Sen. Derrick Simmons

Maddy summarySB 2562 increases the fee paid to circuit clerks and deputies for each day they attend court sessions from an unspecified prior amount to $85.00 per day, with counties covering this cost. This change directly affects county governments, which must now pay this higher fee for clerk and deputy attendance during circuit court terms. The bill modifies existing fee structure (Section 25-7-13) to set this specific daily rate, effective July 1, 2025. It does not alter other court fees or services, focusing solely on the compensation for court attendance time.

Maddy summaryThis resolution commends the life and service of U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Andrew Loyd Eaves, a Mississippi native and Black Hawk helicopter pilot who died in a 2025 training mission crash near Washington, D.C. It expresses the Mississippi Legislature’s sympathy to his family and honors his memory as a fallen soldier. The resolution has no policy provisions or direct impact beyond ceremonial recognition.

Maddy summarySB 2874 requires healthcare providers to screen birth mothers for depression within six weeks of childbirth and mandates that health insurance companies cover this screening with no deductibles or copays. The bill prohibits insurers from requiring "step therapy" (multiple treatment steps before approving FDA-approved depression medications) for postpartum depression treatment and directs the state health department to create educational materials about maternal mental health for providers and new parents. It directly affects birth mothers, healthcare facilities, and insurance companies by establishing new screening requirements and coverage standards. The bill also specifies that hospitals must provide mental health resources to new parents and those showing signs of maternal mental health disorders. (Note: The bill died in committee on March 4, 2025, per recent actions.)

Maddy summarySB 2450 would allow Mississippi counties to use court fee funds for technology at public law libraries and courtrooms. Specifically, it permits spending on computers, software, legal research tools, internet access, and courtroom equipment like audio systems or digital evidence displays. Funding would come from additional court fees: $2.50 per case in chancery/circuit courts and $1.50 per case in justice courts. The bill aims to modernize legal resource access and court operations through technology, expanding existing library funding rules. (Note: This bill died in committee in March 2025 and did not become law.)

Maddy summarySB 2850 requires cigarette and vape (ENDS) manufacturers in Mississippi to submit annual certifications to the Commissioner of Revenue by September 1, 2025, for vapes, leading to a public directory of approved products starting October 1, 2025. Retailers must stop selling vape products not listed in the directory after that date, with a 60-day grace period to clear existing inventory. Sellers of non-compliant products face daily fines up to $1,500 per product, and the bill mandates unannounced compliance checks by the Department of Revenue. Manufacturers must also maintain a registered agent in Mississippi for legal service.

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 summaryThis resolution (SR 54) is a ceremonial Senate commendation for Coahoma County High School Head Basketball Coach Derrick Moore, recognizing his 900th career victory achieved on February 14, 2025. It does not create new laws or affect policies; it is purely symbolic recognition from the Mississippi Senate. The resolution honors Coach Moore's 21-year coaching career, including seven state championships and multiple awards, and will be presented to him and the school. It follows standard procedural steps for such non-binding resolutions.

Maddy summarySB 3081 appropriated $15 million from Mississippi's General Fund to Mississippi Delta Community College (MDCC) for fiscal year 2026, specifically to cover costs for improvements and expansion of its Law Enforcement Training Academy. The bill directed state funds to support physical upgrades and facility expansion at the academy, directly affecting MDCC's operations and training capacity. However, the bill died in committee on February 26, 2025, meaning it did not advance to become law.

Maddy summarySB 3170 would appropriate $5 million from Mississippi's General Fund to Coahoma County for railroad track improvements needed to meet federal safety standards set by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). The funding is specifically for FY2026 (July 2025-June 2026) to cover costs associated with upgrading tracks to comply with FRA requirements. This procedural bill directly affects Coahoma County by providing state funds for infrastructure work required by federal regulations. It does not create new policy but allocates existing state resources for a defined infrastructure purpose.

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.