Rep. Grace Butler-Washington

Maddy summaryHB 4011 extends the expiration date of Jackson's existing convention and visitors tax from July 1, 2026, to July 1, 2030. It authorizes an additional 1% tax on hotel and motel sales and a 0.5% tax on restaurant sales within Jackson, but requires a public election before these new rates take effect. The taxes would apply to businesses meeting the $100,000 annual sales threshold in Jackson (excluding small lodgings under 10 units and 501(c)(3) non-profits). This bill directly affects hotels, motels, and qualifying restaurants in Jackson by potentially increasing their tax burden if voters approve the new rates.

Maddy summaryHB 1444 requires the Mississippi Department of Corrections (DOC) to provide protective gear - including face masks, gloves, and eye protection - to state inmates assigned to work involving strong cleaning chemicals, such as acids or alkalies. This applies specifically to inmates serving sentences longer than one year who use raw cleaning chemicals in their work assignments. The bill mandates this safety measure by amending existing correctional codes to ensure DOC complies when inmates handle such chemicals. It does not change inmate pay or program eligibility but directly affects inmate safety during specific cleaning tasks.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House Resolution that formally recognizes and commends Pamela Moody, a choral director at Jim Hill High School in Mississippi. It honors her achievement of being named the 2025-2026 Outstanding Music Educator for Mississippi by the National Federation of State High School Associations. The resolution highlights her two decades of service in Jackson Public Schools, her leadership roles in music education organizations, and her consistent success in choral competitions. This document serves as an official acknowledgment of her contributions to arts education rather than creating new laws or policies.

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 summaryThis bill designates March 11, 2026, as Crime Survivors Speak Mississippi Day at the state Capitol to recognize an event where crime victims and survivors will gather to share their experiences and advocate for policy changes. The resolution formally acknowledges the importance of hearing from survivors who have been impacted by crime and violence across Mississippi. It also commends the organizations and advocates working to support victims and strengthen community safety. This is a symbolic measure that does not create new laws or funding but serves to honor the voices of crime survivors.

Maddy summaryHB 788 modifies Mississippi's election rules to allow voters who are not registered in the jurisdiction they are voting in (but are otherwise eligible) to cast an affidavit ballot. This ballot will be used as their official voter registration, adding them to the statewide voter rolls as if they had completed a standard registration form. The bill also allows the affidavit ballot to serve as a written request to transfer voting precincts or wards, and automatically reactivates voters who were placed on inactive status (due to a confirmation notice) after they cast such a ballot. These changes aim to streamline voter registration and address common issues at polling places.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a policy bill) commending the Blackburn Middle School Panthers Football Team for winning the Middle School Football Championship with a 9-0 record. It formally recognizes their undefeated season, defensive achievements (six shutouts), and academic accomplishments of student-athletes. The resolution directs copies to the team, coaches, school principal, and press corps, but contains no funding, regulations, or policy changes. It serves solely as a symbolic honor with no direct impact on legislation or affected parties beyond the recognized team.

Maddy summaryHB 1843 appropriates $300,000 from the State General Fund to the City of Jackson for removing unsafe or deteriorated houses and other blighted properties during fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). The funds are intended to help cover the city’s costs for demolishing dilapidated structures, directly supporting Jackson’s efforts to address urban blight. This is a straightforward funding allocation with no new policy requirements, solely providing financial assistance for existing city-led property removal initiatives.

Maddy summaryHB 1943, the "City of Jackson Revitalization Act," creates the City of Jackson Development Fund to support revitalization efforts. It exempts sales of materials for developing blighted property from sales tax (amending § 27-65-101) and authorizes state bonds to fund city improvements and blight removal. The primary funding source is a new revenue stream: additional fees from gaming establishments operating as part of a "project" under Mississippi's Gaming Control Act, with these fees deposited directly into the Development Fund (amending §§ 75-76-129, 75-76-183). The fund will disburse loans and grants for business development, infrastructure, and property acquisition/removal in Jackson, administered by the Department of Finance and Administration.

Maddy summaryHB 1844 appropriates $150,000 from the Mississippi State General Fund to the City of Jackson's governing authorities for park improvements at Leavell Woods Park during fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). The funds are designated solely to cover costs associated with making physical upgrades to the park. This is a straightforward funding allocation with no policy changes or broader eligibility criteria. The bill directly affects the City of Jackson’s budget for park maintenance and infrastructure, with no provisions for public input or community impact beyond the stated appropriation.