Sen. Sarita Simmons

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes Mississippi to issue state general obligation bonds to fund accessibility improvements at Alcorn State University, specifically for repairs and renovations to meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. The funds would cover costs for making university buildings and facilities accessible, directly benefiting Alcorn State University and its students, faculty, and staff. The State Bond Commission would issue the bonds, backed by the state's full faith and credit, with proceeds directed to a special fund for the university's ADA compliance projects. The bill focuses solely on authorizing the bond financing mechanism, not on specific renovation details or project timelines.

Maddy summarySB 3035 authorizes Mississippi to issue state general obligation bonds to fund repairs, renovations, expansions, and upgrades to the David L. Whitney (HPER) Arena Complex and Wellness Center at Alcorn State University. The bonds, backed by the full credit of the State of Mississippi, will be sold to raise funds specifically for these campus facility improvements. The proceeds will be managed through a dedicated special fund and directly benefit Alcorn State University students, staff, and athletic programs by modernizing their primary sports and wellness facilities. This bill is a funding mechanism, not a policy change, and does not affect other institutions or programs.

Maddy summarySB 2842 would remove Mississippi's state sales tax on groceries that qualify for purchase with federal food stamps (SNAP benefits). It defines eligible items as food or drink for human consumption that can be bought using USDA food assistance. The bill amends existing tax code sections to add this exemption, making such purchases tax-free for shoppers. This change directly affects grocery shoppers buying SNAP-eligible items and retailers selling them.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 44 is a symbolic resolution expressing Mississippi's support for strengthening economic and diplomatic ties with Taiwan. It does not create new laws or programs but formally encourages the state to support U.S.-Taiwan trade (noting $201.1 billion in 2025 trade), advocate for Taiwan's participation in international organizations like the WHO, and establish a Mississippi Trade and Investment Office in Taiwan. The resolution also supports a U.S.-Taiwan tax agreement and counters efforts by China to limit Taiwan's global engagement. As a non-binding expression of support, it directly affects Mississippi's diplomatic posture but does not impose new obligations or changes to existing policies.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate Resolution (SR 40), not a bill with policy changes. It formally commends The Links, Incorporated - a national nonprofit founded in 1946 with over 17,000 members - for its community service, including its seven Mississippi chapters. The resolution honors the organization ahead of its "Mississippi Links Day at the Capitol 2026" event on February 11, 2026, where members will engage in advocacy and civic activities. As a procedural resolution, it has no legal effect and simply expresses legislative appreciation.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate Resolution (not a bill) recognizing blues musician Jesse Robinson as the 2026 recipient of Mississippi's Governor's Arts Award for Lifetime Achievement. It formally extends the Mississippi Senate's recognition to Robinson, honoring his decades-long contributions to Mississippi's blues music heritage. The resolution describes his career milestones, including his role in Jackson's blues scene, collaborations with artists like Bobby Rush, and work promoting blues education. It will be presented to Robinson personally and shared with the press. (Note: This resolution has no legal effect - it is purely symbolic recognition.)

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate Resolution (SR 13), not a legislative bill with policy changes. It formally recognizes Master Chairmaker Greg Harkins of Thomastown, Mississippi, as the recipient of the 2026 Governor's Arts Award for Excellence in Traditional Craft. The resolution celebrates his 50-year career creating heirloom furniture, his national/international recognition (including chairs gifted to six U.S. Presidents and Pope John Paul II), and his role as a cultural ambassador for Mississippi. As a purely symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws or affect any policies.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 16 is a ceremonial resolution recognizing the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra (MSO) as the 2026 recipient of the Governor's Arts Award for Excellence in Performing Arts. It formally extends the Mississippi Senate's recognition to MSO, the state's largest professional performing arts organization based in Jackson, for its contributions to Mississippi's cultural landscape. The resolution does not create new laws, funding, or obligations - it serves solely as a symbolic honor acknowledging MSO's 80-year history, educational programs, and statewide impact through music. The Senate will present this resolution to MSO's director, Crafton Beck, and share it with the press.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 15) formally recognizes Mississippi composer, playwright, and performer Heather Christian as the 2026 recipient of the Governor's Arts Award for Excellence in Music Composition. The resolution serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment of her artistic achievements, including her MacArthur Fellowship and national awards, without creating any new laws or policies. It does not affect any individuals or organizations beyond this formal recognition. As a procedural resolution, it has no legislative impact and simply extends the Mississippi Senate's congratulations to Christian.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 17 is a commemorative resolution recognizing Dorothy "Dottie" Armstrong of Newton, Mississippi, as the recipient of the 2026 Governor's Arts Award for Excellence in Arts Education. The resolution formally extends the Mississippi Senate's recognition to Armstrong for her decades-long work as an art educator, including founding school art programs, creating public murals, and running a community art studio. This resolution has no policy impact - it solely serves to publicly honor her contributions to arts education in Mississippi, as she has been selected for an existing state award.