Rep. Sam Mims

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.

Maddy summaryHB 1766 reappropriates existing state funds for construction and renovation projects at Mississippi state agencies, institutions, and higher education facilities for fiscal year 2026. It allocates $65.5 million (Fund 3393100000) for general state agency projects, $70 million (Fund 3390300000) specifically for universities and community colleges, and additional sums totaling $38.7 million for other facility improvements. The bill allows state agencies to spend unexpended balances from prior years’ budgets, but cannot exceed those balances or change the original purpose of the funds. This reappropriation extends existing project authorizations from prior legislative sessions (including HB 1816 and HB 1643) without creating new spending authority.

Maddy summaryHB 1764 is a funding bill that allocates $70.2 million for Mississippi's court system operations during fiscal year 2026. It provides specific funding for the Supreme Court ($8.66 million), trial judges ($41.2 million), the Administrative Office of Courts ($45.5 million), the Court of Appeals ($7.19 million), and continuing legal education programs ($172,366). The bill authorizes permanent staffing levels for these entities (e.g., 70 positions for the Supreme Court, 109 for judges) but does not create new laws or policies. This is a routine appropriations measure to cover existing court expenses, not a substantive legislative change.

Maddy summaryHB 1760 appropriates $31,391,612 for district attorneys' salaries, travel, and office expenses, plus $489,367 for assistant district attorneys, for Mississippi's 2025-2026 fiscal year. It specifically allocates $371,679 to fund two assistant district attorneys and one criminal investigator per prior law. The bill prohibits using funds for taxable meals within a district and requires district attorneys to maintain detailed financial records matching 2025 standards. It also mandates submission of five-year strategic plans as required by state law. This funding directly supports Mississippi's 46 district attorney offices and their staff.

Maddy summaryHB 1761 is a funding bill that allocates state money to cover the operational costs of Mississippi's legislature for fiscal year 2026 (July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026). It provides funds for legislators' salaries, daily expense allowances, and contingency budgets for both the House ($9.3 million) and Senate ($6.7 million), as well as for key committees like the Joint Legislative Budget Committee ($5.3 million) and the Reapportionment Committee ($324,000). The bill also specifies that $15,000 from the House and $10,000 from the Senate must cover expenses for the Mississippi Commission on Interstate Cooperation, prohibits unapproved out-of-state travel by legislators, and requires preference for Mississippi Industries for the Blind in purchasing decisions. This bill affects only legislative staff, members, and committees, with no direct impact on citizens or policy outcomes.