Sen. Sarita Simmons

Maddy summarySB 2389 would expand Mississippi Medicaid eligibility to include low-income adults who qualify under the federal Affordable Care Act (ACA), specifically those with incomes up to 138% of the federal poverty level who are currently excluded from Mississippi Medicaid. The bill amends state law to automatically include these individuals in Medicaid coverage and requires that they receive essential health benefits. This change would allow eligible adults to enroll directly in Medicaid instead of navigating the ACA marketplace. The bill died in committee in 2026 and did not become law.

Maddy summarySB 2582, the "Robert G. Clark, Jr., Voting Rights Act of Mississippi," would establish statewide protections against voter suppression and vote dilution for Mississippi voters, particularly affecting protected classes defined as racial, ethnic, or language minority groups. Key provisions include creating the Mississippi Voting Rights Commission to review election changes (like district maps or voting locations) before implementation, requiring public notice of voting-related changes, and mandating accommodations for limited English proficient and disabled voters. The bill prohibits election policies that disproportionately harm protected class members or dilute their voting power, with enforcement through legal actions. However, the bill died in committee on February 3, 2026, and did not advance to the full legislature.

Maddy summarySB 2037 appropriates $15,146,621 from general funds and $18,863,565 from special funds to support the Mississippi Secretary of State's office for fiscal year 2026 (July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026). The bill restricts $7,842,078 to "Personal Services" (salaries, wages, and benefits for 108 authorized positions), prohibiting use for promotions or raises and requiring strict adherence to annual budget limits. It mandates detailed accounting, prohibits using general funds to replace withdrawn special funds, and bans nepotistic hiring (paying relatives within the third degree). This procedural bill focuses solely on funding allocation for the office's existing duties, with no new policy changes.

Maddy summarySB 2042 provides $12.6 million in state funding for Mississippi's Department of Audit to cover salaries and operational costs during fiscal year 2026 (July 2025-June 2026). It directly affects the Department of Audit and county governments by ensuring audits of public offices and federal programs are conducted. Key provisions restrict spending to specific categories (like employee salaries and "Vacancy Funding" for unfilled positions) and require adherence to salary guidelines set by the State Personnel Board. The bill also mandates performance targets, such as auditing 60% of county finances through outside firms and recovering $600,000 in misused funds through investigations. This funding bill was enacted after approval by the governor on June 17, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 2028 appropriates $9.59 million from general funds and $19.95 million from special sources (including fees and museum admissions) to cover the fiscal year 2026 operating expenses of Mississippi's Department of Agriculture and Commerce. The bill specifically allocates $15.21 million for "Personal Services" (salaries, wages, and benefits) for 235 authorized positions (222 permanent, 13 time-limited), with strict rules preventing fund diversion for non-salary purposes or exceeding budgeted amounts. It also authorizes three new positions (two inspectors and a Trade Mart assistant manager) and includes $1.1 million for the Beaver Control Program. The bill mandates compliance with state personnel rules and IRS reporting requirements for contractor payments.

Maddy summarySB 2027 provides $34.5 million in state funding for Mississippi's Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) during fiscal year 2026 (July 2025-June 2026). It allocates $5.9 million from general funds for regular operations and $28.6 million from special funds for agency support, with $18.99 million strictly reserved for salaries, benefits, and "Vacancy Funding" to fill open positions (not for raises). The bill also sets aside $585,056 for disaster assistance programs, including public aid, individual grants, and mitigation efforts. All spending is subject to strict budget caps and rules to prevent exceeding appropriations.

Maddy summarySB 2046 appropriates over $322 million to fund the Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) for fiscal year 2026 (July 2025-June 2026), directly affecting the MDA’s operations and staff. It specifies strict limits on "Personal Services" funding ($16.5 million total for salaries, benefits, and unfilled positions), requiring that vacancy funds be used *only* to fill authorized roles - not for raises or promotions - and mandates compliance with state personnel pay rules. The bill ties funding to measurable performance targets, including creating 3,000 new jobs, securing 1,500 international investment contracts, and processing 250 minority business certifications. It prohibits using funds to replace withdrawn federal money or violate IRS reporting rules, while requiring the MDA to report on progress toward its annual goals.

Maddy summarySB 2044 appropriates $119.6 million in state funds for Mississippi's Department of Finance and Administration to cover expenses during fiscal year 2026 (July 2025-June 2026). It specifically allocates $75.3 million for department operations and $6.3 million for the Tort Claims Board, with strict limits on how funds can be used for salaries and staff positions. The bill requires the department to stay within a fixed budget for "Personal Services" ($26.4 million), authorizing 301 total staff positions (300 permanent, 1 time-limited), and prohibits using vacancy funds for promotions or salary increases for current employees. All spending must comply with Mississippi's Variable Compensation Plan and cannot exceed the approved budget without new legislative funding.

Maddy summarySB 2033 provides $5,352,002 in state funding for the Mississippi State Personnel Board to cover its operations during fiscal year 2026 (July 2025-June 2026). The bill specifically allocates $4,424,204 for "Personal Services" (employee salaries, wages, and benefits) to support 47 authorized positions, with strict rules preventing funds from being diverted to other categories or used for promotions. It requires the Board to track spending against this budget, ensures salaries comply with established minimums, and mandates that any new staffing must be approved by the Legislature with additional funding.

Maddy summarySB 2030 appropriates $1,913,967 from general funds and $1,287,795 from special funds to cover the Mississippi Board of Animal Health’s expenses for fiscal year 2026 (July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026). The bill specifically allocates $2,131,775 for "Personal Services" (salaries, wages, and fringe benefits) to support 28 authorized positions (23 permanent, 5 time-limited), with strict limits preventing overspending on personnel costs. It requires the Board to maintain detailed financial records and comply with state personnel rules, including a cap on annualized salary expenditures. This funding directly affects the Board’s operational budget and staffing for animal health oversight in Mississippi.