Rep. Richard Bennett

Maddy summaryHB 1908 allocates $585.5 million in state funds for Mississippi's Department of Health operations during fiscal year 2027. It specifically directs $34 million to the Trauma Care System, $20 million from tobacco funds to UMMC's cancer institute and tobacco control programs, and $4.25 million to the University of Mississippi Medical Center Cancer Institute. The bill also funds programs like maternal health, breast/cervical cancer screenings, and health center grants. These funds support public health services and infrastructure across Mississippi, including trauma care networks and cancer treatment initiatives.

Maddy summaryHB 1911 allocates $13.61 million from general funds and $28.91 million from special funds to cover the Mississippi Department of Insurance’s (DOI) operating expenses for fiscal year 2027 (July 2026-June 2027). It specifically restricts $11.27 million for "Personal Services" (salaries, wages, and benefits), limiting the DOI to 130 permanent staff positions and requiring unused "Vacancy Funding" to fill unfilled roles from the prior year. The bill prohibits using these funds for employee promotions, title changes, or salary increases beyond the approved budget, and mandates compliance with Mississippi’s Variable Compensation Plan. It also requires DOI to maintain detailed financial records and prohibits replacing federal funds with general appropriations.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House Concurrent Resolution that formally recognizes and congratulates Ship Island Excursions on its 100th anniversary. The resolution honors the Skrmetta family business, which has provided ferry service to Ship Island since 1926 and has transported over 1.2 million visitors over the past century. The document outlines the company's history, its role as a community supporter through discounted tickets and donations, and its current operations from Gulfport. No new laws or funding are created; the measure serves solely as an official commendation from the Mississippi Legislature.

Maddy summaryHB 1913 appropriates $4,876,022 from state special funds to cover the State Board of Medical Licensure's expenses for fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). It specifically allocates $3,063,808 for "Personal Services" (salaries, wages, and benefits) to support 32 permanent staff positions, with strict rules preventing fund transfers to other categories or exceeding budgeted headcounts. The bill requires compliance with Mississippi’s Variable Compensation Plan and mandates that "Vacancy Funding" (for unfilled positions) cannot be used for employee salary increases or promotions. It also ties funding to performance targets, including 100% of license renewals processed online and within seven business days. As a procedural appropriation bill, it does not change medical licensure laws but ensures budgetary compliance for the agency’s operations.

Maddy summaryHB 1909 appropriates over $1.68 billion in total funding to Mississippi's Department of Human Services for fiscal year 2027 (July 2026-June 2027), including $94.3 million from general funds and $1.588 billion from special funds. It specifically limits $117.3 million of this total for "Personal Services" (salaries, wages, and fringe benefits), requiring strict adherence to the state's Variable Compensation Plan and prohibiting funds from being used for non-essential purposes. The bill mandates that the department cannot exceed the allocated personal services budget, must use "Vacancy Funding" solely to fill authorized unfilled positions (not for raises or promotions), and must secure written approval for any fund escalations. This funding measure directly supports the department’s operations but does not create new policies or services.

Maddy summaryHB 1906 appropriates $321,341,757 total for Mississippi's Department of Child Protection Services (DCPS) for fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). It allocates $143,462,074 from general funds and $177,879,683 from special source funds to cover the department’s operating expenses, primarily for personnel costs. The bill specifies that $125,185,108 of these funds must be used exclusively for "Personal Services" (salaries, wages, and fringe benefits), including authorized headcounts of 1,431 permanent and 393 time-limited positions. It also authorizes six new attorney positions and includes strict rules to prevent overspending on personnel, requiring departmental compliance with salary caps and headcount limits.

Maddy summaryHB 1921 is a funding bill that allocates $33.78 million from the State General Fund and $226.79 million from special funds to cover the Department of Rehabilitation Services' expenses for fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). It specifies that $3.68 million from the Health Care Expendable Fund must fully match federal funds and support the Independent Living Program. The bill restricts how personal services funds (covering salaries, wages, and fringe benefits) can be used, requiring compliance with Mississippi’s Variable Compensation Plan and preventing overspending on personnel costs. This is a routine appropriations measure with no new policy provisions.

Maddy summaryHB 1912 appropriates over $6.7 billion in state funds for Mississippi's Medicaid program for fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). It allocates specific sums to cover medical assistance under Mississippi Medicaid Law, administrative costs, and the CHIP program, with $61 million reserved for personal services like employee salaries and "vacancy funding" for authorized positions (840 permanent, 82 time-limited). The bill restricts shifts between funding categories, requires compliance with Mississippi's Variable Compensation Plan for salaries, and mandates that personal services spending not exceed the FY2027 appropriation without legislative approval. This funding directly supports the Division of Medicaid in delivering healthcare services to eligible Mississippi residents.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution formally honors the legislative career and public service of former Representative Blaine H. "Bo" Eaton II, who served Mississippi's House District 79 for 20 years from 1996 to 2016. The resolution recognizes his leadership roles on key committees including Agriculture and Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, and highlights his contributions to economic development initiatives such as the Reforestation Tax Credit and the Mississippi Investment Act. This document serves as an official commendation from the Mississippi House of Representatives and does not create any new laws or policy changes.

Maddy summaryHB 1732 authorizes the Mississippi Department of Finance and Administration to sell a state-owned property in Lauderdale County (specifically the Highway Safety Patrol's Troop H headquarters and Driver Service Bureau facility at 910 Highway 11/80 in Meridian) to Compass DataCenters JAN I LLC. The bill requires the sale price to be at least the fair market value, determined by two appraisals - one selected by the Department of Public Safety - ensuring the state receives full market value. Compass DataCenters will pay all closing costs associated with the transaction. This bill directly affects the state government (as the seller) and Compass DataCenters (as the buyer), with no broader public impact.