Sen. Derrick Simmons

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 summaryThis Senate resolution congratulates former Mississippi Supreme Court Justice Jimmy Maxwell on his investiture as a United States District Court Judge for the Northern District of Mississippi. The document recognizes his extensive legal career, including his service on the state Supreme Court from 2016 to 2025 and his prior appointment to the Mississippi Court of Appeals. It also notes his academic background, professional leadership roles in legal organizations, and community involvement. The resolution will be presented at his investiture ceremony and shared with the public and media.

Maddy summarySB 2041 directs Mississippi's Department of Corrections (MDOC) to conduct a study on dyslexia prevalence among inmates. The study requires MDOC to screen inmates using approved methods, collect anonymized demographic and educational data, and analyze links between dyslexia, educational background, disciplinary records, and recidivism. All data must comply with privacy laws (HIPAA/FERPA), and inmates can opt out without penalty. MDOC must submit a report to the legislature by December 31, 2026, including findings and recommendations for potential educational or rehabilitation programs. This bill does not create new programs or funding but authorizes a data-gathering study affecting all inmates under MDOC jurisdiction.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution honoring Mississippi-connected individuals who contributed to the Seattle Seahawks' Super Bowl LX victory. It specifically recognizes seven athletes and a coach with Mississippi ties: Derick Hall (Gulfport, linebacker), Charles Cross (Laurel, Mississippi State alum), Cam Akers (Clinton), Chris Paul Jr. (Ole Miss linebacker), A.J. Finley (Ole Miss safety), Jared Ivey (Ole Miss linebacker), and Coach Leslie Frazier (Alcorn State alum, Seahawks assistant head coach). The resolution formally commends them for their roles in the championship win and their representation of Mississippi. As a symbolic gesture with no policy changes, it does not create new laws or allocate funds.

Maddy summarySB 2578 creates a state fund to help small Mississippi municipalities (with under 10,000 residents) access federal grants by providing matching funds. It requires participating towns to contribute 20% of eligible project costs, with the state fund covering the remaining 80% to draw down federal money. The fund also allows reimbursement for up to 1.25% of its total amount for oversight costs by the Department of Finance and Administration. The department must annually report fund usage and costs to state officials, and the bill takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 71 pays tribute to Dr. Elayne Hayes-Anthony, a pioneering journalist and former Jackson State University acting president who passed away on March 5, 2026. The resolution formally recognizes her historic contributions as the first African American woman to serve as an anchor, producer, and reporter at WJTV-12, and honors her decades of leadership in education, public service, and media advocacy. It directs that the resolution be presented to her surviving family and shared with Jackson State University and the Capitol Press Corps.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution commends Colonel Charles Haynes for his 25 years of dedicated service as Director of the Mississippi Highway Patrol and Assistant Commissioner of the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. It also congratulates him on his new appointment as Director of Administration of Justice at Mississippi College, where he will join the faculty. The resolution formally recognizes his extensive law enforcement background, including his work with the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation and various state agencies, and presents the document to him and the Capitol Press Corps.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SC 525) is a **concurrent resolution** formally commemorating Delta State University's 100th anniversary (1924-2024). It recognizes the university's founding as Delta State Teachers College in 1924, its evolution into a four-year public institution, and its contributions to education, athletics, and the Mississippi Delta community. The resolution does not create new laws or allocate funding - it is purely symbolic, expressing legislative support through a formal statement of recognition. It will be presented to the university president and shared publicly as part of the centennial celebration.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a substantive bill) expressing the Mississippi Legislature's condolences on the death of Dr. Rod Paige, Mississippi native and the nation's first African American U.S. Secretary of Education. It honors his legacy, including his role in shaping the No Child Left Behind Act and his work as Houston school superintendent. The resolution extends "sincerest sympathy" to his family and pays tribute to his contributions to education. It has no legislative effect or policy changes - it serves solely as a commemorative gesture.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a non-binding ceremonial resolution (SC 521) extending the Mississippi Legislature's congratulations to Dr. John A. Peoples, Jr., President Emeritus of Jackson State University (JSU) and the oldest living HBCU president. It formally recognizes his leadership as JSU's president from 1967-1984, his role in expanding the university's academic programs and infrastructure, and his status as a pioneering HBCU leader. The resolution celebrates his legacy, including founding JSU's ROTC program and his contributions to higher education during the civil rights era. It does not create any new policies or obligations - it is purely a symbolic gesture of appreciation for Dr. Peoples' service.