Sen. Michael McLendon

Maddy summarySB 2842 would remove Mississippi's state sales tax on groceries that qualify for purchase with federal food stamps (SNAP benefits). It defines eligible items as food or drink for human consumption that can be bought using USDA food assistance. The bill amends existing tax code sections to add this exemption, making such purchases tax-free for shoppers. This change directly affects grocery shoppers buying SNAP-eligible items and retailers selling them.

Maddy summarySB 2870, the "Stop Predatory Investing Act of 2026," denies tax deductions for interest and depreciation on single-family rental properties owned by large institutional investors who hold 50 or more such homes. It directly affects major investors like pension funds, insurance companies, and real estate investment trusts (REITs) that invest over $1 million annually. The law, effective for tax years beginning in 2026, prohibits these deductions unless properties are sold to individual homebuyers for primary residences or to qualified nonprofit organizations focused on affordable housing. Exceptions also apply to properties newly constructed by the investor. This aims to limit large-scale institutional ownership of single-family rentals in Mississippi.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 44 is a symbolic resolution expressing Mississippi's support for strengthening economic and diplomatic ties with Taiwan. It does not create new laws or programs but formally encourages the state to support U.S.-Taiwan trade (noting $201.1 billion in 2025 trade), advocate for Taiwan's participation in international organizations like the WHO, and establish a Mississippi Trade and Investment Office in Taiwan. The resolution also supports a U.S.-Taiwan tax agreement and counters efforts by China to limit Taiwan's global engagement. As a non-binding expression of support, it directly affects Mississippi's diplomatic posture but does not impose new obligations or changes to existing policies.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate Resolution (not a bill) recognizing blues musician Jesse Robinson as the 2026 recipient of Mississippi's Governor's Arts Award for Lifetime Achievement. It formally extends the Mississippi Senate's recognition to Robinson, honoring his decades-long contributions to Mississippi's blues music heritage. The resolution describes his career milestones, including his role in Jackson's blues scene, collaborations with artists like Bobby Rush, and work promoting blues education. It will be presented to Robinson personally and shared with the press. (Note: This resolution has no legal effect - it is purely symbolic recognition.)

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate Resolution (SR 13), not a legislative bill with policy changes. It formally recognizes Master Chairmaker Greg Harkins of Thomastown, Mississippi, as the recipient of the 2026 Governor's Arts Award for Excellence in Traditional Craft. The resolution celebrates his 50-year career creating heirloom furniture, his national/international recognition (including chairs gifted to six U.S. Presidents and Pope John Paul II), and his role as a cultural ambassador for Mississippi. As a purely symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws or affect any policies.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 16 is a ceremonial resolution recognizing the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra (MSO) as the 2026 recipient of the Governor's Arts Award for Excellence in Performing Arts. It formally extends the Mississippi Senate's recognition to MSO, the state's largest professional performing arts organization based in Jackson, for its contributions to Mississippi's cultural landscape. The resolution does not create new laws, funding, or obligations - it serves solely as a symbolic honor acknowledging MSO's 80-year history, educational programs, and statewide impact through music. The Senate will present this resolution to MSO's director, Crafton Beck, and share it with the press.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 15) formally recognizes Mississippi composer, playwright, and performer Heather Christian as the 2026 recipient of the Governor's Arts Award for Excellence in Music Composition. The resolution serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment of her artistic achievements, including her MacArthur Fellowship and national awards, without creating any new laws or policies. It does not affect any individuals or organizations beyond this formal recognition. As a procedural resolution, it has no legislative impact and simply extends the Mississippi Senate's congratulations to Christian.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 17 is a commemorative resolution recognizing Dorothy "Dottie" Armstrong of Newton, Mississippi, as the recipient of the 2026 Governor's Arts Award for Excellence in Arts Education. The resolution formally extends the Mississippi Senate's recognition to Armstrong for her decades-long work as an art educator, including founding school art programs, creating public murals, and running a community art studio. This resolution has no policy impact - it solely serves to publicly honor her contributions to arts education in Mississippi, as she has been selected for an existing state award.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 20 formally commemorates the 100th anniversary of St. Luke Church in Olive Branch, Mississippi, recognizing its founding in 1925 and growth from 12 members to over 1,000. The resolution extends the Mississippi Senate's best wishes to the church congregation and clergy, honoring its century of community service, outreach, and spiritual leadership. It does not create new laws or policies but serves as a ceremonial tribute to the church's historical impact in Olive Branch. The resolution will be presented to church Superintendent Earl Allen Shannon.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a bill with policy changes) passed by the Mississippi Senate. It formally extends congratulations to Alice Marie Johnson of Olive Branch, Mississippi, for her appointment as the first-ever White House "Pardon Czar" by President Donald Trump. The resolution acknowledges her role in reviewing clemency cases and supporting individuals transitioning from prison, highlighting her personal history as a formerly incarcerated person whose sentence was commuted in 2018. The resolution has no legal effect or policy provisions; it is solely an expression of commendation.