Sen. Derrick Simmons

Maddy summarySB 3288 is a one-time legislative act restoring voting rights to James Kimber of Bolivar County, Mississippi, who completed all sentences for past drug-related convictions in 1999 and 2001. The bill specifically reverses his loss of suffrage after he served all terms, including probation and post-release supervision, and has since lived as a law-abiding citizen. This is not a new voting rights law but a targeted restoration for an individual. The bill died in committee in April 2025 and does not create a general policy change.

Maddy summarySR 127 is a non-binding resolution urging Mississippi to adopt the Temporary Workers' Bill of Rights. It proposes specific protections for temporary workers, including a 90-day limit on temporary assignments (with exceptions for medical leaves), requiring host employers to offer full-time positions after 90 days, ensuring living wages, prohibiting fees for background checks, and mandating safety training. The resolution does not create new law but asks the state to formally acknowledge these standards. The bill died in committee in April 2025 and has no legal effect.

Maddy summaryThis symbolic resolution (SC 519) apologizes for Mississippi's historical role in the 1955 murder of 14-year-old Emmett Till and the subsequent acquittal of his killers. It expresses "profound regret" for the state's creation of a hostile environment, failure to protect Till, and the defense of the killers, offering sympathy to his family. Key provisions include directing the resolution to all Mississippi state officials, civil rights groups (like the NAACP Mississippi Chapter), and requesting they share it to educate the public about this Civil Rights-era injustice. The resolution explicitly states it is not legally binding and cannot be used in court.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a substantive bill) recognizing Jackson State University's Vice President and Director of Athletics, Ashley Robinson, for being named the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) Athletic Director of the Year for 2024-2025. It formally honors Robinson's leadership and achievements, including his second NACDA award in three years, academic success of JSU athletes, and contributions to HBCU athletics. The resolution has no policy impact - it solely expresses legislative recognition and will be presented to Robinson and JSU leadership.

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial resolution formally recognizes WLBT newscaster Howard Ballou for receiving the Mississippi Association of Broadcasters' Television Lifetime Achievement Award. It commends his 30+ years of contributions to broadcasting in Mississippi, including multiple awards and community leadership. The resolution has no policy impact - it is purely symbolic, with no new laws or funding changes. It was adopted by the Mississippi Senate on April 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 143) is a formal tribute by the Mississippi Senate mourning the death of Huey P. Williams, the lead singer of the Jackson Southernaires gospel group. It acknowledges his decades-long musical legacy, including his role in shaping Mississippi's gospel music scene and the group's national impact through hits like "Too Late" and "The Greatest Creator." The resolution specifically recognizes Williams' family's gospel influence, his 2024 final performance, and the group's induction into the Mississippi Musicians Hall of Fame. As a commemorative resolution, it does not enact policy but honors Williams' cultural contributions.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 129) is a ceremonial tribute from the Mississippi Senate honoring former NBA player Donald Earl "Slick" Watts of Rolling Fork, Mississippi, following his death on March 15, 2025. It commemorates his NBA career with the Seattle SuperSonics (1973-1979), including his historic 1975-76 season as the first player to lead the league in both assists and steals, and his legacy as a Mississippi sports icon. The resolution extends condolences to his family and directs the text to be presented to them, the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame, and the Capitol Press Corps. As a commemorative measure with no policy impact, it has no direct effect on legislation or constituents.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SC 540) is a concurrent resolution formally commending the Booneville High School Boys Basketball Team and Head Coach Michael Smith for winning their fourth consecutive Class 3A state championship. It directly affects the team, coach, school staff, and community by recognizing their achievement through a legislative expression of pride. The resolution contains no policy changes or funding provisions - its sole purpose is to honor the team's athletic accomplishment with a formal commendation. It was adopted by Mississippi's legislature on March 27, 2025, and will be presented to the team and school officials.

Maddy summarySB 2681 modifies Mississippi's Certificate of Need (CON) rules for specific healthcare facilities in three counties. It removes special restrictions preventing a psychiatric facility in DeSoto County from participating in Medicaid, ensuring it faces the same rules as other facilities. The bill also requires a new CON for additional beds at a Madison County facility serving developmentally disabled adults and revises CON terms for a Harrison County long-term care hospital to allow Medicaid participation as a "crossover provider." The bill passed the legislature in March 2025 but died on the calendar, meaning it did not become law.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 125) formally recognizes the 50th anniversary of the Mississippi State Fire Academy. It honors the Academy's history since 1974, its role in training firefighters and emergency responders, and its contributions to public safety across Mississippi. The resolution does not create new laws or affect any policies; it is a ceremonial acknowledgment presented to the Academy's leadership.