Sen. Michael McLendon

Maddy summarySB 2197 changes Mississippi law to treat impersonating police officers as a felony instead of a misdemeanor. It increases penalties for falsely claiming to be a state highway patrolman or any law enforcement officer, raising potential jail time to up to three years and fines to $5,000 for both offenses. The bill repeals a duplicate law (Section 97-7-43) that previously covered similar offenses. This directly affects individuals who falsely pose as police officers or patrolmen, making such actions carry significantly harsher criminal consequences. The bill was approved by the Senate but died in committee in March 2025.

Maddy summaryMississippi's SB 2220, the "Mississippians' Right to Name, Likeness and Voice Act," establishes that every resident (living or deceased) has a property right in their name, likeness, and voice. It requires explicit consent for commercial use of these elements, especially for digital replicas created via AI or digital technology (like voice clones or image simulations), and sets penalties: $50,000 per violation for unauthorized digital cloning services and $5,000 for other unauthorized uses. The law allows heirs to enforce these rights for 10 years after death but requires written consent from individuals aged 18+ (or court-approved for minors) for new commercial uses. This bill directly affects all Mississippi residents and businesses or entities using personal identity commercially, particularly in digital advertising or media.

Maddy summarySB 2355 would add kratom to Schedule III of Mississippi's Controlled Substances Act, classifying it alongside substances like ketamine and certain barbiturates. This would require prescriptions for medical use, restrict distribution to licensed pharmacies, and subject kratom products to federal and state regulatory controls. The bill directly affects anyone using kratom in Mississippi, including consumers, retailers, and healthcare providers. The legislation amended Section 41-29-117 of the Mississippi Code to specifically include "any chemically synthesized compound, mixture, or preparation of kratom" in Schedule III. The bill died in committee on March 4, 2025, and did not become law.

Maddy summaryThe Pharmacy Benefit Prompt Pay Act requires pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) to pay pharmacies promptly for medications and establishes a process for pharmacies to appeal if payments are below agreed rates. It also bans PBMs and pharmacy services organizations (PSAOs) from restricting patient choice of pharmacy, spreading pricing, or retaliating against pharmacists who exercise rights under the law. The bill mandates that PBMs, PSAOs, drug manufacturers, and health insurers report pricing and contract details to the Mississippi Board of Pharmacy, which will publish this information online for transparency. These changes directly affect pharmacies, pharmacists, PBMs, PSAOs, and health insurers operating in Mississippi.

Maddy summarySB 2605 would require all Mississippi public and charter schools to teach standalone civics courses starting in 8th grade and before students graduate high school, beginning in the 2026-2027 school year. The courses must cover U.S. and Mississippi history, government structure (including federalism and the Constitution), civic skills like source analysis, and nonpartisan civic engagement, using historical and current examples. The Mississippi State Department of Education would develop the curriculum standards and update them to reflect current civics scholarship. Note: This bill died in committee on March 4, 2025, and did not become law.

Maddy summarySB 2892 established the Mississippi-Ireland Trade Commission to strengthen economic ties between Mississippi and Ireland. The commission, composed of 10 appointed members (including state officials and Irish trade representatives) plus non-voting ex-officio members, aims to advance bilateral trade, promote business/academic exchanges, and encourage investment between the two regions. It is authorized to raise funds through donations, grants, and events to carry out these goals. The bill died in committee on March 4, 2025, and did not become law.

Maddy summarySB 2444 establishes a scholarship program providing free tuition at Mississippi state universities and community colleges for eligible veterans. To qualify, veterans must be Mississippi residents, honorably discharged, qualify for in-state tuition, not receive federal education benefits, and either have served in a combat zone with a campaign medal or have a service-connected disability rated at 10% or higher. The program covers one month of tuition for each month of qualifying service, with a minimum of one academic year and maximum of four years of coverage. Funding is limited to $500,000 annually through the newly created Combat Veteran Scholarship Fund.

Maddy summarySB 2598 would allow retired Mississippi public school teachers or administrators (who retired at least 90 days ago, hold a valid teaching license, and receive retirement pay) to return to work as teachers while continuing to receive their retirement allowance. It removes the previous 30-year service requirement and permits school districts to pay up to 150% of the standard salary for returning retirees, with 50% of that amount paid directly to the retirement system to offset pension costs. The bill restricts hiring to districts with critical teacher or subject-area shortages, requires district certification of qualifications, and limits total reemployment to five years. The bill died in committee on March 4, 2025, and was never enacted.

Maddy summarySB 2582 establishes a committee to study how Mississippi allocates sales tax revenue between the state Department of Revenue and local municipalities. The committee will review current practices, assess financial impacts on cities, and evaluate technology and oversight to develop recommendations for fairer revenue distribution. Composed of 11 members - including state officials, legislative leaders, and representatives from both large (over 50,000 residents) and small municipalities - the committee must report findings to the legislature by December 1, 2025. The Department of Revenue must provide staff support, and the committee will dissolve by January 1, 2026, unless extended.

Maddy summarySB 2178 allows Mississippi school boards to vote on providing health insurance coverage for their members and eligible dependents, using only locally raised funds (not state funds). This amendment to Section 37-7-301 of Mississippi law adds the provision to school boards' existing authority over personnel benefits. The bill specifically requires that any insurance paid for by the school district must come from local revenue sources, such as property taxes, and cannot use state appropriations. It directly affects school board members across all Mississippi school districts who choose to adopt this benefit.