Sen. Derrick Simmons

Maddy summarySB 2522 created a 9-member task force to study historical funding disparities between Alcorn State University and other Mississippi public universities, particularly Mississippi State University (a land-grant institution). The task force was required to examine past underfunding impacts on students and faculty, and propose solutions for restoring adequate funding and future parity. The bill died in committee on February 4, 2025, before the task force could be formed or submit its required report by December 31, 2025. This procedural bill did not enact any funding changes, as it failed to advance beyond committee review.

Maddy summarySB 2778 would authorize Mississippi's Department of Human Services to provide monthly payments to qualifying grandparents who assume primary care of their grandchildren, up to the foster care payment amount, without requiring legal custody or formal placement (if training requirements are met). It would also create a tax credit of up to $2,500 per grandchild per year for qualified care expenses like food, clothing, and housing, which can be carried forward for up to three years if not fully used. These provisions would directly affect Mississippi grandparents legally caring for grandchildren under state law and require specific legislative appropriations for the payments. The bill was introduced in 2025 but did not advance beyond committee.

Maddy summarySB 2646, the "Restoration of Voting Rights Act," would automatically restore voting rights to Mississippi residents convicted of certain crimes once they complete their sentence and remain crime- and arrest-free for two years. It directly affects people disqualified from voting under Mississippi's Constitution of 1890 for specific offenses, removing the need for separate legal action to regain suffrage. The bill amends state election law to clarify that such individuals are no longer disqualified upon meeting these conditions, allowing them to register and vote like other citizens. The legislation died in committee on February 4, 2025, and was never enacted, so it does not currently change voting rights in Mississippi.

Maddy summarySB 2707 would have exempted registered homeless service providers from specific fees when assisting homeless individuals. It directly affects homeless persons by waiving civil court filing fees for altering birth/marriage certificates and driver's license/ID application fees. The bill amended Mississippi Code sections to implement these exemptions for registered providers under a Continuum of Care Program. The legislation died in committee on February 4, 2025, and was never enacted.

Maddy summarySB 2380 is a Mississippi state bill that primarily establishes a development fund for the City of Jackson and modifies gaming-related laws. The bill creates the City of Jackson Development Fund, which will receive additional fees from gaming licenses and provide loans and grants to support new and expanding businesses in the city. It also amends several sections of the Mississippi Gaming Control Act to define terms like "project" and "gaming device" more clearly, and allows legal gaming in establishments that are part of approved projects. Additionally, the bill includes provisions to ensure that if gaming revenue distributed to certain cities or counties falls below historical averages, the state will make up the shortfall. The bill was referred to a committee but ultimately died in committee without further action.

Maddy summarySB 2375 creates a state fund called the "Small Municipalities Federal Match Fund" to help Mississippi towns with under 10,000 residents match federal grants they receive. The fund reimburses up to 1.25% of its disbursements for oversight costs incurred by state agencies administering the program. It requires annual reports on fund usage to legislative leaders and the governor, with unspent money rolling over yearly. The bill establishes a dedicated fund in the state treasury to support small communities accessing federal funding.

Maddy summarySB 2032 requires Mississippi public defenders to have free access to the state's electronic court system records for cases involving indigent (low-income) defendants. This bill amends Section 9-1-59 of the Mississippi Code to mandate that court records be accessible without cost to public defenders handling indigent cases. The key provision removes a potential financial barrier, ensuring public defenders can efficiently review case materials for their clients. It directly affects public defenders and indigent defendants in criminal proceedings across Mississippi courts. The bill did not advance beyond committee in 2025.

Maddy summaryThe Mississippi Senate passed Resolution SR 17 to formally recognize Jane Crater Hiatt as the 2025 recipient of the Governor's "Stephen C. Edds" Patron of the Arts Award. This resolution honors her decades-long contributions to Mississippi's arts community through leadership roles, including directing the Mississippi Arts Commission and establishing the Jane Crater Hiatt Artist Fellowship, which provides $20,000 grants to support Mississippi artists' career development. The resolution highlights her advocacy for arts education, diversity in arts programming, and ongoing philanthropy that has strengthened cultural opportunities statewide.

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally recognizes the Rising Stars Fife and Drum Band from Coldwater, Mississippi, as the 2025 recipient of the Governor's Arts Award for Excellence in Traditional Arts. It honors their 90-year preservation of Mississippi's fife and drum musical tradition - rooted in African American cultural history - and their community work educating youth through performances and recordings like their 2023 album *Evolution of Fife and Drum*. The resolution is purely ceremonial, with no policy changes or direct effects on constituents or government operations. It serves as a symbolic tribute to the band's cultural contributions, as adopted by the Mississippi Senate on January 30, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 15) formally recognizes Jackson, Mississippi musician Eddie Cotton, Jr., as the 2025 recipient of the Governor's Arts Award for Excellence in Music. It acknowledges his career as a Gospel-blues artist, his Mississippi roots, and his national and international performances. The resolution serves solely as a ceremonial tribute from the Mississippi Senate, with no new policies or funding attached. It honors Cotton's contributions to music and Mississippi's cultural heritage through official Senate recognition.