Rep. Jay McKnight

Maddy summaryHB 38 is a funding bill that allocates $75.9 million in state funds for Mississippi's judicial system for fiscal year 2026. It provides specific appropriations for the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, trial judges (including special judges and chancellors), the Administrative Office of Courts, and specialized programs like Drug Courts, Mental Health Treatment Courts, and the Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program. The bill does not create new laws or policies but ensures funding for existing court operations, staff positions, and court-related services as detailed in the appropriations sections.

Maddy summaryHB 34 allocates approximately $34 million in state funds to cover salaries, travel expenses, and office costs for Mississippi's district attorneys, assistant district attorneys, and related staff during the 2025-2026 fiscal year. It specifically prohibits reimbursing taxable meals and sets aside $1.68 million for office expenses, $371,679 for two new assistant attorneys and a criminal investigator, and $789,120 for criminal investigator salary increases. The bill also requires district attorneys to maintain detailed financial records and submit strategic plans, with funds effective July 1, 2025. This is a funding bill, not a policy change, directly affecting all 44 district attorney offices across Mississippi.

Maddy summaryHB 39 appropriates $84,693,202 for Mississippi's Veterans' Home Purchase Board to cover operational expenses and fund new home loans for veterans during fiscal year 2026. It specifically allocates $1,528,917 for personnel costs, including salaries, fringe benefits, and vacancy funding to fill authorized positions, with strict rules preventing salary increases beyond the budgeted amount. The bill requires the Board to maintain detailed financial records, prioritize contracts with Mississippi Industries for the Blind when bidding is equal, and comply with state budgeting laws. This directly affects veterans seeking home loans through the Board and the Board's staff managing these funds.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $23.88 million from state funds for Mississippi's Public Employees' Retirement System during fiscal year 2026 (July 2025-June 2026). It specifically allocates $12.99 million for employee salaries, benefits, and filling 168 authorized positions (including one new "Retirement Benefits" role), with $731,871 reserved exclusively for filling unfilled vacancies - not for promotions or salary increases. The bill strictly prohibits exceeding these funds for personnel costs, requires maintaining detailed financial records matching prior years, and establishes a separate fund for building maintenance using rental income from the system's Jackson office. It directly affects Retirement System staff and their operational budgeting.

Maddy summaryHB 33 allocates $2,202,447 in state funding for Mississippi's Office of Capital Post-Conviction Counsel for fiscal year 2026 (July 2025-June 2026). The bill authorizes nine permanent staff positions to provide legal representation for individuals convicted of capital offenses facing execution. This funding ensures the office can continue its work representing death row inmates during post-conviction appeals, with strict accounting requirements to track expenditures.

Maddy summaryHB 31 appropriates $174,135 from state funds for the Mississippi Athletic Commission's 2025-2026 budget, specifically designating $57,690 for employee salaries and benefits for one permanent position. The bill restricts these funds to "Personal Services" (salaries, wages, and fringe benefits) and requires strict adherence to the state's Variable Compensation Plan, preventing salary reductions below board-established minimums. It prohibits using these funds for promotions, title changes, or replacing federal funds, and mandates that any new hiring must be approved with additional funding. The commission must maintain detailed records and submit budget requests in the same format used for the prior fiscal year.

Maddy summaryHB 37 appropriates $4,491,135 from general funds and $728,000 from special funds to cover the operating expenses of Mississippi's Office of State Public Defender for fiscal year 2026 (July 2025-June 2026). The funds support 25 permanent staff positions, indigent parental representation in abuse/neglect cases, youth defender services, and a rural public defense pilot program. It also allocates $60,000 to support Hinds County's Public Defender office using reappropriated funds. The bill requires performance reporting on case processing targets and mandates that all spending comply with state budget laws. This is a funding measure, not a policy change, directly affecting the State Public Defender's office and the clients it serves.

Maddy summaryHB 1762 appropriates $21,052,911 for the administrative expenses and building maintenance of Mississippi's Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) for fiscal year 2026 (July 2025-June 2026). The bill authorizes 167 permanent positions and allocates $3.5 million specifically for computer system maintenance, while requiring strict adherence to 2025 budget levels for personnel costs and prohibiting salary increases for current employees. It mandates that PERS webcast and archive all public meetings within 48 hours and maintain detailed financial records matching 2025 standards. This is a funding measure, not a policy change, directly affecting PERS operations and its 167 authorized staff.

Maddy summaryHB 1765 appropriates $84,692,446 from state funds for Mississippi's Veterans' Home Purchase Board to cover its expenses and make new home loans for veterans during fiscal year 2026 (July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026). The bill directly affects veterans seeking home loans through this program, as well as the Board's operations. Key provisions include authorizing 19 permanent positions and requiring strict adherence to budget limits, ensuring funds are used solely for approved personnel costs and home loans without exceeding appropriations. The bill mandates compliance with state budget laws and specifies that no general funds may replace federal or special funds.

Maddy summaryHB 1756 appropriates $166,093 from state funds to cover the Mississippi Athletic Commission’s operating expenses for fiscal year 2026 (July 2025-June 2026). It authorizes one permanent staff position and strictly limits spending to prevent salary increases for current employees, requiring new funds for any additional positions or programs. The bill mandates that personnel costs must not exceed the FY2026 appropriation, with strict reporting requirements for all expenditures. Additionally, it directs the Commission to prioritize purchasing from Mississippi Industries for the Blind when bids are equal and specifies a $43,060 annual salary for the Commission Chairman.