Sen. Neil Whaley

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SC 524), not a policy bill. It expresses the Mississippi Legislature's sympathy to Jimmy Carter's family and commends his life, public service, and legacy following his passing. The resolution details his presidency (1977-1981), key achievements like the Camp David Accords, and post-presidency work through the Carter Center. It does not create new laws or affect any individuals or policies - it is solely a symbolic gesture of remembrance. The resolution was adopted by the Mississippi Legislature on March 5, 2025.

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 2883 authorizes Mississippi counties with welcome centers to receive state grants to pay for staffing using county employees (not state employees). The Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) will administer a new "Welcome Centers Staff Grant Program," providing funds to cover staffing costs like employee compensation. Counties must submit detailed budget plans for staffing needs, and grants can only be used for these expenses, funded through a dedicated state special fund that doesn’t expire annually. The bill requires MDA to report yearly on grant usage and effectiveness, though it died in committee in March 2025.

Maddy summarySR 65 is a ceremonial resolution passed by the Mississippi Senate to honor Hinds County Deputy Sheriff Martin Shields, Jr., who died in the line of duty on February 23, 2025. The resolution extends the Senate's "sincerest sympathy" to his surviving family - including his wife, daughter, and parents - and commends his law enforcement career. It has no policy provisions or financial impact; it is purely symbolic, expressing condolences and acknowledging his service. The Senate formally adopted the resolution on February 27, 2025, and will present it to his family and the Hinds County Sheriff's Office.

Maddy summarySB 2804 would reduce the sales tax rate to 1.5% for commercial farmers purchasing livestock fencing, trailers for livestock transport, and related maintenance parts/labor. It applies only to "commercial farmers" who hold a permit issued by Mississippi's Department of Revenue and present it to sellers at purchase. The bill amends existing tax law to create this specific exemption, which would lower costs for qualifying agricultural equipment purchases while requiring a permit verification process.

Maddy summarySB 3254 appropriates $2 million from Mississippi's General Fund to Marshall County for studies on three infrastructure projects: the Potts Camp Railroad Bridge and Bypass, Byhalia Railroad Bridge, and Red Banks Road Improvement. The funds cover costs related to infrastructure, engineering, environmental impact, and cultural resources assessments for these projects during fiscal year 2026. This is a funding bill with no policy changes, directly affecting Marshall County's planning process for specific local infrastructure improvements.

Maddy summarySB 3187 appropriates $2 million from Mississippi's General Fund to Marshall County for the design, construction, and equipment of a crisis stabilization unit during fiscal year 2026 (July 2025-June 2026). The bill directly affects Marshall County residents by funding a facility intended to address mental health crises. It provides no new policy changes but allocates specific state funds to cover costs for building and equipping the unit. The bill died in committee on February 26, 2025, and is procedural in nature.

Maddy summarySB 3255 appropriates $500,000 from Mississippi's State General Fund to Marshall County for the completion of the Red Banks Road Improvement Project during fiscal year 2026 (July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026). The bill directs state funds to cover project costs, specifically for road improvements on Red Banks Road in Marshall County. It died in committee on February 26, 2025, and did not become law. This procedural funding bill directly affects Marshall County's infrastructure project and residents using the road.

Maddy summarySB 3188 allocates $300,000 from Mississippi's 2024 Local Improvements Projects Fund to Marshall County through the Department of Finance and Administration. The funds are specifically intended to cover costs for completing the Blackwater Road Bridge Project during fiscal year 2026 (July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026). This bill directly affects Marshall County by providing dedicated funding for a local infrastructure project. It does not create new policies or regulations but modifies how existing funds are distributed for this specific bridge completion. The bill died in committee on February 26, 2025, and was never enacted.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SC 502), not a policy bill. It formally expresses the Mississippi Senate's condolences to the family of John J. Fraiser, Jr., a former state senator, presiding judge of the Mississippi Court of Appeals, and WWII veteran who died in July 2024. The resolution commends his decades of public service, including establishing the Mississippi Court of Appeals and authoring education-related legislation. It has no policy impact or effect on any individuals or laws.