Sen. Sarita Simmons

Maddy summarySB 3048 appropriates $12,139,077 in state funds for Mississippi's Department of Banking and Consumer Finance to operate during fiscal year 2026 (July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026). It directly affects the department by funding 84 permanent staff positions and requiring strict adherence to budget limits, prohibiting salary increases for current employees without new funding. Key provisions include mandating detailed financial records, prioritizing purchases from Mississippi Industries for the Blind, and ensuring funds are used only for authorized purposes without exceeding the appropriation. The bill contains no new policy changes but sets specific rules for spending and accountability.

Maddy summarySB 2867 amends Mississippi's Medicaid program to update eligibility rules, including extending foster care eligibility to age 26 and modifying income criteria. It requires less frequent medical reviews for children with chronic conditions, mandates 100% Medicare-rate reimbursement for pediatric primary care, and expands coverage for non-opioid pain medications, autism services, and eye glasses (every two years instead of five). The bill also prohibits Medicaid reimbursement for gender transition procedures and updates reimbursement rates for hospitals, ambulance services, and outpatient care to align with federal standards. The bill was signed into law but later vetoed by the governor on March 27, 2025.

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.

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 summarySR 120 is a symbolic resolution commemorating the 150th anniversary of the 1875 Clinton Massacre in Clinton, Mississippi. It formally recognizes and honors the lives lost - primarily African American voters and community members - when a political rally turned violent, leading to deaths and the end of Reconstruction in Mississippi. The resolution specifically references the events of September 4, 1875, when Black Republicans gathered to exercise voting rights, and the subsequent violence that followed. As a commemorative measure, it has no legal effect but serves to acknowledge this historical event on its 150th anniversary (2025), as adopted by the legislature on March 25, 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 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 summaryMississippi's SB 2383 designates the sweet potato as the state's official vegetable, effective July 1, 2025. This symbolic bill directly affects Mississippi's state identity by formally recognizing the sweet potato in its official designation. The legislation contains no policy changes or funding mechanisms - it solely establishes a state symbol through a procedural designation. The bill passed the legislature and was signed into law by the governor in March 2025.

Maddy summarySB 2743 amends Mississippi law to redirect funds collected from fees for certified copies of birth, death, and marriage records. After completing marriage record statistics, any remaining funds must be used for maternal/infant/child health programs, completing birth records, or other vital statistics. This change affects the State Board of Health, which manages these funds and vital records. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, and does not create new fees but reallocates existing ones.

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.