Sen. Neil Whaley

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution congratulates former Mississippi State Senator Bobby Chamberlin on his investiture as a United States District Court Judge for the Northern District of Mississippi. The resolution recognizes his judicial career, including his service on the Mississippi Supreme Court and previous roles as a municipal judge and prosecutor. It also notes his confirmation by the U.S. Senate and includes a statement of support from Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith. The resolution will be presented at Chamberlin's investiture ceremony and shared with the press.

Maddy summaryMississippi's SB 2638 amends food labeling laws to clarify rules around misbranded meat and dairy products. It adds a specific definition for "cell-cultured dairy products" (products made from animal cells grown outside a live animal) and expands the definition of "identifying meat terms" to prevent consumer confusion with plant-based or lab-grown alternatives. The bill also clarifies the Mississippi Department of Agriculture's authority to inspect food facilities based on complaints and updates penalties for selling misbranded products. These changes directly affect food manufacturers, retailers, and consumers by setting clearer labeling standards for new food products. The bill does not ban any products but ensures they are accurately labeled to avoid misleading terms.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution honors the life and legacy of Robert H. 'Bob' Dunlap, a Mississippi businessman and philanthropist who passed away on January 11, 2026. The resolution formally recognizes Dunlap's contributions as the former CEO of Dunlap & Kyle Co., a major tire distributor, and acknowledges his extensive charitable work including scholarships, community support, and conservation efforts. It extends the Senate's sympathy to Dunlap's family and directs the resolution to be presented to his surviving family, the city of Batesville, and the Capitol Press Corps.

Maddy summarySB 2631 establishes the Mississippi Grain Indemnity Act to protect grain producers (corn, soybeans, wheat) when licensed grain buyers fail to pay. Starting January 1, 2027, producers who choose to participate will pay a 0.2% assessment on marketed grain sold to licensed buyers, funding a state-administered trust fund. The fund must maintain at least $20 million annually to cover claims for unpaid grain sales or storage losses when buyers become insolvent or fail to pay. Claims are processed by a newly created board, with payments made pro-rata if funds are insufficient, and producers may opt out annually by notifying the state.

Maddy summarySB 2018 creates the Mississippi National Guard Tricare Premium Reimbursement Program, which reimburses actively drilling Mississippi National Guard members for their Tricare Reserve Select health insurance premiums. The program applies to members eligible for Tricare Reserve Select coverage who are not covered by another employer, with reimbursements paid at the current "Tricare Reserve Select - Member only" rate. The Adjutant General administers the program, requiring legislative funding each year and annual reports starting in 2026 to assess its impact on medical readiness and participation. This policy directly affects National Guard members by reducing their out-of-pocket healthcare costs, aiming to support retention and readiness.

Maddy summarySB 2480 directs the State Fiscal Officer to transfer $265 million from Mississippi's Capital Expense Fund to the Capacity Project Fund upon the bill's effective date. This transfer specifically funds transportation infrastructure projects (known as "capacity projects") included in the Mississippi Department of Transportation's Three-Year Plan, as defined under existing law. The bill amends Section 65-1-141.2 to clarify that unspent funds in the Capacity Project Fund do not lapse into the general state fund, and earnings from the fund remain within it. The bill does not create new policy but reallocates existing state funds for transportation project financing.

Maddy summarySB 2664 would amend Mississippi law to increase the age threshold for a reduced fee on lifetime sportsman hunting and fishing licenses from 13 to 18 years. This change means residents aged 13 through 17 would qualify for a $500 reduced fee (currently only available to those under 13), instead of paying the full $1,000 rate for adults. The bill does not alter other requirements, such as residency proof or age verification documentation. The policy change is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 3313 appropriates $991,200 from the State General Fund to Marshall County for courthouse repair and renovation costs during fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2027). The bill directly affects Marshall County by providing state funds to cover specific courthouse maintenance expenses. It contains no new policy provisions, only a funding allocation for an existing infrastructure need.

Maddy summarySB 3190 would exempt retail sales of firearm safes from Mississippi's state sales tax. This means consumers purchasing firearm safes would no longer pay the 7% state sales tax on these items. The bill amends Section 27-65-111 of the Mississippi Code to add firearm safes to the existing list of tax-exempt items, such as medical supplies and educational materials. This change directly affects firearm safety retailers and consumers who buy safes for home or business storage.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $500,000 from the State General Fund to Marshall County for purchasing equipment needed by its fire services during fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). The funds are intended to cover equipment costs directly for Marshall County fire departments, with priority given to any remaining funds from a prior 2023 appropriation to the county. It does not create new requirements or policies but provides specific state funding for existing local fire service needs.