Rep. Robert Johnson

Maddy summarySB 2826 increases Mississippi's homestead property tax exemption from $7,500 to $20,000 of a home's assessed value. It directly affects qualifying homeowners, including heads of families, seniors aged 65+, disabled veterans, and those with Social Security disabilities. The bill modifies existing tax law (Mississippi Code Sections 27-33-3 and 27-33-75) to expand the value exempt from property taxes while maintaining current eligibility criteria. This change reduces property tax burdens for qualifying homeowners on their primary residences.

Maddy summaryHB 115 authorizes Mississippi to issue state bonds to fund three specific stormwater infrastructure projects in Natchez: the Roselawn Subdivision, West Stiers Lane, and Concord Avenue projects. The bond proceeds will be deposited into a special fund and used exclusively to cover the city's costs for these drainage improvements. The bonds are general obligations of the state, backed by Mississippi's full credit, with repayment secured from the state treasury if needed. This bill directly affects the City of Natchez by providing state financial assistance for local infrastructure upgrades.

Maddy summaryHB 120 authorizes the State of Mississippi to issue general obligation bonds to provide funding for the City of Natchez's Concord Avenue drainage improvement project. The bill directs proceeds from these bonds - secured by the state's full faith and credit - to cover the city's costs for improving drainage along Concord Avenue. The State Bond Commission would manage the bond issuance and transfer funds to a dedicated account for this specific project. This is a funding mechanism, not a new policy, directly assisting Natchez with infrastructure repairs.

Maddy summaryHB 112 creates a refundable state income tax credit equal to 10% of the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) claimed on a taxpayer's federal return. It directly affects Mississippi taxpayers who qualify for the federal EITC, allowing them to receive a state credit that may result in a refund if it exceeds their state tax liability. To claim the credit, taxpayers must first claim the federal EITC and submit their federal return and required documentation to the Mississippi Department of Revenue. The credit becomes effective January 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 44 is a symbolic resolution expressing Mississippi's support for strengthening economic and diplomatic ties with Taiwan. It does not create new laws or programs but formally encourages the state to support U.S.-Taiwan trade (noting $201.1 billion in 2025 trade), advocate for Taiwan's participation in international organizations like the WHO, and establish a Mississippi Trade and Investment Office in Taiwan. The resolution also supports a U.S.-Taiwan tax agreement and counters efforts by China to limit Taiwan's global engagement. As a non-binding expression of support, it directly affects Mississippi's diplomatic posture but does not impose new obligations or changes to existing policies.

Maddy summarySB 2706 merges the licensing of land surveyors into Mississippi’s existing board for professional engineers and surveyors. It revises definitions, increases application and renewal fees for both professions, and creates new rules allowing surveyors to enter land for work without criminal trespass liability (with limited civil liability). The bill also establishes a six-year term for board members, requires four quarterly meetings annually, and repeals separate licensing sections for surveyors. This directly affects current and future licensed engineers and surveyors in Mississippi by changing their regulatory structure and fees.

Maddy summarySB 2715, the Money Transmission Modernization Act, updates Mississippi's regulations for money transmitters (businesses handling money transfers, including virtual currency kiosks) to enhance oversight and consumer protection. It requires license applicants and holders to report all virtual currency kiosk locations in applications, renewals, and quarterly reports, and to provide their contact information to customers for each transaction. The bill also mandates annual training for authorized delegates on recognizing financial abuse of elderly adults and establishes new data security standards for safeguarding customer information. These changes aim to modernize regulatory compliance for emerging money transmission services while strengthening consumer safeguards.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a law) commending Jamal Roberts, a Meridian, Mississippi native, for winning the 23rd season of *American Idol*. It formally congratulates him as the second Mississippian and second African-American male to win the competition, highlighting his musical achievements and roots. The resolution has no policy impact; it simply expresses the Mississippi House of Representatives' praise and will be sent to Roberts and the press. It does not affect any laws, regulations, or funding.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 21) formally commends the Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College men's golf team for winning their second consecutive NJCAA Division II national championship. It specifically highlights their record-breaking season, including three national titles, 10 tournament wins, and multiple individual awards for players and coach Brad Thornton. The resolution also recognizes the team's academic achievements, including NJCAA Academic Team of the Year Honorable Mention. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no legal effect or policy changes - it serves only to express legislative praise and will be presented to college leadership.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes amending Mississippi's constitution to update the signature requirements for citizen-initiated constitutional amendments. It would change the rule so that the required number of signatures from each congressional district is calculated by dividing the total required signatures by the *current* number of congressional districts (instead of the outdated number used when the constitution was written). This adjustment would directly affect citizens or groups seeking to place constitutional amendments on the ballot via initiative. The change ensures signature requirements reflect the actual number of districts, making the process more equitable as district lines have changed over time. The bill died in committee in February 2026 and did not become law.