Sen. Sarita Simmons

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SR 18), not a policy bill. It formally recognizes filmmaker Tate Taylor of Natchez, Mississippi, as the 2025 recipient of the Governor's Arts Award for Excellence in Motion Picture. The resolution commends Taylor for his film work (including *The Help* and *Get On Up*), his economic impact on Mississippi through filming locations and job creation, and his community contributions like restoring historic sites and supporting local businesses. It has no legal effect or policy changes - it simply offers official Senate recognition.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a concurrent resolution that asks the Mississippi Legislature to officially apologize for the state's role in the 1955 murder of Emmett Till and the subsequent acquittal of his killers. The resolution expresses regret for the hostile environment in Mississippi that allowed the crime to occur and for the legal system's failure to hold the perpetrators accountable. It also calls for the state to remember Till's legacy and encourages the teaching of Civil Rights history to prevent future injustices. The text explicitly states that this symbolic gesture is not intended to serve as a basis for any legal lawsuits.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the Mississippi Adequate Education Program by changing how the base cost of educating a student is calculated and how funds are distributed to school districts. It requires the base student cost to increase annually by 25% of the previous year's cost, adjusted for inflation, while also mandating that 90% of state contributions be spent on teacher salaries and classroom resources rather than administrative roles. The legislation sets specific rules for funding charter schools, requiring them to return prorated funds if students return to their home districts, and ensures that no district receives less state funding in 2025 than it did in 2024. Ultimately, the bill aims to standardize the formula used to determine the amount of money each school district receives to support its students.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates state funds to cover the operating expenses of the Department of Finance and Administration, the Tort Claims Board, and the Mississippi Commission on the Status of Women for the 2025 fiscal year. It authorizes specific permanent and time-limited job positions within the Department of Finance and Administration and the Tort Claims Board while establishing strict rules to prevent using these funds for salary increases or promotions of current employees. The legislation also includes provisions requiring that general funds not replace withdrawn federal money and ensuring compliance with tax reporting requirements for contract workers.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates state funds to cover the operating expenses of the Mississippi Development Authority for the fiscal year 2025. The legislation authorizes specific amounts from the State General Fund and the State Treasury to finance the agency's activities, including economic development, community grants, and tourism promotion. Additionally, the bill sets limits on new employee positions and salary increases while establishing performance targets for job creation and business recruitment. It also designates specific portions of the funding for tourism advertising and the operation of state welcome centers.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new trust fund to provide death benefits to Mississippi law enforcement officers and firefighters who die or suffer fatal injuries while performing official duties. It increases the base death benefit payment to $150,000 and allows for an additional $25,000 per child, with a maximum total payout of $250,000, while also authorizing up to $15,000 for funeral expenses. The legislation creates a separate fund for training and equipment grants, directing any money remaining in the death benefits trust after maintaining a $4 million minimum balance to support enhanced training or safety gear for covered individuals.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $12,799,648 from the state treasury to fund the Mississippi Department of Banking and Consumer Finance for fiscal year 2025. The funding supports 86 permanent staff positions and includes strict rules to prevent using these funds for salary increases or promotions of current employees, ensuring money is only used to fill vacant roles. Additionally, the legislation mandates that if multiple bids are equal in price and quality, the state must give preference to the Mississippi Industries for the Blind when purchasing goods or services. The bill also requires the department to maintain detailed financial records and prohibits using general funds to replace any withdrawn federal or special funds.