Rep. Jeffery Harness

Maddy summaryHB 921 authorizes Mississippi to issue state bonds to fund repairs, renovation, reconstruction, and restoration of the Poultry Sciences Academic Research Center at Alcorn State University. The bonds, backed by the state's full credit, will be sold by the State Bond Commission, with proceeds deposited into a special fund for the project. This directly affects Alcorn State University (as the recipient of the funds) and Mississippi taxpayers (as the state guarantees repayment). The bill specifies that bond payments will be covered by state funds if needed, ensuring the project's financing without requiring additional legislative appropriations.

Maddy summaryHB 916 authorizes Mississippi to issue state general obligation bonds to fund repairs, renovations, and upgrades to campus buildings, facilities, and infrastructure at Alcorn State University's Lorman, Vicksburg, and Natchez campuses. The bonds, backed by Mississippi's full credit, would be sold by the State Bond Commission and repaid using state treasury funds if needed. Proceeds would be deposited into a dedicated special fund for campus improvements. This bill directly affects Alcorn State University's three campuses and their students, faculty, and operations by providing funding for physical infrastructure upgrades.

Maddy summaryHB 919 authorizes Mississippi to issue state general obligation bonds to fund the construction, equipment, and furnishing of a Science, Technology, Engineering, Agriculture, and Math (STEAM) Outreach Center at Alcorn State University. The bonds would be paid from state funds, with the full faith and credit of Mississippi pledged for repayment. This directly affects Alcorn State University by providing capital for a new facility focused on STEAM education and community outreach. The bill creates a dedicated fund to disburse bond proceeds specifically for this center’s construction, with no mention of operational costs or staffing.

Maddy summaryHB 1338 appropriates $1,000,000 from the State General Fund to the Catfish Row Museum in Vicksburg for the fiscal year 2027. The funds will cover constructing a new museum extension, furnishing it to international standards, and equipping it with innovative technologies. This is a straightforward funding allocation with no new policy provisions, directly affecting the museum's physical expansion and modernization.

Maddy summaryHB 1340 appropriates $84,415 from Mississippi's State General Fund to VFW Post 2572 in Vicksburg for the 2027 fiscal year. The funds cover the post's operating expenses and specific repairs, including indoor improvements, outdoor work, and building stabilization at their VFW Building. This is a direct financial allocation with no policy changes, solely providing resources for the VFW post's facility maintenance and operations.

Maddy summaryHB 1337 appropriates $123,010 from the state general fund to the American Legion Tyner Ford Post 213 in Vicksburg. The funds are designated to cover costs for building upgrades and renovations at their facility during fiscal year 2026-2027. This is a straightforward funding allocation with no new policy requirements or broad impacts.

Maddy summaryHB 1276, the "Statewide Utility Tax Reform Act," ends the tax exemption for nuclear fuel and by-products in Mississippi, requiring them to be taxed at the same rate as other property. It mandates that utilities operating nuclear power plants pay annual "Payments in Lieu of Taxes" (PILOTs) of $5 million plus $0.01 per kilowatt-hour to host counties. Revenue is distributed as 65% to the host county, 10% to adjacent counties, and 25% to the state general fund. Counties must use host county funds for infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic development, with oversight by the Department of Revenue through annual reporting.

Maddy summaryHB 1278 appropriates $200,000 from the state general fund to the Mississippi Cultural Crossroads in Port Gibson for fiscal year 2027. This funding directly supports the organization's mission to create opportunities for artistic expression, collaboration, community engagement, and adding value through the arts and humanities. The bill specifies that the funds must be used for these stated purposes during the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The appropriation is a one-time allocation with no additional mechanisms or requirements beyond the specified funding amount.

Maddy summaryHB 1339 appropriates $175,000 from the State General Fund to the American Legion Allein Post #3 in Vicksburg for fiscal year 2027. The funds are designated to cover costs for services provided to veterans and others, as well as repairs and upgrades to the American Legion building and surrounding property. This is a direct funding allocation with no policy changes, solely supporting the post's operational and facility needs. The appropriation becomes effective July 1, 2026, and applies specifically to the Vicksburg post's activities.

Maddy summaryHB 1341 appropriates $500,000 from Mississippi's general fund to the Department of Finance and Administration for the United Way of the Capital Area. This funding directly supports the 211 Mississippi helpline, a statewide service connecting callers to local health and human services based on their specific needs and location. The bill allocates funds for fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2027) to maintain this resource referral system. It is a straightforward funding measure with no new policy provisions, solely providing financial support to sustain an existing statewide service.