Sen. Lydia Chassaniol

Maddy summaryThis resolution directs Mississippi's Senate Rules Committee to contract with the Department of Finance and Administration and the Mississippi Department of Archives and History to restore four original ornate electric globe light fixtures in the Senate Chamber. The fixtures, removed during mid-20th century renovations, were originally installed in 1903 and designed by architect Theodore Link to flank the presiding officer's platform. The restoration will use fluted brass stands matching the historic design, aiming to restore architectural authenticity and eliminate evening session darkness in the chamber. Funding would come through legislative appropriations or historic preservation grants.

Maddy summarySB 2632 is a procedural bill that reorganizes existing sections of Mississippi's Emergency Management Law (Mississippi Code of 1972) by moving specific code sections (33-15-1 through 33-15-53) to new positions in the code. It does not change the content or policy of these sections, which cover definitions, purposes, and structure of the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA). The bill’s sole purpose is to facilitate future amendments by updating the code’s numbering. This reorganization affects the legal code itself, not individuals or entities, and requires no action from the public or agencies.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the Town of Vaiden, Mississippi, to impose a 2% tax on restaurant sales to fund tourism and parks and recreation projects. The tax would apply only to businesses selling prepared food and beverages within the town, excluding facilities like schools and hospitals. Before the tax can be implemented, it must be approved by at least 60% of voters in a special election, with public notice published for three weeks prior to the vote. If approved, the town must collect the tax through the state Department of Revenue, keep the funds in a separate special account, and submit annual audits to ensure the money is used solely for its designated purposes. The bill also sets a sunset date of July 1, 2030, after which the tax authority would expire unless renewed.

Maddy summarySB 2898 directs the State Treasurer and State Fiscal Officer to transfer $20 million from Mississippi's Capital Expense Fund to the Disaster Assistance Trust Fund upon the bill's effective date. This technical amendment reallocates existing state funds without creating new programs or changing eligibility for disaster assistance. The transfer affects state budget accounting by moving money between two designated funds (Fund No. 6499C00000 to Fund No. 3372500000) to support disaster response resources. The bill has no direct impact on citizens or businesses but modifies how state funds are allocated. It takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution extends the Mississippi Senate's condolences to the family of Warner Alford, Jr., a former University of Mississippi Athletic Director who passed away in March 2026. The resolution recognizes Alford's extensive contributions to Ole Miss athletics, including his 16-year tenure as director during which he expanded the program from eight to 15 sports and oversaw significant facility improvements. It also highlights his numerous honors, including inductions into multiple halls of fame, and notes his continued service to the university after retirement through alumni work and scholarship programs.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution formally commends the Ole Miss Women's Rifle Team and Coach Will Shaner for winning the program's first-ever NCAA team title in the smallbore event. It also recognizes team member Audrey Gogniat for defending her individual air rifle national championship. The resolution acknowledges the team's historic achievements at the 2026 NCAA Tournament, including multiple podium finishes and individual high scores. This document serves as an official gesture of appreciation from the Mississippi State Legislature to the athletes and coaching staff for their accomplishments.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $20 million from the Disaster Assistance Trust Fund to Mississippi's Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) for disaster response and recovery costs. It specifically covers expenses related to the severe weather event beginning January 24, 2026, and other state disaster obligations, effective from passage through June 30, 2027. The funds are intended to cover MEMA's costs for managing disaster response and recovery efforts during this period. This is a straightforward funding allocation with no new policy provisions.

Maddy summarySB 2272 exempts specific agricultural and logging items from Mississippi's 1.5% state sales tax, including livestock fencing materials and agricultural lime purchased by commercial farmers for farming use. The bill amends tax code sections to remove the 1.5% tax rate for these items and requires the Department of Revenue to create a permit application process for commercial farmers seeking the exemption. This directly affects commercial farmers buying qualifying materials, reducing their tax burden on essential farming supplies. The policy change is a concrete tax adjustment, not a new fee or mandate beyond the sales tax exemption.

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 2578 creates a state fund to help small Mississippi municipalities (with under 10,000 residents) access federal grants by providing matching funds. It requires participating towns to contribute 20% of eligible project costs, with the state fund covering the remaining 80% to draw down federal money. The fund also allows reimbursement for up to 1.25% of its total amount for oversight costs by the Department of Finance and Administration. The department must annually report fund usage and costs to state officials, and the bill takes effect July 1, 2026.