Rep. Angela Cockerham

Maddy summaryHB 1933 reappropriates unspent funds from prior fiscal years to continue construction and renovation projects at Mississippi state agencies, institutions, and higher education facilities for fiscal year 2027 (July 2026-June 2027). It allocates specific amounts from previously authorized budgets (including $70 million for higher education and $75 million for general state projects) but requires that funds not exceed remaining unspent balances as of June 30, 2026, and cannot change the original purpose of the spending. The bill does not create new funding or policy changes - it simply allows existing, unspent allocations to be reused for ongoing projects.

Maddy summaryHB 1615 adds Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services (MDCPS) social services employees to the list of protected individuals under enhanced sentencing laws. Specifically, it amends Mississippi Code Section 99-19-301 to include MDCPS workers in the Social Services Occupational Group as defined by the agency’s compensation plan. This means crimes like assault or threats committed against these employees would trigger higher penalties under existing law. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026, if enacted.

Maddy summaryHB 1655 changes how the State Aid Engineer's salary is determined under Mississippi law. It amends Section 65-9-9 to require the Governor to set the State Aid Engineer's salary (previously likely set by statute), subject to the State Personnel Board's rules and guidelines. This directly affects the State Aid Engineer position and their assistants within the Office of State Aid Road Construction. The bill does not alter the engineer's qualifications, bond requirements, or other operational details of the office.

Maddy summaryHB 1650 requires Mississippi's State Treasurer to annually review public funds receiving interest from pooled investments to identify accounts with no activity beyond interest receipts. If found inactive (excluding funds legally authorized to retain interest), the Treasurer may block future interest allocations and direct the closure or consolidation of those funds. The bill directly affects dormant state funds, accounts, or trusts held within the state treasury that generate interest but aren't used for government operations. It also mandates state agencies to review their funds and report to the Treasurer, who must then share compiled data with legislative offices. The policy aims to streamline inactive state financial accounts without creating new programs or altering investment rules.

Maddy summaryHB 1402 designates a one-mile segment of Mississippi Highway 537 in Yazoo County as the "Colonel Donnell Berry Memorial Highway" to honor Colonel Donnell Berry. The Mississippi Department of Transportation will install and maintain signage along this highway segment. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2026. This is a commemorative designation with no policy or funding changes.

Maddy summaryHB 1572 establishes a Rare Disease Task Force within Mississippi's existing Rare Disease Advisory Council to address barriers in care for patients with rare diseases. The task force will identify gaps in treatment access, evaluate insurance coverage practices (including "alternative funding programs" that may delay care), and recommend evidence-based solutions to ensure equitable access to therapies. It requires the task force to submit annual reports to state officials detailing findings on therapy access, insurance coverage trends, and the impact of alternative funding programs. This bill directly affects patients with rare diseases, their families, healthcare providers, and insurance plans operating in Mississippi by creating a structured process to improve treatment accessibility.

Maddy summaryMississippi's HB 1616 amends laws regarding "baby safety devices" (anonymous surrender boxes for newborns). It removes "intent" as a requirement for automatically terminating parental rights when a child is left in such a device, meaning surrender via the device now immediately ends parental rights. The bill also requires a shelter hearing within one business day if the Department of Child Protection Services takes custody of a child surrendered through a device. These changes directly affect parents using the devices, emergency medical providers who take custody, and the Department of Child Protection Services.

Maddy summaryHB 4015 appropriates $16.3 million from the state General Fund to the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) for the fiscal year 2027. The funds will directly support constructing a bypass on Mississippi Highway 24 around the Town of Liberty in Amite County, aiming to divert traffic away from the town center. This is a funding bill with no policy changes, solely authorizing state money to cover costs for this specific infrastructure project. The appropriation becomes effective July 1, 2026, and is payable via state warrants as required by law.

Maddy summaryHB 1836 appropriates $30 million from the State General Fund to Jackson State University for Phase 1 of planning and constructing a new dormitory on its campus, covering the fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). The bill directly funds the university’s infrastructure project, affecting students who will use the new dormitory and the university’s campus development plans. Key provisions include specifying the exact funding amount, the project phase (planning and initial construction), and the fiscal year for disbursement. This is a straightforward budget allocation with no policy changes beyond the funding mechanism.

Maddy summaryHB 4019 allocates $5.8 million from Mississippi's State General Fund to cover repairs and renovations at the Rose McCoy Auditorium on Jackson State University's (JSU) campus for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. This funding directly supports JSU's maintenance needs for a specific university facility. The bill specifies the funds will be paid through standard state fiscal processes upon proper requisitions. It is a straightforward appropriations measure with no new policy provisions, solely providing financial resources for infrastructure upkeep at JSU.