Sen. Derrick Simmons

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SR 118) expressing the Mississippi Senate's condolences to the family of John Wesley Johnson, a longtime Meridian TV news broadcaster and community leader. It commends his 32-year career at WTOK-TV, his service on local boards, and his contributions to journalism and education. The resolution does not create new laws or policies - it serves as a formal tribute to honor his legacy. It was adopted by the Senate in March 2025.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 119) is a ceremonial expression of condolence from the Mississippi Senate mourning the passing of Jackson Police Department Corporal Christopher Gallion, Sr., who died from a medical emergency while on duty on March 13, 2025. It honors his 17-year service, leadership, and community impact as described by his department and Chief Joseph Wade. The resolution extends condolences to his family and formally recognizes his legacy, but it contains no policy changes or direct effects on any individuals or laws. As a commemorative resolution, it serves solely to acknowledge his service and loss.

Maddy summaryThis resolution commends Ridgeland High School's boys basketball team and coach Terron McIntyre for winning their first MHSAA Class 6A championship on March 1, 2025, defeating Olive Branch 79-53. It formally recognizes their 30-4 season record, the team's dedication to overcoming last year's championship loss, and key players like Phil Nelson (26 points). As a ceremonial resolution, it has no legal effect and solely expresses official praise for the team, school, and community. The Senate adopted it on March 25, 2025, to honor the achievement.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a bill) honoring Senator John A. Polk (District 44) for receiving the Mississippi Meritorious Civilian Service Medal from the Mississippi National Guard. It formally recognizes his "outstanding leadership" in supporting the National Guard through legislative actions, as cited in the award. The resolution has no policy impact - it simply expresses the Senate's acknowledgment of his award and will be presented to him. It does not create new laws, allocate funds, or affect any specific group beyond the symbolic honor.

Maddy summarySB 2438, the Mississippi State Employees Paid Parental Leave Act, would provide eligible state employees who are primary caregivers with six weeks (240 hours) of paid leave at 100% of their regular salary following the birth or adoption of a child. It applies to state employees (excluding K-12 teachers, higher education staff, and community college employees) and requires leave to be taken within 12 weeks of the event, with no carryover or payout upon separation. The paid leave would run concurrently with federal FMLA leave and not count against accrued personal or medical leave. School districts and community colleges would also be required to adopt similar paid parental leave policies for their employees.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a policy bill) honoring former Mississippi House Speaker Pro Tempore Robert George Clark, Jr., who died on March 4, 2025. It extends the Legislature's sympathy to his family and recognizes his historic service as Mississippi's first African American legislator since Reconstruction (1967-2003), his leadership roles, and his advocacy for education and Mississippi's historical preservation. The resolution directs that it be presented to his family and forwarded to the Mississippi Department of Archives and History. No policy changes or funding are involved.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SC 534) is a ceremonial resolution recognizing Janet Davis's athletic achievements in track and field. It formally honors her career as a Gentry High School and Florida State University All-American, highlighting her early competitions, state and national championships, and All-American honors from ages 8 through college. The resolution, adopted by Mississippi's Senate and House, directs that it be presented to Davis, Gentry High School's principal, and the Sunflower County Board of Education. It does not create new laws or policies but serves as a formal tribute to her accomplishments.

Maddy summaryThis resolution commemorates Mississippi Representative Icey Day, the founder of Mississippi Industries for the Blind (MIB), on the 70th anniversary of his death. It honors his legacy as the "Father of MIB" and commends MIB for serving as the preferred employer of visually impaired Mississippians. The resolution recognizes Day’s work founding MIB in 1942 to provide employment and training for blind and visually impaired residents. It has been formally adopted by the Mississippi Senate.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 114) is a symbolic tribute honoring the three crew members who died in a medical helicopter crash in Madison County on March 10, 2025. It commends the pilot (Cal Wesolowski) and two medical personnel (Dustin Pope and Jakob Kindt) who were transporting a patient to the University of Mississippi Medical Center when the aircraft crashed. The resolution expresses the Mississippi Senate's condolences to their families and recognizes their service, but it does not create new laws or affect any policies. As a commemorative resolution, it has no binding effect beyond honoring the victims.

Maddy summarySB 2051 extends the expiration date for a Mississippi Department of Corrections program that partners with Bolivar County Regional Facility to provide drug and alcohol treatment to up to 250 inmates. The program requires comprehensive treatment, aftercare planning, and recidivism monitoring for inmates within 18 months of release. This extension delays the program’s automatic termination beyond its original July 1, 2029, repeal date, ensuring continued operation under current terms. The bill directly affects the Department of Corrections, Bolivar County Regional Facility, and participating inmates.