Rep. Jeffery Harness

Maddy summaryHB 1786 proposed a $1,000,000 appropriation from the State General Fund to Alcorn State University for the fiscal year 2026 (July 2025-June 2026). The funding was intended to strengthen poultry science research, extension services, and academic programs at the university. The bill died in committee on February 26, 2025, and did not become law. This was a procedural funding measure, not a policy change affecting broader public or private entities.

Maddy summaryHB 1671 authorizes Mississippi to issue state bonds to fund the construction, equipment, and furnishings for a hydroponics research and teaching greenhouse at Alcorn State University. The bill specifies that bond proceeds must be used exclusively for this project, with the State Bond Commission managing the bond issuance and sale. The bonds would be backed by the full credit of the State of Mississippi, and funds would be deposited into a dedicated special account for the greenhouse. This legislation directly affects Alcorn State University by providing dedicated funding for a new research facility focused on hydroponics education and innovation.

Maddy summaryHB 1712 would have provided $10 million in state funding to the Scenic Rivers Development Alliance for specific infrastructure projects in Franklin, Walthall, Pike, Amite, and Wilkinson Counties during fiscal year 2026. The funds were intended for facility upgrades at Okhissa Lake Lodge in Franklin County and broader improvements like road repairs, trail maintenance, erosion control, and utility upgrades across the five counties. The bill died in committee on February 26, 2025, and never became law, so no funding was authorized. It directly affected the Scenic Rivers Development Alliance and local communities in those counties through planned project support.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes Mississippi to issue state general obligation bonds specifically for preplanning costs related to repairs, renovations, and upgrades of the Walter Washington Administration and Classroom Building at Alcorn State University. The bonds, backed by the state's full faith and credit, would fund only the preplanning phase (not construction), with proceeds restricted to this building project. The bill details bond issuance procedures, repayment terms, and ensures funds cannot be diverted to other uses. The bill was referred to the Ways and Means committee but died there in February 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1665 proposed authorizing Mississippi to issue state-backed bonds to fund Claiborne County's costs for upgrading recreational facilities, including parks and community centers. The bill would have provided state financial assistance directly to Claiborne County for specific facility improvements. Key mechanisms included the State Bond Commission issuing the bonds (backed by Mississippi's full credit) and directing proceeds exclusively to these county projects. The bill was referred to committee but died there in February 2025, so it did not become law.

Maddy summaryHB 1649 authorizes the State of Mississippi to issue general obligation bonds to provide funds for the City of Port Gibson to construct a new police station and purchase two police vehicles plus one public works utility vehicle. The bill directly affects the Port Gibson Police Department by funding specific infrastructure and equipment needs. Key provisions include the state pledging its full credit for bond repayment and requiring all proceeds to be used solely for the stated police department projects. The bonds would be sold through the State Bond Commission, with funds transferred to a dedicated city account. This is a funding mechanism, not a direct appropriation, and would require legislative approval for bond issuance.

Maddy summaryHB 1788 would appropriate $84,415 from the state general fund to VFW Post 2572 in Vicksburg for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. The funding would cover the post's building operating costs, indoor repairs/improvements, and outdoor repairs/building stabilization. This is a procedural appropriation bill with no policy changes beyond providing specific funding for a local veterans' organization's facility maintenance. The bill died in committee on February 26, 2025, and was never enacted.

Maddy summaryHB 1922 appropriates $200,000 from the State General Fund to the Mississippi Cultural Crossroads in Port Gibson for fiscal year 2026 (July 2025-June 2026). The funding directly supports the organization’s mission to create opportunities for artistic expression, collaboration, community engagement, and enriching life through arts and humanities. The bill specifies that the funds must be used solely for these stated purposes, with payment handled through standard state fiscal processes. This is a straightforward funding allocation with no policy changes beyond the specified financial support.

Maddy summaryHB 1223, the "Statewide Utility Tax Reform Act," would have required nuclear power plants and related materials to pay property taxes at the same rate as other businesses in Mississippi, ending their previous tax exemption. It established a tiered revenue system: 65% of taxes from facilities would go to host counties, 10% to adjacent counties for shared risks, and 25% to the state. Utilities would also pay annual "Payments in Lieu of Taxes" (PILOTs) of $5 million plus $0.01 per kilowatt-hour, with counties required to spend 40% on infrastructure, 30% on education, 20% on health/safety, and 10% on economic development. The bill died in committee on February 26, 2025, and was never enacted.

Maddy summaryHB 1664 authorizes Mississippi to issue state general obligation bonds to fund repairs and upgrades to the City of Port Gibson's existing playground facilities. The bill directs bond proceeds to cover costs associated with these improvements, directly benefiting Port Gibson residents who use public playgrounds. State-backed bonds (with full faith and credit of Mississippi pledged for repayment) would be sold to raise funds, with proceeds transferred to a dedicated city fund. The legislation specifies the bonds must be used exclusively for playground-related costs and includes standard bond issuance procedures. The bill died in committee without advancing further.