Sen. Bart Williams

Maddy summaryHB 1767 authorizes Mississippi to issue state bonds to fund Bolivar County's rehabilitation of Old Highway 61. The bonds would raise money specifically for the county's highway project costs, including rehabilitation work. Proceeds from the bond sale would be transferred to a special fund and disbursed solely for this project. The state would guarantee repayment using general funds if needed, with bonds exempt from state taxation.

Maddy summaryHB 1783 authorizes the State of Mississippi to issue general obligation bonds to fund citywide street improvements in the Town of Sunflower. The bill directs that money from selling these bonds must be used solely for Sunflower's street projects, with the state's full credit backing the repayment. The bonds, which can mature within 25 years, are payable from state funds if needed, and proceeds cannot be diverted to other purposes. This provides Sunflower a dedicated funding source for infrastructure upgrades without requiring local tax increases.

Maddy summaryHB 1766 allocates $10 million from the State General Fund to Mississippi Delta Community College for constructing a residence hall facility. The funding specifically supports the college's Law Enforcement Training Academy by providing housing for its training officers. The bill directs this money toward construction costs associated with the new residence hall, which will accommodate officers during their training. This appropriation covers the fiscal year 2026-2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027).

Maddy summaryHB 1786 appropriates $10 million from the state general fund to Mississippi Delta Community College for constructing a new addition to its Greer-Stafford Allied Health/Nursing Building. The funding specifically supports additional space for advanced nursing training and a nursing simulation lab serving all health science students. This appropriation covers costs associated with the construction project for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2027. The bill directly affects the college's infrastructure and its nursing and health science programs.

Maddy summarySB 2861 increases Mississippi's income tax credit for private landowners who plant eligible trees (pine or hardwood) using approved reforestation methods like seedling planting, mixed-stand regeneration, or direct seeding. It raises the annual credit limit to $20,000 per taxpayer (with a lifetime cap of $125,000) for costs related to these practices on nonindustrial private lands. Landowners must follow a written reforestation plan verified by a certified forester and cannot claim the credit if they received state/federal cost-share funds for the same work (unless their income is below federal earned income levels). The bill takes effect July 1, 2026, directly benefiting private forest landowners seeking tax savings for sustainable tree planting.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a policy bill) commemorating Alcorn State University's 155th anniversary. It honors the university as America's first Historically Black Land-Grant University, founded in 1871, and recognizes its historical significance, economic impact ($187 million annually), and role in producing leaders. The resolution expresses the Mississippi House of Representatives' commendation and celebrates the institution's legacy without creating new laws or affecting any policies.

Maddy summarySB 2418 prohibits geoengineering activities in Mississippi, defined as the intentional release of chemicals into the atmosphere to alter weather or temperature. It directly affects any entity conducting such activities within the state, excluding standard agricultural pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides. The bill amends environmental laws to define geoengineering, grant the Mississippi Commission on Environmental Quality authority to regulate it, and establish penalties for violations. Research institutions are exempt from the prohibition, and the law explicitly excludes routine farming chemical use. The measure aims to protect public health and environmental welfare by restricting atmospheric interventions not yet fully understood.

Maddy summarySB 2636 creates Mississippi's first dedicated Department of Cybersecurity to protect state systems and critical infrastructure. The department will develop statewide cybersecurity strategies, secure state digital networks, coordinate with local agencies, and run public awareness programs. The Governor appoints a Director (with Senate approval), who oversees operations and reports to the Governor and Legislature annually. The bill establishes a dedicated cybersecurity fund for grants and federal resources, effective July 1, 2026, with a sunset repeal date of June 30, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 2059 defines key terms like "direct-current fast-charging station" and "electric vehicle" in Mississippi law. It prohibits public utilities from charging ratepayers extra fees for electric vehicle charging infrastructure and requires all charging station providers to be offered the same rates and terms. The bill applies directly to electric vehicle charging providers and public utilities operating in Mississippi, ensuring equal treatment for all providers while allowing specific exceptions. It focuses on preventing cost-shifting to customers and standardizing access to charging services.

Maddy summarySB 2082 defines a "recidivist misdemeanant" as someone convicted of three or more misdemeanors within ten years. It requires courts to sentence such individuals to a minimum of six months in county jail (up to three years) or a $2,000 fine, instead of allowing suspended sentences. The bill removes judicial authority to suspend sentences for these offenders, amending Mississippi Code Section 99-19-25 to restrict this option. This law would apply to repeat misdemeanor offenders in Mississippi starting July 1, 2026, but the bill died in committee in February 2026.