Rep. Daryl Porter

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial House Resolution (HR 28), not a substantive bill. It formally commends and congratulates Mrs. LeShanda Johnson, a 4th grade English Arts teacher at Summit Elementary School in McComb, Mississippi, for being named the school's 2025 Teacher of the Year. The resolution expresses the Mississippi House of Representatives' recognition of her dedication to students, classroom excellence, and community impact. It does not create new laws or affect any policies or individuals beyond this symbolic honor.

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 summaryHB 541 would have designated June 19th (Juneteenth) as a legal holiday in Mississippi, adding it to the state's official list of holidays under Section 3-3-7 of the Mississippi Code. This change would have directly affected state employees, public schools, and government offices, requiring them to close on June 19th each year. The bill did not alter existing holiday rules but simply added Juneteenth to the existing calendar of recognized days. The bill died in committee in 2026 and never became law.

Maddy summaryHB 433 restores voting rights to Mississippi residents who have completed their criminal sentences for crimes that disqualify voters. The bill requires election officials to automatically reinstate voter registration upon completion of incarceration, probation, or parole, without needing additional proof from voters. It mandates the Secretary of State to provide public information about disqualifying crimes and the restoration process, and to ensure election officials can verify sentence completion electronically. This directly affects individuals with past convictions who have finished their sentences.

Maddy summaryHB 432 directs Mississippi's Department of Human Services to transfer the first $40 million of unspent Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds from the prior fiscal year to the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF). This funding will specifically support child care vouchers under the Child Care Payment Program (CCPP) for qualifying low-income families with children. The bill requires this annual transfer using existing unspent TANF resources, expanding access to child care assistance without new state appropriations. It directly affects families eligible for CCPP services by increasing available voucher funding.

Maddy summaryHB 511 would require businesses offering recurring subscription or membership services to notify customers at least 24 hours before charging them for those services. This bill directly affects businesses (like streaming services, gym memberships, or meal kits) and their customers in Mississippi. The key provision mandates a 24-hour advance notice period before any automatic renewal charge occurs, in addition to existing federal rules. The bill died in committee on February 3, 2026, and did not become law.

Maddy summaryHB 434 creates a new crime for possessing an unserialized firearm or unserialized unfinished frame/receiver (commonly called a "ghost gun") unless the person is a licensed federal firearms dealer, manufacturer, or importer. The bill requires firearms made using 3D printing technology to be serialized (marked with a unique identifier) by August 1, 2026, or before they become functional. Starting January 1, 2027, it becomes illegal for most individuals to possess such unserialized items, with limited exceptions for licensed businesses. The law defines key terms like "unserialized" and "unfinished frame" to clarify the scope of the new offense.

Maddy summaryHB 542 designates June 19 (Juneteenth) as a legal holiday in Mississippi, adding it to the state's official list of recognized holidays. This change directly affects state government operations, including public offices and schools, which would close on June 19 annually. The bill specifies that if Juneteenth falls on a Sunday, the following Monday becomes the official holiday. It does not create new obligations for private businesses or alter existing holiday structures beyond this addition. The bill was introduced in 2026 but died in committee before becoming law.

Maddy summaryHB 435 requires Mississippi's Department of Public Safety to add specific markings ("CCP" for concealed carry permit holders or "EHP" for enhanced firearm endorsements) to driver's licenses, temporary permits, and commercial licenses for individuals legally permitted to carry concealed firearms. This directly affects licensed firearm holders who must present their firearm permit at a driver's license office to receive the endorsement designation. The bill amends existing law to mandate this visual indicator on all relevant licenses, effective July 1, 2026. It does not change firearm licensing requirements but adds a visible identifier on driver's licenses for those with concealed carry permits.

Maddy summaryHB 820 requires Mississippi school districts with 25% or more of students eligible for free lunch (based on the prior year's enrollment) to apply to the federal USDA Food and Nutrition Service for the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). If approved, the CEP would make school breakfast and lunch free for all students at those schools, regardless of family income. Districts must submit eligibility data by April 1 and complete the application by June 30 each year. The bill also allows for financial viability waivers if a school or group of schools would not benefit financially from the program.