Rep. Troy Smith

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a policy bill) commending the Mississippi Forestry Commission for its 100th anniversary. It formally honors the agency's century of service since its 1926 founding, recognizing its role in wildfire protection, forest management, and supporting Mississippi's economy and environment. The resolution has no policy impact - it simply expresses legislative appreciation through a formal commendation. It does not affect any individuals, programs, or laws.

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 allows Mississippi Agricultural and Livestock Theft Bureau officers to retain their issued sidearm upon retirement, instead of returning it to the agency. It amends Section 45-9-133 of Mississippi law to explicitly permit these officers to keep one firearm as personal property when retiring under the Public Employees' Retirement System. The policy change directly affects current and future retirement of officers employed by the Agricultural and Livestock Theft Bureau. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 999 establishes the Mississippi Parkinson's Disease Research Registry within the State Department of Health to track the incidence and prevalence of Parkinson's disease and related conditions (Parkinsonisms) across the state. It requires movement disorder centers and certified healthcare providers treating these conditions to submit patient data to the registry starting January 1, 2027, with patients able to opt out of data collection. The registry will collect epidemiological data while keeping all information confidential, and the Department must make anonymized data available to approved researchers. The bill also mandates public website updates, annual reports to health committees, and requires the State Health Officer to appoint an advisory committee with patient and medical expertise to guide the registry.

Maddy summaryHB 913 increases the homestead property tax exemption for Mississippi homeowners aged 65 or older. It raises the cap on taxable value from $7,500 to $12,500 for qualifying seniors, meaning they pay no property taxes on the first $12,500 of their home's assessed value. This applies to primary residences owned by seniors who reached age 65 by January 1 of the tax year, effective January 1, 2027. The exemption covers all ad valorem taxes (property taxes), with half allocated to school districts and half to county general funds. It directly benefits older Mississippi homeowners seeking relief from property tax burdens.

Maddy summaryThis resolution commends Enterprise High School in Clarke County for earning Mississippi's highest accountability score (908/1,000) in the 2024-2025 state report, recognizing it as the top-performing high school in the state. It has no policy or funding impact - it is a ceremonial gesture with no binding requirements, solely serving to honor the school's academic achievement. The resolution was introduced by Representatives Smith, Calvert, and Creekmore IV.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a law) commending Jamal Roberts, a Meridian, Mississippi native, for winning the 23rd season of *American Idol*. It formally congratulates him as the second Mississippian and second African-American male to win the competition, highlighting his musical achievements and roots. The resolution has no policy impact; it simply expresses the Mississippi House of Representatives' praise and will be sent to Roberts and the press. It does not affect any laws, regulations, or funding.

Maddy summaryHB 914 requires Mississippi's State Department of Education to assign a qualified licensed dyslexia therapy teacher supervisor to every county. These supervisors must develop evidence-based reading interventions for students diagnosed with dyslexia, using strategies like the 3-Tier Instructional Model and accommodations under IDEA/504 Plans. The bill also mandates a program using "dyslexia data coaches" (experts in phonemic awareness and data analysis) to support teachers in improving literacy, with staff required to live in their assigned counties and be state employees. Implementation depends on legislative funding and takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 915, the "Second Amendment Preservation Act," prevents Mississippi cities, counties, and other local governments from enacting or enforcing any ordinances related to firearms, ammunition, or firearm components. It preempts all local laws on these topics, voiding existing or future regulations unless they exactly match specific state provisions (Sections 45-9-51, 45-9-53, 45-9-101, 97-37-7, and 97-37-9 of the Mississippi Code). The bill also limits lawsuits against gun manufacturers for lawful sales, though it preserves individual claims for negligence or defects. This directly affects municipalities that previously regulated gun ownership or sales and alters liability for firearms businesses.

Maddy summaryThis Mississippi bill (HB 1375) would require medical verification from birth to change the sex designation on a birth certificate. It prohibits corrections unless proven to be an error via birth medical records or a physician's confirmation that the sex recorded at birth was incorrect. The law directly affects residents seeking to update their birth certificate sex marker. It would take effect July 1, 2026, but died in committee before becoming law.