Sen. Sarita Simmons

Maddy summaryThis bill is a concurrent resolution that formally honors Carroll E. Rhodes for his lifetime of service to civil rights and constitutional principles in Mississippi. It does not create new laws or change policies but serves as an official legislative commendation recognizing Rhodes' career in legal advocacy and his contributions to voting rights and democratic participation. The resolution expresses the Mississippi Legislature's gratitude and admiration for Rhodes' work and intends to present the document to him as a symbol of respect.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a substantive bill), expressing the Mississippi Legislature's condolences to Reverend Jesse Jackson's family following his death. It honors his legacy as a civil rights leader, including his work with the NAACP, voting rights advocacy, and mentorship of Black elected officials in Mississippi. The resolution contains no policy changes or mechanisms - it solely offers symbolic sympathy through formal language. It was introduced by multiple senators and references statements from figures like President Trump, Rep. Bennie Thompson, and Jackson Mayor John Horhn.

Maddy summarySB 2210 authorizes Bolivar County to create a utility district specifically for the Choctaw Sewer Association system in the community of Choctaw, Mississippi. This district will take ownership, operation, and maintenance of the existing sewer system (including pipes, lift stations, and treatment lagoons), directly affecting residents who rely on this infrastructure. The bill enables the county board to transfer assets, funds, and property to the new district and appoint a governing board of commissioners (3-5 members) to manage the system, bypassing standard utility district formation rules. The goal is to address the system’s "continual disrepair" by establishing a dedicated entity responsible for repairs, upgrades, and efficient service.

Maddy summarySB 2632 is a procedural bill that reorganizes existing sections of Mississippi's Emergency Management Law (Mississippi Code of 1972) by moving specific code sections (33-15-1 through 33-15-53) to new positions in the code. It does not change the content or policy of these sections, which cover definitions, purposes, and structure of the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA). The bill’s sole purpose is to facilitate future amendments by updating the code’s numbering. This reorganization affects the legal code itself, not individuals or entities, and requires no action from the public or agencies.

Maddy summarySB 3071 reappropriates $54.4 million in unspent Gulf Coast Restoration Funds (split across Sections 2 and 3) to the Mississippi Development Authority for specific projects in fiscal year 2027. It directly affects 17 recipients, including cities (Diamondhead, Gulfport, Moss Point), counties (Pearl River, Hancock), universities (Mississippi State, USM), and organizations (Pascagoula Redevelopment, Ohr-O'Keefe Museum), for projects like harbor restoration, road improvements, and cultural center renovations. The bill authorizes spending only from unexpended balances remaining as of June 30, 2026, and cannot alter the original purpose of the funds. It does not create new policy but reallocates existing funds for previously approved projects under Senate Bill 2047.

Maddy summarySB 3070 is a funding bill appropriating $204.5 million ($16.48 million from the General Fund and $188.04 million from the State Treasury) to the Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) for fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). The bill specifically limits MDA’s personnel spending to $13.13 million for "Personal Services" (salaries, wages, and fringe benefits), authorizing 142 total positions (106 permanent, 36 time-limited). It requires strict adherence to budgeted headcounts, prohibits using funds for promotions or salary increases beyond appropriations, and mandates compliance with Mississippi’s Variable Compensation Plan for employee pay. The funding directly affects MDA employees and its operational budget, with no new policy changes beyond financial allocation.

Maddy summarySB 3095 appropriates $28,041,412 from the General Fund and $21,487,878 from special funds to cover the Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services' (DITS) expenses for fiscal year 2027. The bill directly affects state agencies that rely on DITS for telecommunication, data center, and other IT services, funding their operations through these allocations. Key provisions restrict $12,034,227 of the total to "Personal Services" (salaries, wages, and benefits) for up to 136 permanent staff positions, with strict rules preventing overspending or using these funds for promotions or salary increases beyond authorized headcounts.

Maddy summarySB 3098 appropriates $15.12 million from Mississippi's General Fund and $24.06 million from special funds to cover the Secretary of State's office expenses for fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). It specifically allocates $7.82 million for employee salaries, benefits, and "Vacancy Funding" to fill authorized positions (96 permanent and 11 temporary roles), with strict rules preventing fund transfers to other categories or exceeding budget limits. The bill requires the office to maintain detailed financial records matching 2026 standards and prohibits using these funds to replace federal or other special funds. As a funding measure, it does not change the Secretary of State's duties or create new policies.

Maddy summarySB 3096 appropriates $260.6 million in state funds for Mississippi National Guard operations during fiscal year 2027, covering general expenses and specific programs. It directly funds the Mississippi National Guard, Camp Shelby facilities, the Youth Challenge Program ($2.34 million), the Armed Forces Military Museum ($663,124), and the State Educational Assistance Program ($5.3 million). The bill prohibits using general funds to reimburse National Guard members for training costs (requiring federal funds instead) and mandates preference for Mississippi Industries for the Blind in procurement. All funds must comply with existing state budget laws and be reported annually to legislative committees.

Maddy summarySB 3075 appropriates $4,398,210 in state funds for the Mississippi State Board of Pharmacy to cover its expenses during fiscal year 2027 (July 2026-June 2027), with $2,897,314 specifically designated for salaries, wages, and benefits for its 21 authorized permanent staff positions. The bill restricts how these funds can be used, requiring that salary increases and headcount changes comply with Mississippi’s Variable Compensation Plan and not exceed the allocated budget without legislative approval. It mandates that the Board achieve 100% of licenses and renewals processed within specified timeframes (10 business days for new licenses, 2 for renewals). This funding bill directly affects the Board of Pharmacy’s operational budget and staffing, with no policy changes beyond financial allocation.