Rep. Donnie Scoggin

Maddy summaryHB 17 creates the Mississippi Childcare Teachers Shortage Task Force to study the state's childcare worker shortage and identify solutions to increase affordable childcare access. The task force, composed of legislators, state agency directors, and community representatives, will examine wage incentives, review other states' approaches, and recommend strategies to support childcare educators. It must submit a final report to key state officials by December 1, 2026, after which the task force will dissolve. The bill does not enact immediate policy changes but establishes a process for future recommendations.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the physician, advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), or physician assistant who primarily treated a patient before death to certify the cause of death and sign the death certificate, unless the death affects public health or safety (e.g., violence, infectious disease outbreaks). It directly affects healthcare providers who provided direct medical care to the decedent. The requirement applies to routine deaths not falling under public interest categories, which would still be handled by medical examiners. The bill amends existing Mississippi law to clarify this responsibility for treating providers.

Maddy summaryHB 430 requires Mississippi health insurers and group health plans to cover genetic testing for inherited cancer mutations (for people with personal or family cancer history) and evidence-based cancer imaging (for those at increased risk, per NCCN guidelines), with no out-of-pocket costs. It directly affects individuals at higher cancer risk who would otherwise face deductibles or copays for these preventive services. The bill mandates coverage for services recommended by healthcare providers and aligns with National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) clinical guidelines. It also updates state employee health plan requirements under Section 25-15-9 of Mississippi law.

Maddy summaryHB 1819 appropriates $13.85 million from the Mississippi state general fund to the City of Laurel for specific infrastructure projects during fiscal year 2027. The funds will directly support refurbishing three streets (6th Street from 8th to 16th Avenue, 6th Avenue from 5th to 13th Street, and 8th Avenue from 5th to 13th Street) and constructing a walking track and splash pad in Ward 4. The bill specifies exact dollar allocations for each project ($6.5M, $3.5M, $3.5M, and $350K respectively) and requires payment through state warrants. This is a straightforward funding measure with no new policy provisions, solely providing state financial assistance for local capital improvements.

Maddy summaryHB 1866 allocates $2.5 million from the state general fund to Knox Academy in Ellisville for facility improvements, upgrades, and expansion during fiscal year 2027. The bill directly affects Knox Academy, a private K-3 through 6th grade Montessori school offering integrated therapy services for neurotypical and neurodivergent students. The funds are intended to cover costs associated with physical facility changes, with payments processed through the State Treasurer upon proper requisitions. This is a straightforward funding allocation, not a policy change, and it takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 1993 allocates $3 million from Mississippi's State General Fund to the existing Mississippi Volunteer Firefighter Length-of-Service Awards Program Fund for fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). This funding supports the program established under Mississippi Code § 45-11-271, which provides monetary awards to volunteer firefighters based on years of service. The bill directly affects Mississippi's volunteer firefighters by ensuring continued funding for these service-based recognition awards. It is a straightforward budget allocation with no new policy changes, solely directing existing state funds to an established program.

Maddy summaryHB 637 authorizes Mississippi to issue state bonds to fund the construction of a Rural Health Institute at South Central Regional Medical Center in Laurel. The bonds, backed by the state's full credit, will be sold through the State Bond Commission, with proceeds directed exclusively to cover the medical center's construction costs. The bill specifies that funds must be used solely for this project and cannot be diverted to other purposes. This is a funding mechanism, not a policy change affecting broader populations.

Maddy summaryHB 1792 creates the "Mississippi Talent Exchange for Advancement of Careers and Higher Education (TEACH) Credit Act," authorizing a state income tax credit for private Mississippi employers. It directly affects employers who loan qualified employees to teach in high-demand career and technical education (CTE) programs at Mississippi community colleges. The credit covers the employer’s salary and benefits paid during the teaching assignment (minus public fund reimbursements), capped at $1 million total statewide annually. Employers must continue full pay, assign employees to approved CTE programs via written agreements, and community colleges verify qualifications and program eligibility. The Mississippi Community College Board administers the program and reports on its effectiveness.

Maddy summaryHB 1809 appropriates $1.45 million from the state general fund to fund a pilot program at Mississippi's state-supported public universities for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The bill requires universities to use these funds to implement evidence-based behavioral threat assessment systems, train staff, and integrate these tools with existing campus safety and support services. It mandates that participating universities coordinate with campus police, counseling services, and student affairs offices to establish standardized threat assessment practices. The program will be evaluated by December 2027, with the Board of Trustees required to report on funding use, participation, safety impacts, and recommendations for potential expansion.

Maddy summaryHB 1812 appropriates $1.45 million from the State General Fund to the Mississippi Community College Board for a pilot program at all state-supported community colleges. The program funds evidence-based behavioral threat assessment tools, staff training, and integration with campus safety and mental health services to prevent violence and improve crisis response. It requires colleges to coordinate with campus police and counseling offices, track program use, and report results to legislators by December 2027. The pilot aims to standardize threat assessment practices across colleges, reducing unnecessary disciplinary actions while protecting campus safety.