Rep. Jeffery Harness

Maddy summaryHB 1805 allocates $1.5 million from Mississippi's State General Fund to Alcorn State University for the 2027 fiscal year (July 2026-June 2027). The funding directly supports enhancing the university's campus facilities and programs in science, technology, engineering, and medical (STEM) fields. This bill provides concrete financial resources to strengthen Alcorn State's existing STEM academic, research, and service offerings without changing laws or creating new requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 1803 appropriates $1,000,000 from the State General Fund to Alcorn State University’s Mississippi Small Farm and Agribusiness Center for the 2027 fiscal year. The funds directly support expanding research and production of shiitake mushrooms at the center. This is a straightforward funding allocation with no new policy requirements or regulations. The bill specifies the amount, recipient, purpose, and timeframe (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027) without altering existing laws or affecting broader public policy.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (not a policy bill), passed by the Mississippi House of Representatives. It honors Mark Anthony Smith, Sr., a Vicksburg community member, former football player, and businessman, following his passing on February 9, 2026. The resolution expresses the House's deepest sympathy to his family and commemorates his life, athletic achievements, community service, and legacy. It has no legal effect or policy impact - it is solely a ceremonial tribute.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a policy bill) commemorating Alcorn State University's 155th anniversary. It honors the university as America's first Historically Black Land-Grant University, founded in 1871, and recognizes its historical significance, economic impact ($187 million annually), and role in producing leaders. The resolution expresses the Mississippi House of Representatives' commendation and celebrates the institution's legacy without creating new laws or affecting any policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HB 928) designates a one-mile segment of Mississippi Highway 533 in Jefferson County as the "Deloris Gibbs Rankin Memorial Highway" in honor of Deloris Gibbs Rankin. The Mississippi Department of Transportation will install and maintain appropriate signage along this highway segment. As a memorial naming bill, it does not create new policies or affect any specific groups or programs - it solely commemorates an individual through a highway designation. The change takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a law with policy changes) commending the Warren Central High School Vikings Football Team for winning the 2025 Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 6A State Championship. It formally recognizes their victory over Hattiesburg High School on December 5, 2025, marking their first title in 31 years and third overall. The resolution was adopted by the Mississippi legislature in February 2026 and directs copies to the school's coach, district superintendent, and press corps. It does not create legal obligations or affect any individuals or policies.

Maddy summaryHB 711 allows Mississippi's State Department of Health to issue a certificate of need to a specific nonprofit home health services provider in Jefferson County. This nonprofit previously held such a certificate but lost it when a moratorium on new certificates began. The bill authorizes the provider to resume offering home health services in Adams, Amite, Franklin, Jefferson, and Wilkinson counties. It directly affects the nonprofit organization and residents in those five counties who rely on home health services.

Maddy summaryHB 918 revises how payments from nuclear power plants (like Mississippi's Grand Gulf plant) replace local property taxes. It requires utilities to pay 2% of the plant's assessed value annually (minimum $20 million per year until 2026), with excess payments beyond $16 million distributed as $3.04 million yearly to counties where the plants are located. The bill updates the formula for allocating these payments, ensuring counties receive a fixed annual amount from the excess funds. This directly affects nuclear plant operators and the counties hosting these facilities, changing how tax-equivalent payments are distributed. The policy change applies to qualifying plants licensed to operate through 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 920 reclassifies Alcorn State University's president's residence from commercial to residential property. This change allows licensed residential builders (under Mississippi law) to perform construction or improvements on the residence without being restricted by standard height and square footage limits for residential dwellings. The bill directly affects Alcorn State University's president and the university's ability to hire qualified residential builders for the president's home. It amends two sections of Mississippi law to align with this reclassification, specifically removing limitations that previously applied to such properties. The bill makes a procedural adjustment to property classification for a single university residence, with no broader policy changes.

Maddy summaryHB 1351 creates a dedicated fund in the Mississippi State Treasury to compensate Claiborne County for hosting the Grand Gulf Nuclear Power Plant. The fund receives 15% of nuclear in lieu tax revenue and annual contributions from electrical utilities (2 cents per kWh produced plus a percentage of the plant's assessed value). Monies must be used for local safety programs, healthcare services, public schools, and infrastructure improvements directly benefiting the county. An advisory committee oversees fund allocation, and the Department of Revenue conducts triennial audits to ensure accountability.