Sen. Sarita Simmons

Maddy summarySB 2878 proposed authorizing Mississippi to issue state general obligation bonds to fund the construction, furnishing, and equipping of a Science, Technology, Engineering, Agriculture, and Math (STEAM) Outreach Center at Alcorn State University. The bonds, backed by the state's full faith and credit, would be sold to raise money, with proceeds restricted solely to the center project and related costs. The bill specified that bond proceeds must be used exclusively for the STEAM center and that the bonds would be exempt from state taxation. The legislation died in committee in February 2025 without becoming law.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SC 502), not a policy bill. It formally expresses the Mississippi Senate's condolences to the family of John J. Fraiser, Jr., a former state senator, presiding judge of the Mississippi Court of Appeals, and WWII veteran who died in July 2024. The resolution commends his decades of public service, including establishing the Mississippi Court of Appeals and authoring education-related legislation. It has no policy impact or effect on any individuals or laws.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate Resolution (SR 41) honoring The Williams Brothers, a Mississippi gospel group, for their musical and cultural contributions. The resolution formally recognizes their decades-long legacy, including over 42 albums, performances at major venues like Carnegie Hall and the White House, and their 2022 Governor's Arts Award for Lifetime Achievement. It does not create new laws or affect policy; it is purely an official expression of appreciation from the Mississippi Senate. The resolution was adopted by the Senate on February 20, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 45) formally recognizes three Mississippi Delta youth - Jeremy Jordan, Megan Goss, and LeDereck Norals - and their team captains for winning an official 2024 Olympic Torch through Coca-Cola's global contest. The Mississippi Senate will present the torch to Senator David Jordan during a ceremony on February 26, 2025, honoring their achievement and the state's connection to the Paris Olympics. The resolution does not create new policy or affect funding; it solely serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment of the youths' accomplishment and their upcoming statewide Olympic Torch Tour.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a policy bill) expressing the Mississippi Senate's condolences to the family of Edwin Lloyd Pittman, a former Mississippi public servant. It honors his service as Chief Justice of the Mississippi Supreme Court, Attorney General, Secretary of State, two-term State Senator, and Brigadier General in the Mississippi National Guard. The resolution recognizes his career spanning multiple branches of state government and his efforts to improve judicial transparency and access to justice. It contains no policy changes or funding provisions, serving solely as a formal tribute.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SC 506) is a concurrent resolution expressing the Mississippi Legislature's sympathy to the surviving family of former State Senator Nickey Reed Browning of Pontotoc, Mississippi, following his death on October 29, 2024. It commends his 24-year service in the Senate, his community leadership, and his role as a longtime coach for the Pontotoc Red Sox American Legion Baseball team. The resolution formally extends condolences and recognizes his contributions to Pontotoc and Union Counties. As a commemorative measure, it does not create any new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryBill SC 504 is a commemorative resolution extending the Mississippi Senate's deepest sympathy to the family of Charles James Pittman, a former Mississippi State Senator and former staff member to Governor Haley Barbour. The resolution also commends his decades of public service, including founding the "MS Singing Senators" and his dedication to Mississippi communities. It honors his legacy of ethics, community involvement, and service to the state, as detailed in the resolution's preamble. This procedural resolution does not create new laws or affect policy, but serves as a formal tribute.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 30) expresses the Mississippi Senate's condolences to the family of Representative Charles L. Young, Jr., following his passing on December 19, 2024. It formally extends sympathy to his surviving family members, recognizing his service as a Democrat representing Mississippi's 82nd District since 2012. The resolution does not create any new policies or affect any specific laws, as it is a ceremonial expression of respect for a deceased legislator.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SR 33) is a ceremonial resolution honoring Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU) for its 75th anniversary. It formally recognizes MVSU's historical role in Mississippi higher education, including its founding in 1946 as a vocational college and its evolution into a university offering diverse academic programs. The resolution commends MVSU's contributions to the state and nation and extends congratulations to its students, faculty, and administration. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws or obligations but serves to publicly acknowledge the institution's legacy.

Maddy summarySB 2522 created a 9-member task force to study historical funding disparities between Alcorn State University and other Mississippi public universities, particularly Mississippi State University (a land-grant institution). The task force was required to examine past underfunding impacts on students and faculty, and propose solutions for restoring adequate funding and future parity. The bill died in committee on February 4, 2025, before the task force could be formed or submit its required report by December 31, 2025. This procedural bill did not enact any funding changes, as it failed to advance beyond committee review.