Rep. Donnie Bell

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 summaryThis bill is a House Concurrent Resolution that formally honors and commends Karell Dampeer upon his retirement as Sergeant-at-Arms for the Mississippi House of Representatives. The resolution recognizes Dampeer's 28 years of service, noting he began as an Assistant Sergeant-at-Arms in 1998 and was promoted to Sergeant-at-Arms in 2003 at age 29, making him the youngest in the United States to hold that position. It acknowledges his personal background, including his education at Jackson State University and his family life, while expressing appreciation for his dedication to the Mississippi Legislature. The resolution concludes by extending congratulations to Dampeer and wishing him well in his future endeavors.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House Resolution that formally commends Harold D. Miller III on his retirement after over 50 years of service to the trucking industry. The resolution recognizes his career achievements, including his leadership roles at Miller Transporters and the Mississippi Trucking Association, as well as his receipt of industry awards. It expresses gratitude for his contributions to the state and the sector, and directs that copies of the resolution be sent to Mr. Miller and the Capitol Press Corps. The measure does not create new laws or policies but serves as an official acknowledgment of his distinguished career.

Maddy summaryHB 1402 designates a one-mile segment of Mississippi Highway 537 in Yazoo County as the "Colonel Donnell Berry Memorial Highway" to honor Colonel Donnell Berry. The Mississippi Department of Transportation will install and maintain signage along this highway segment. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2026. This is a commemorative designation with no policy or funding changes.

Maddy summaryHB 4036 authorizes Mississippi to issue state bonds to provide financial assistance to Alliance Training, Inc. for repairing, renovating, and upgrading its worksite training facility. The bill directly affects Alliance Training, Inc., which would use the bond proceeds to cover costs for facility improvements. Key mechanisms include the State Bond Commission issuing the bonds as general state obligations, with proceeds deposited into a special fund for the company's project. The bonds would be backed by the full faith and credit of Mississippi, with repayment funded through state treasury if needed.

Maddy summaryHB 1993 allocates $3 million from Mississippi's State General Fund to the existing Mississippi Volunteer Firefighter Length-of-Service Awards Program Fund for fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). This funding supports the program established under Mississippi Code § 45-11-271, which provides monetary awards to volunteer firefighters based on years of service. The bill directly affects Mississippi's volunteer firefighters by ensuring continued funding for these service-based recognition awards. It is a straightforward budget allocation with no new policy changes, solely directing existing state funds to an established program.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a policy bill) passed by the Mississippi House of Representatives to honor the late former State Representative Edwin Jerome "Jerry" Wilburn following his death on January 13, 2026. The resolution commemorates his 20-year service in the legislature, his advocacy for community initiatives like the North Mississippi Regional Center, and his dedication to helping vulnerable residents through the Wilburn Family Foundation. It expresses the House's deepest sympathy to his family and community while recognizing his legacy as a "fierce advocate" and "community treasure" from Itawamba County. The resolution has no legislative effect beyond this commemoration.

Maddy summaryHB 1268 creates the Mississippi Save Our Service Member Task Force to study mental health needs and suicide prevention for Mississippi National Guard members and veterans. The 15-member task force - including military leaders, mental health experts, and legislative representatives - will assess current services, identify gaps in support, and develop recommendations for improved mental health resources. It must submit a final report with proposed legislation and funding needs to the legislature by January 1, 2026. The bill also establishes a separate task force for first responders, but its primary focus is on military service members' mental health.

Maddy summaryHB 565 requires Mississippi law enforcement agencies to report officer resignations and terminations to the Board on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Training. Agencies must provide timely notification within a specified timeframe and include an explanation if the resignation or termination resulted from disciplinary action. Failure to report carries penalties, though agencies may appeal the board's decision. This bill directly affects all law enforcement agencies in Mississippi, aiming to improve transparency in officer employment history.

Maddy summaryHB 1656, the STRONG Act, would provide tax benefits and health care support for Mississippi National Guard members and their families. It increases income tax exemptions for Guard and Reserve members, creates a $250 annual credit against motor vehicle taxes for service members and their spouses, and establishes a program to reimburse National Guard members for Tricare Reserve Select health insurance premiums. The Adjutant General would administer the program and report its progress to the legislature. The bill passed the legislature in February 2025 but died on calendar before becoming law.