Rep. Tracy Arnold

Maddy summaryHB 1935 allocates over $5.49 billion in state funds to support Mississippi's public K-12 education system for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. It directs specific funding to the State Department of Education for general operations, vocational training, the Mississippi Student Funding Formula, and targeted programs like early learning initiatives, literacy efforts, and the Mississippi Eye Screening Program. The bill also includes restrictions limiting how much can be spent on personnel expenses for certain positions. This funding directly affects public schools, students, and educational programs across Mississippi.

Maddy summaryHB 611 requires Mississippi's Board on Law Enforcement Standards and Training to allow law enforcement officers and part-time officers to access relevant evidence and documents (known as "discovery") during disciplinary hearings. This applies specifically when the Board considers reprimands, suspensions, cancellations, or recalls of an officer's certification. The bill mandates that officers receive this right as part of the hearing process, aligning with standard civil procedure rules for evidence access. It directly affects officers facing certification disciplinary actions under Mississippi's law enforcement standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $1.477 billion from state funds to cover the Mississippi Department of Transportation's (MDOT) administrative costs and program expenses for fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). It allocates specific amounts for key areas: $1.02 billion for construction, $274 million for maintenance, $64.9 million for administration, $81.6 million for debt service, and $37.5 million for aeronautics/rails. The funds are restricted to authorized uses, including strict limits on salary expenses and prohibitions against using general funds to replace federal funding. This is a routine funding measure, not a policy change.

Maddy summaryHB 1936 appropriates $4,713,259 from the State General Fund and $8,419,652 from special funds to cover the operational costs of the Mississippi Authority for Educational Television (MAET) for fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). The bill specifically restricts $6,548,722 of these funds for "Personal Services" (salaries, wages, and benefits), limiting MAET to 80 permanent and 7 time-limited staff positions while prohibiting the use of these funds for promotions or salary increases without additional approvals. It requires MAET to prioritize maintaining its current educational broadcasting schedule over producing new content and mandates strict adherence to state personnel budget rules, including using "Vacancy Funding" solely to fill unfilled positions from the prior year. The funds cannot replace federal or other special funds used for salaries.

Maddy summaryHB 1934 appropriates $1,686,731 from the State General Fund and $2,699,838 from special funds to cover the Mississippi Arts Commission's expenses for fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). The bill specifies that $1,168,500 of these funds must be used exclusively for "Personal Services" (salaries, wages, and benefits) for 13 authorized positions (11 permanent, 2 time-limited), with strict limits on exceeding the appropriation or using funds for promotions. It requires compliance with Mississippi's Variable Compensation Plan and mandates that the Commission maintain detailed accounting records for all expenditures. This is a routine funding bill, not a policy change, directly affecting the Arts Commission's budget operations.

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 House Resolution from the Mississippi Legislature formally commends Coach Michael Smith for his achievements as head basketball coach at Booneville High School. The resolution recognizes his 22-year career, which includes 765 victories and 11 state championships, and highlights his impact on student-athletes and the Prentiss County community. It notes that the high school basketball court bears his name and that he has been selected to coach the Mississippi Boys All-Star Team. The document serves as an official acknowledgment of his contributions to athletics and character development in the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House Resolution that formally recognizes and commends the Booneville High School Lady Blue Devils Girls Basketball Team for winning the Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 3A Girls Basketball State Championship. The resolution specifically honors the team's back-to-back state titles and acknowledges the individual achievements of the student-athletes and coaching staff involved in the victory. Copies of the resolution will be provided to the team, school administration, and local press as a gesture of official appreciation.

Maddy summaryHB 4078 authorizes Prentiss County, Mississippi, to add a fee to court convictions to fund repairs of its historic courthouse. It allows a $25 assessment on most convictions (excluding DUI) and $50 for DUI convictions, in addition to existing court costs. The collected funds must be used solely for maintenance, repairs, and renovations of the Prentiss County Courthouse, designated as a Mississippi Landmark. The fee authority expires on July 1, 2030.

Maddy summaryHB 314 authorizes Mississippi's Department of Health to select a consortium (comprising a drug developer, university, and hospital) to conduct clinical trials using ibogaine. The goal is to secure U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for ibogaine as a treatment for opioid use disorder, co-occurring substance use disorders, and other neurological or mental health conditions. The bill requires the selected consortium to provide matching non-state funds, coordinate with other states' trials, and submit detailed proposals covering trial design, safety protocols, and FDA application strategies. It also mandates plans for future treatment access, provider training, and commercialization of any resulting intellectual property.