Sen. Sarita Simmons

Maddy summarySB 2432 amends Mississippi Code Section 19-25-73 to remove outdated provisions about county charges for housing prisoners and Department of Corrections payments. It replaces these with a new provision allowing county boards of supervisors to contract with political subdivisions (like municipalities) for prisoner housing at agreed rates, as long as the rate is at least equal to what the state Department of Corrections pays counties. This directly affects county governments, sheriff's offices, and local political subdivisions that house inmates. The bill streamlines how counties manage inmate housing costs by removing fixed payment rules and enabling flexible local agreements. It takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 2610 renames Alcorn State University's biotechnology building in Lorman, Mississippi, to the "Willie L. Simmons Biotechnology Building" upon the retirement of Willie L. Simmons from the Mississippi Transportation Commission. The bill requires the Department of Finance and Administration to install a plaque detailing Simmons' background and service, and to add official signage displaying the new name on the building's exterior. This renaming takes effect July 1, 2026, and is purely commemorative with no policy or funding changes.

Maddy summarySB 2882 removes a requirement for Mississippi homeowners applying for homestead tax exemption to submit a copy of their property closing statement or disclosure. The bill amends Mississippi Code Section 27-33-31 to explicitly state that applicants no longer need to provide these documents to qualify. This change directly affects homeowners seeking the homestead exemption, simplifying the application process by eliminating one document submission. The policy change streamlines the administrative process for county tax assessors handling homestead exemption applications.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution congratulates former Mississippi State Senator Bobby Chamberlin on his investiture as a United States District Court Judge for the Northern District of Mississippi. The resolution recognizes his judicial career, including his service on the Mississippi Supreme Court and previous roles as a municipal judge and prosecutor. It also notes his confirmation by the U.S. Senate and includes a statement of support from Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith. The resolution will be presented at Chamberlin's investiture ceremony and shared with the press.

Maddy summarySB 2041 directs Mississippi's Department of Corrections (MDOC) to conduct a study on dyslexia prevalence among inmates. The study requires MDOC to screen inmates using approved methods, collect anonymized demographic and educational data, and analyze links between dyslexia, educational background, disciplinary records, and recidivism. All data must comply with privacy laws (HIPAA/FERPA), and inmates can opt out without penalty. MDOC must submit a report to the legislature by December 31, 2026, including findings and recommendations for potential educational or rehabilitation programs. This bill does not create new programs or funding but authorizes a data-gathering study affecting all inmates under MDOC jurisdiction.

Maddy summarySB 3097 appropriates $5,373,698 from the state general fund to cover the State Personnel Board's operations for fiscal year 2027 (July 2026-June 2027). The funds specifically support personnel costs, including employee salaries, benefits, and "Vacancy Funding" to fill unfilled positions authorized as of June 2026. The bill restricts spending to prevent exceeding the budgeted amount for "Personal Services" and requires the Board to publish annual cost projections based on payroll data. It ensures no salary reductions below the Board's minimum standards and prohibits using general funds to replace other funding sources.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $9,771,233 from the state General Fund and $1,673,699 from a special fund to cover the Mississippi Gaming Commission’s operating expenses for fiscal year 2027. It specifically restricts the use of these funds - requiring all "Personal Services" money (covering staff salaries, benefits, and approved vacancies) to stay within authorized headcount levels (113 permanent positions) and prohibiting salary increases for current employees. The funds must not be used for promotions, title changes, or replacing federal funds, and any new hires must utilize designated "Vacancy Funding" rather than increasing overall salary budgets. The commission must comply with Mississippi’s Variable Compensation Plan and ensure spending aligns with the approved budget for FY2027.

Maddy summarySB 3100 appropriates $371.8 million from Mississippi's General Fund to cover bank service charges and pay principal/interest on state bonds due between July 1, 2026, and June 30, 2027. It also allocates $51.3 million from special funds for general obligation bonds and $41.7 million for revenue bonds maturing in fiscal 2027. The bill ensures timely payments to bondholders by directing the State Treasurer to disburse funds from specified accounts as scheduled. This is a routine funding measure for existing debt obligations, not a policy change.

Maddy summarySB 3227 allows Mississippi's Governor to designate counties as "recovery zones" following the January 2026 winter storm emergency. It enables tax credits for qualified investments in businesses located within these zones, even if the businesses aren't in traditional low-income areas. Businesses must certify that investments will aid recovery from the emergency, and the tax credit authority expires June 30, 2027. This directly affects businesses in designated counties and investors seeking tax incentives under Mississippi's existing federal tax credit framework.

Maddy summarySB 2543 enacts Mississippi's participation in the Interstate Dental and Dental Hygiene Licensure Compact, allowing dentists and dental hygienists to practice across participating states more easily. The bill creates a shared system where licensees pass a uniform national exam (ADEX) and maintain one set of documents for streamlined licensure in multiple states, eliminating duplicate fees. It specifically waives application fees for military members and their spouses seeking licensure in new states. Each participating state retains full authority to regulate dental practice within its borders while sharing information to protect public safety.