Rep. Jon Lancaster

Maddy summaryHB 1962 authorizes Chickasaw County, Mississippi, to add a new fee to criminal convictions in county courts to fund courthouse repairs and pretrial detention facility upgrades. It allows assessments of up to $25 for most convictions (or $50 for DUI convictions) on top of existing court costs, with funds specifically allocated to repair courthouses in Houston (for the First Judicial District) and Okolona (for the Second Judicial District). The bill requires the county board of supervisors to adopt a resolution to implement these assessments, which would expire on July 1, 2029. This policy directly affects individuals convicted in Chickasaw County courts by increasing their court-related fees for infrastructure improvements.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (not a policy bill) that formally commends Major General John Trent Kelly for his 40-year military career and congratulates him upon his retirement in May 2025. It specifically recognizes his service in the Mississippi Army National Guard, including deployments to Desert Storm and Iraq, his leadership roles, and his awards. The resolution has no policy impact or direct effect on any laws, regulations, or people beyond expressing the Mississippi House of Representatives' gratitude for his service. It was adopted and signed by the legislature in March 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 287 designates the sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) as Mississippi's official state vegetable. This symbolic bill, introduced by Representatives Lancaster and Carpenter, takes effect July 1, 2025. It has no regulatory, funding, or practical policy impact - it simply establishes a ceremonial designation for the sweet potato. The bill directly affects Mississippi's identity as a state symbol, with no provisions affecting agriculture, commerce, or residents' daily lives.

Maddy summaryHB 1295 revises Mississippi's definition of "agritourism activity" to include public viewing of farming, ranching, or cultural/historical attractions on commercial agricultural properties. It requires agritourism professionals (like farms offering public tours) to post a specific warning sign at entrances - using black letters at least 1 inch tall - stating participants assume risks inherent to farm activities, such as land conditions, equipment, animals, or participant negligence. Failure to post this sign means professionals lose liability protection for injuries caused by these inherent risks. The bill directly affects farm operators hosting public agritourism activities and visitors participating in them.

Maddy summaryHB 532 requires Mississippi's Office of Healthy Schools to create a statewide salary schedule for school nurses based on their education and experience. All public school districts must use this schedule as the minimum pay rate when hiring school nurses. The bill directly affects school districts across Mississippi and school nurses employed in public schools. It establishes a standardized pay structure to ensure consistent compensation, replacing district-specific salary decisions with a state-mandated minimum. The schedule becomes effective July 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHB 1617, the "Tim Tebow Act," would allow homeschool students in Mississippi to join public school sports and activities like band or athletics. It requires homeschool students to provide proof of academic progress (through test scores, a portfolio, or prior school records) and follow the same rules as public school students regarding behavior, academics, and registration. The bill prohibits schools from discriminating against eligible homeschool students in team selections and states participation is a privilege, not a right. It also clarifies that schools cannot require additional documentation beyond what public students provide and specifies parents must arrange transportation. The bill died in committee in March 2025 and was never enacted.

Maddy summaryHB 51 amends Mississippi law to remove distance restrictions that previously prevented alcohol sales near churches, schools, kindergartens, and funeral homes. The bill specifically states these restrictions no longer apply to "certain locations" for the sale or storage of alcoholic beverages. This change would directly affect businesses seeking alcohol permits near those locations, allowing them to operate without the prior distance limitations. The amendment modifies Section 67-1-51 of the Mississippi Code of 1972, which governs alcohol permit classifications and sales rules.

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.

Maddy summaryHB 1719 exempts admissions charged at athletic games or contests between universities or colleges from Mississippi's 7% sales tax. This change directly affects colleges, universities, and event organizers hosting intercollegiate sporting events, removing the standard tax on ticket sales for these games. The bill amends Mississippi's tax code (Section 27-65-22) to explicitly exclude such admissions from taxation, aligning with existing exemptions for similar events listed in the law. It does not create new taxes or funding mechanisms but clarifies that these specific admissions are not subject to the state sales tax.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 34) acknowledges the critical weather coverage provided by WTVA-Channel 9's meteorology team in Northeast Mississippi, particularly their life-saving reporting during the March 2023 Amory tornado. It encourages continued community support for the station and urges Allen Media Broadcasting to maintain its locally staffed weather operations. The resolution recognizes the team's national awards, community reliance on their region-specific forecasts, and the 35,000-signature petition that prompted the station to reverse plans to eliminate local meteorologists. As a non-binding resolution, it expresses legislative support but does not create new laws or funding.