinances for all firearm-related matters in Mississippi.

Maddy summaryHB 1090 requires counties and municipalities using handheld traffic cameras (defined as "manually operated automated recording equipment") to confirm the driver's identity before issuing fines for traffic violations. It clarifies that officers must verify who was operating the vehicle to enforce traffic laws, such as speeding or signal violations. The bill also specifies that Mississippi will not recognize out-of-state fines from similar systems unless the issuing state participates in the Driver License Compact. These provisions aim to standardize verification processes for traffic enforcement fines.

Maddy summaryHB 921, the MS ROSS Act, would have created a state-funded program to help Mississippi public and accredited private elementary and secondary schools hire School Resource Officers (SROs). The Mississippi Department of Public Safety would have covered increasing percentages of SRO costs (starting at 30% in 2025-2026 and rising to 70% by 2029-2030), with local law enforcement and school boards responsible for the remaining portion, up to a $55,000 annual cap per SRO. Schools and local agencies would have needed to jointly apply for funding and establish agreements to participate. The bill, which died in committee in February 2025, was never enacted into law.

Maddy summaryHB 1448 would increase the daily fee paid to circuit clerks for attending court sessions from $50 to $85 per day. This change applies specifically to "each day's attendance upon the circuit court term" for clerks and necessary deputies, with counties covering the cost. The bill directly affects county governments (as payers of the fee) and circuit clerks (as recipients). The fee adjustment, if enacted, would take effect July 1, 2025. (Note: The bill died in committee and did not become law.)

Maddy summaryThis bill (HB 1212) died in committee on February 4, 2025, and never became law. If enacted, it would have created a 9-member study committee to examine unintended impacts of wind turbines on agriculture, including property rights (e.g., pesticide drift), aquifer safety, and aviation pilot concerns. The bill also included a temporary moratorium on new wind turbine construction permits until July 1, 2026, to allow time for the committee’s study. The committee was required to report findings and recommendations to the legislature by December 1, 2025, but the bill did not advance beyond the committee stage.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates specific segments of various state and federal highways across Mississippi as memorial roads to honor individuals who have passed away. It directly affects the Mississippi Department of Transportation, which is tasked with installing and maintaining official signs along these designated routes. The legislation names the highways after military veterans, local government officials, and community leaders, such as Lance Corporal Mac Hamburg and former Mayor Cheri M. Barry. By officially naming these roadways, the bill creates permanent public tributes to the contributions and sacrifices of these individuals within their respective communities.