Rep. Noah Sanford

Maddy summaryHB 725 creates a formal process for candidates disqualified from ballots to seek court review. It requires election committees (for party candidates) and election commissions (for independents) to make timely decisions on ballot eligibility, with a strict deadline for their rulings. If denied ballot access, candidates may file for judicial review in the circuit court of the county where the election officials reside, and this court challenge is specified as the sole method to appeal disqualification decisions. The bill died in committee on February 4, 2025, and does not change disqualification criteria - only the appeal process.

Maddy summaryHB 290 clarifies that Mississippi residents aged 18 and older can legally enter binding contracts for real estate, mortgages, personal property, and financial investments like stocks or mutual funds without court approval. The bill explicitly grants 18-year-olds the same contractual capacity as adults for buying, selling, or mortgaging property and managing investments. It directly affects Mississippians turning 18 who wish to handle property transactions or financial contracts independently. The law takes effect July 1, 2025, removing previous restrictions that required court intervention for certain agreements.

Maddy summaryHB 728 changes the deadline for school board candidates in Mississippi to file required petitions and affidavits. Instead of filing 60-90 days before an election, candidates must now submit these materials between May 1 and July 1 of the election year. This applies to all school district trustee candidates, including county boards, municipal separate school districts, and consolidated districts. The bill also modifies deadlines for presidential candidates, though this is a minor provision. The change aims to standardize filing windows across all school board elections.

Maddy summaryHB 164 increases the value threshold for estates eligible to use a simplified successor affidavit process, currently set at $100,000. This change would allow more estates to avoid full probate court proceedings by enabling a successor (such as a spouse, child, or parent) to claim property through an affidavit. The affidavit must confirm the estate's value is below the new threshold, at least 30 days have passed since death, and no probate is pending. This process streamlines asset transfers without requiring court oversight for qualifying estates.

Maddy summaryHB 1119 (the "Representative Andy Stepp Pharmacy Benefit Prompt Pay Act") requires pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) to reimburse pharmacies at least the National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NADAC) for drugs plus a standard dispensing fee, ensuring pharmacies are paid fairly for medications. It prohibits PBMs from charging patients more than the amount retained by the pharmacy and bans PBMs from penalizing patients for choosing specific pharmacies or favoring certain pharmacies in networks. The bill also mandates clear appeal processes for pharmacies disputing low reimbursements and prohibits PBMs from retaliating against pharmacies for exercising rights under the law. These provisions directly affect PBMs, pharmacies, and patients in Mississippi by setting fair reimbursement standards and protecting patient choice.

Maddy summaryHB 165 would allow Mississippi school districts facing critical teacher shortages to employ "expert citizen" teachers (licensed professionals with relevant field experience but not traditional teaching credentials). The bill’s key provision lets districts credit these individuals with 3/4 of a year of teaching experience for each year of their professional/vocational expertise, advancing them toward salary steps typically reserved for certified teachers. This would directly affect shortage-area schools and non-traditional educators seeking career progression. The bill died in committee in February 2025 and did not become law.

Maddy summaryHB 727 increases Mississippi justice court filing fees in three phases through 2028. Currently $25 for civil cases, the fee rises to $40 by July 2026 and $55 after July 2028, with corresponding increases for criminal conviction fees (e.g., $5 to $10 for non-DUI violations). These changes directly affect individuals filing civil lawsuits, criminal cases, marriage licenses, or seeking expungements in justice courts. The bill modifies specific fee schedules in Section 25-7-25 of Mississippi’s code, requiring advance payment to court clerks for all listed services.

Maddy summaryHB 178 increases the number of beneficiaries a Mississippi motor vehicle owner can designate to transfer ownership upon death from "one or more" to a maximum of four people. The bill amends definitions in Mississippi Code Sections 63-21-251 and 63-21-261 to explicitly allow up to four named beneficiaries. This change directly affects vehicle owners who use beneficiary designations instead of wills to transfer ownership after death. The law does not alter how the transfer occurs, only the maximum number of people who can be named.

Maddy summaryThis bill restores the right to vote to two Mississippi men, Scotty Adam McMahan and Michael Gray, who had lost their voting rights due to past felony convictions. The legislation specifically addresses their cases by noting that both individuals have completed their sentences and have behaved as law-abiding citizens since their discharges. By passing this act, the state removes the legal barriers preventing these specific individuals from participating in elections.

Maddy summaryThis bill restores the right to vote to Elaine Goudy of Covington County, Mississippi, who had previously lost her voting rights due to a criminal conviction for arson and drug transfer. The legislation states that Goudy has completed her prison sentence and has since lived as a law-abiding citizen, making her eligible for the restoration of her civil rights. If passed by the full legislature, the change would take effect on July 1, 2024, allowing her to participate in elections.