Sen. Reginald Jackson

Maddy summarySB 2722 proposed creating Mississippi's Statewide Insurance Enrollment Assistance Program (SIEAP) within the Department of Insurance to provide free, unbiased help with health insurance applications and plan comparisons for Medicaid, Medicare, and CHIP. The bill required the state to develop county-by-county uninsured data reports to target resources and simplify Medicaid renewal procedures to reduce coverage loss. It also directed the creation of a program to encourage small employers to participate in existing insurance programs through incentives. The SIEAP would train staff and partner with community organizations to offer personalized guidance at health fairs and enrollment events.

Maddy summarySB 2744 clarifies and expands Mississippi's mental health treatment court program. It defines key terms like "mental health treatment court" and authorizes judges in circuit, county, or municipal courts to establish these courts within existing court structures. The bill revises eligibility requirements for participants and allows courts to impose sanctions or refer cases back to criminal court if participants fail to comply with treatment plans. This program directly affects defendants with mental health disorders who qualify for court-supervised treatment instead of traditional sentencing, using multidisciplinary teams focused on reducing recidivism through evidence-based practices.

Maddy summarySB 2791, the "Purple Angels Law," creates a public registry within Mississippi's Department of Public Safety for offenders convicted of domestic violence with at least one prior conviction for the same offense against the same victim. Courts must order registration upon qualifying conviction, requiring offenders to pay a $250 fee: $150 funds domestic violence prevention services, $50 covers registry administration, and $50 covers court processing. The registry includes basic identifying information (name, DOB, photo) but excludes sensitive IDs like driver's license numbers. Offenders are removed after 5-20 years based on prior convictions, but never for felony convictions, with the law taking effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 2773, the "Improving Mental Healthcare in the Re-Entry System Act of 2026," proposes a grant program to provide mental health screenings and referrals for individuals entering or exiting eligible Mississippi detention centers. It requires hiring mental health liaison staff at each facility, administering brief screenings (based on the Brief Jail Mental Health Screen) to identify severe mental illnesses, and establishing outreach teams to contact individuals post-release for referrals to care. The program mandates coordination between corrections and mental health departments, with grant funds covering screening tools, staff, and outreach efforts. The bill died in committee on February 3, 2026, and was never enacted.

Maddy summarySB 2772 creates an Independent Review Panel within Mississippi's Employee Appeals Board to handle grievances from Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC) employees facing personnel actions like discipline or termination. The panel, composed of five members including a former MDOC employee, a neutral HR professional, and an attorney, must ensure fairness, transparency, and consistency in these cases. It directly affects MDOC employees by providing a specialized review process for their employment disputes, with decisions appealable to the full Employee Appeals Board. The bill is procedural, establishing a new review mechanism rather than changing substantive employment policies. Note: The bill died in committee on February 3, 2026, and was never enacted.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates approximately $101.5 million from state funds to support the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks for the 2025 fiscal year. The funding covers general operations, specific programs like Project WILD, and authorizes a staff of 580 employees, including 527 permanent positions. It also establishes performance targets for license sales, boat registrations, and wildlife management activities while setting strict rules to prevent salary increases without new funding. Additionally, the legislation provides a $550 annual uniform allowance for conservation officers and requires detailed financial reporting to the Legislature.

Maddy summaryHB 1787 appropriates approximately $5.5 million in state funds to cover the operating expenses of the Mississippi Public Service Commission for the fiscal year 2025. The bill authorizes the agency to maintain a permanent staff of 51 employees and six time-limited positions while establishing strict rules to prevent salary increases for current workers and ensuring that general funds are not used to replace withdrawn federal money. Additionally, the legislation sets specific performance targets for the commission, such as resolving utility complaints within three days and processing a set number of regulatory cases, and requires the agency to report on its progress toward these goals.

Maddy summaryHB 1788 appropriates $2,666,616 from the State General Fund and an additional $80,000 from a special fund to cover the expenses of the Mississippi Public Utilities Staff for fiscal year 2025. The bill authorizes a permanent staff headcount of 27 employees and establishes strict rules to ensure these funds are used only for hiring new positions rather than increasing salaries for current staff. It also mandates that the agency give preference to the Mississippi Industries for the Blind when purchasing goods or services and requires detailed financial record-keeping for future budget reviews.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates approximately $272 million in state funds to support the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality for fiscal year 2025. The funding covers operational expenses and authorizes the creation of 377 new positions, including 212 permanent and 165 time-limited roles, while establishing strict rules to prevent salary increases for current employees. The legislation sets specific performance targets for the department, such as reducing air pollution advisories and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations across various sectors like water, waste, and mining. Additionally, the bill mandates detailed financial reporting and restricts the use of state vehicles to official business only.

Maddy summaryHB 1776 provides funding for the Mississippi Department of Archives and History for the 2025 fiscal year, authorizing approximately $39 million in total appropriations from state general and special funds. The bill authorizes a workforce of 165 employees, including 155 permanent positions and 10 time-limited roles, while establishing strict rules to prevent salary increases for current staff and requiring written approval for any position escalations. Specific allocations include $2 million for preserving Mississippi Landmark Properties, $100,000 for repairs at the Beauvoir Shrine, and $750,000 for maintenance of state historic buildings like the Old Capitol and War Memorial. Additional provisions mandate that the department charge maximum allowable fees for its services, give purchasing preference to the Mississippi Industries for the Blind, and ensure compliance with federal tax reporting requirements.