Sen. Sarita Simmons

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a substantive bill) recognizing Senator Angela Turner Ford for receiving the Coalition on Adult Basic Education (COABE) 2024 Legislative Champion Award. It formally commends her advocacy for adult education in Mississippi, citing her support during National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week and her role as a keynote speaker for a High School Equivalency ceremony. The resolution has no policy impact or direct effect on any programs or individuals beyond honoring the Senator. It was adopted by the Mississippi Senate on March 6, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a policy bill) passed by the Mississippi Senate. It extends sympathy to the family of Representative Andy Stepp, a first-year state representative from Bruce, Mississippi, who died in December 2024. The resolution commemorates his service as a pharmacist, community leader, and legislator representing District 23, and acknowledges his work on committees like public health and Medicaid. It has no policy impact and was formally adopted by both legislative chambers on March 5-6, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution honors James Earl Jones, the Mississippi-born actor (born in Arkabutla, Mississippi), celebrating his career and expressing the legislature's sympathy for his passing. It commemorates his legacy as a groundbreaking Black actor known for iconic roles like Darth Vader and Mufasa, recognizing his influence on American culture and entertainment. The resolution directs the legislature to present its sentiments to Jones' family and major entertainment organizations, such as the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and SAG-AFTRA. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SC 524), not a policy bill. It expresses the Mississippi Legislature's sympathy to Jimmy Carter's family and commends his life, public service, and legacy following his passing. The resolution details his presidency (1977-1981), key achievements like the Camp David Accords, and post-presidency work through the Carter Center. It does not create new laws or affect any individuals or policies - it is solely a symbolic gesture of remembrance. The resolution was adopted by the Mississippi Legislature on March 5, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 60) is a symbolic gesture by the Mississippi Senate congratulating Philadelphia Eagles running back Kenneth Gainwell on winning Super Bowl LIX. It specifically recognizes his high school achievements at Yazoo County High School in Mississippi and his professional success with the Eagles. The resolution does not create any new laws or obligations - it merely expresses congratulations and will be presented to Gainwell, the Eagles' leadership, and local officials. As a commemorative resolution, it has no direct policy impact or effect on any group.

Maddy summarySB 2562 increases the fee paid to circuit clerks and deputies for each day they attend court sessions from an unspecified prior amount to $85.00 per day, with counties covering this cost. This change directly affects county governments, which must now pay this higher fee for clerk and deputy attendance during circuit court terms. The bill modifies existing fee structure (Section 25-7-13) to set this specific daily rate, effective July 1, 2025. It does not alter other court fees or services, focusing solely on the compensation for court attendance time.

Maddy summaryThis resolution commends the life and service of U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Andrew Loyd Eaves, a Mississippi native and Black Hawk helicopter pilot who died in a 2025 training mission crash near Washington, D.C. It expresses the Mississippi Legislature’s sympathy to his family and honors his memory as a fallen soldier. The resolution has no policy provisions or direct impact beyond ceremonial recognition.

Maddy summarySB 2147 requires Mississippi public schools to integrate financial literacy into grades 6-8 curriculum by the 2026-2027 school year and mandates a personal finance course (either a half-credit or full course with at least half focused on finance) for high school graduation starting with the 2031 graduating class. The bill establishes a "Financial Literacy Trust Fund" within the state treasury to support this program, administered by the State Board of Education with annual audits and legislative reporting. It directly affects all public school students in Mississippi from middle school through high school, requiring new coursework to meet graduation standards. The fund must be managed responsibly, with unspent money lapsing to the general fund annually, and the State Board must develop specific curriculum standards for financial literacy.

Maddy summarySB 2874 requires healthcare providers to screen birth mothers for depression within six weeks of childbirth and mandates that health insurance companies cover this screening with no deductibles or copays. The bill prohibits insurers from requiring "step therapy" (multiple treatment steps before approving FDA-approved depression medications) for postpartum depression treatment and directs the state health department to create educational materials about maternal mental health for providers and new parents. It directly affects birth mothers, healthcare facilities, and insurance companies by establishing new screening requirements and coverage standards. The bill also specifies that hospitals must provide mental health resources to new parents and those showing signs of maternal mental health disorders. (Note: The bill died in committee on March 4, 2025, per recent actions.)

Maddy summaryMississippi's SB 2220, the "Mississippians' Right to Name, Likeness and Voice Act," establishes that every resident (living or deceased) has a property right in their name, likeness, and voice. It requires explicit consent for commercial use of these elements, especially for digital replicas created via AI or digital technology (like voice clones or image simulations), and sets penalties: $50,000 per violation for unauthorized digital cloning services and $5,000 for other unauthorized uses. The law allows heirs to enforce these rights for 10 years after death but requires written consent from individuals aged 18+ (or court-approved for minors) for new commercial uses. This bill directly affects all Mississippi residents and businesses or entities using personal identity commercially, particularly in digital advertising or media.