Rep. Jeffery Harness

Maddy summaryHB 1673 would authorize Mississippi to issue state bonds to fund renovations and upgrades to the K.L. Simmons Technology Building at Alcorn State University. The bond proceeds would be restricted solely to this specific building project, with the state pledging its full faith and credit for repayment. As a financial authorization bill, it does not create new policy but provides funding mechanisms for a single university facility improvement.

Maddy summaryHB 1844 proposed appropriating $8 million from Mississippi's State General Fund to the City of Port Gibson for playground facility repairs, improvements, and upgrades during fiscal year 2026 (July 2025-June 2026). The bill would have directly affected Port Gibson's city government by providing state funds to cover eligible costs for public playground infrastructure. It included standard payment mechanisms requiring state treasurer disbursement upon proper requisitions but did not establish new policies or regulations. The bill died in committee on February 26, 2025, and was never enacted.

Maddy summaryHB 1789 would have provided $175,000 from Mississippi's state general fund to the American Legion Allein Post #3 in Vicksburg for fiscal year 2026. The funds were intended to cover costs associated with veteran services and repairs/upgrades to the Legion's building and surrounding property. The bill died in committee on February 26, 2025, and did not become law.

Maddy summaryHB 1780 proposed appropriating $9,387,582 from Mississippi's State General Fund to support Alcorn State University's agricultural land-grant research and extension programs for fiscal year 2026 (July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026). The bill would have directly funded Alcorn State's agricultural research initiatives and community outreach programs, which serve Mississippi farmers and rural communities. It was referred to the Appropriations Committee but died there on February 26, 2025, meaning it did not become law. This was a procedural funding bill with no policy changes, solely allocating existing state funds for a specific university program.

Maddy summaryHB 708 would repeal Mississippi's tax exemption for nuclear power plants owned by public utilities (excluding federal entities), ending their exemption from county, municipal, and district ad valorem taxes. Instead, these plants would pay local property taxes directly to counties and municipalities, replacing the current requirement for utilities to pay "in-lieu" payments to the state treasury (e.g., $16 million annually for 1986-1989, then $20 million annually thereafter). The bill directly affects nuclear facilities like Mississippi Power's Grand Gulf plant, shifting tax revenue from the state to local jurisdictions. This would change how nuclear utilities contribute to local funding for services like roads and schools. The bill died in committee in February 2025 and did not become law.

Maddy summaryHB 734 would reduce Mississippi's sales tax rate on most grocery items (like fresh produce, meat, and dairy) from 7% to 3.5% for purchases not made using food stamps. This applies to food that would normally be exempt from sales tax if bought with food stamps, such as standard groceries. The bill amends Mississippi's tax code to set this new 3.5% rate, effective July 1, 2025. Retailers selling these items would collect the lower tax, potentially reducing costs for shoppers who don't use food stamps.

Maddy summaryHB 1798 appropriates $257,807,216 from Mississippi's State General Fund to Alcorn State University for fiscal year 2026. The bill directly addresses a documented 30-year funding disparity between Alcorn State University and Mississippi State University, the state's two land-grant universities. The funds would cover historical financial gaps, not ongoing operational costs. The bill was referred to the Appropriations Committee but died there on February 26, 2025, and did not advance further.

Maddy summaryHB 1842 would have provided $200,000 in state funds to the Town of Bude, Mississippi, to purchase police department equipment like vehicles and cameras for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, aiming to improve public safety. The bill directed the State Treasurer to pay this amount from the general fund upon proper requisitions. It was intended to directly support Bude's local law enforcement capabilities through tangible equipment upgrades. The bill died in committee on February 26, 2025, and did not become law.

Maddy summaryHB 1672 authorizes Mississippi to issue state general obligation bonds specifically to fund repairs and renovations at Alcorn State University for ADA compliance (making buildings accessible for people with disabilities). The bill directs all bond proceeds to cover costs for upgrading university facilities to meet accessibility standards. It establishes the State Bond Commission as the issuing body, with funds restricted solely to these accessibility projects at Alcorn State University. The bonds would be backed by the full faith and credit of the State of Mississippi.

Maddy summaryHB 1675 authorizes Mississippi to issue state general obligation bonds to fund repairs, renovations, and infrastructure upgrades at Alcorn State University's agricultural facilities. The bill directly affects Alcorn State University by providing dedicated funding for its agricultural infrastructure, with proceeds restricted solely to these projects. Key mechanisms include the state pledging its full credit for bond repayment and requiring the bonds to be sold through standard state procedures. The bill died in committee on February 26, 2025, and did not become law.