Sen. Lydia Chassaniol

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SC 524), not a policy bill. It expresses the Mississippi Legislature's sympathy to Jimmy Carter's family and commends his life, public service, and legacy following his passing. The resolution details his presidency (1977-1981), key achievements like the Camp David Accords, and post-presidency work through the Carter Center. It does not create new laws or affect any individuals or policies - it is solely a symbolic gesture of remembrance. The resolution was adopted by the Mississippi Legislature on March 5, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SR 59), not a policy bill. It formally commends Kirk Academy's cross-country teams and coach Chuck Rose for winning the Class 4A Midsouth Association of Independent Schools state championships in October 2024, marking the first time both teams won in the same year since 2015. The resolution highlights specific athletes' achievements and the team's fifth girls' title and third boys' title. As a symbolic gesture, it has no policy impact or direct effect on any individuals or laws.

Maddy summaryThe Pharmacy Benefit Prompt Pay Act requires pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) to pay pharmacies promptly for medications and establishes a process for pharmacies to appeal if payments are below agreed rates. It also bans PBMs and pharmacy services organizations (PSAOs) from restricting patient choice of pharmacy, spreading pricing, or retaliating against pharmacists who exercise rights under the law. The bill mandates that PBMs, PSAOs, drug manufacturers, and health insurers report pricing and contract details to the Mississippi Board of Pharmacy, which will publish this information online for transparency. These changes directly affect pharmacies, pharmacists, PBMs, PSAOs, and health insurers operating in Mississippi.

Maddy summarySB 2309 creates a new criminal offense in Mississippi for "grooming of a child," defined as a person over 21 knowingly engaging in a pattern of communication or conduct to prepare a child under 16 for sexual activity, human trafficking, or sexual servitude. It establishes penalties of 2-10 years in prison or fines up to $10,000 for first offenses, with harsher penalties (5-20 years, up to $30,000 fines) for those in positions of trust (e.g., teachers, coaches) or repeat offenders. The bill also amends definitions in related laws, including clarifying "morphed images" as altered visual depictions making a child appear to engage in sexual conduct. It directly affects individuals over 21 targeting minors and expands legal tools to prosecute online exploitation.

Maddy summarySB 2850 requires cigarette and vape (ENDS) manufacturers in Mississippi to submit annual certifications to the Commissioner of Revenue by September 1, 2025, for vapes, leading to a public directory of approved products starting October 1, 2025. Retailers must stop selling vape products not listed in the directory after that date, with a 60-day grace period to clear existing inventory. Sellers of non-compliant products face daily fines up to $1,500 per product, and the bill mandates unannounced compliance checks by the Department of Revenue. Manufacturers must also maintain a registered agent in Mississippi for legal service.

Maddy summarySB 2883 authorizes Mississippi counties with welcome centers to receive state grants to pay for staffing using county employees (not state employees). The Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) will administer a new "Welcome Centers Staff Grant Program," providing funds to cover staffing costs like employee compensation. Counties must submit detailed budget plans for staffing needs, and grants can only be used for these expenses, funded through a dedicated state special fund that doesn’t expire annually. The bill requires MDA to report yearly on grant usage and effectiveness, though it died in committee in March 2025.

Maddy summarySR 65 is a ceremonial resolution passed by the Mississippi Senate to honor Hinds County Deputy Sheriff Martin Shields, Jr., who died in the line of duty on February 23, 2025. The resolution extends the Senate's "sincerest sympathy" to his surviving family - including his wife, daughter, and parents - and commends his law enforcement career. It has no policy provisions or financial impact; it is purely symbolic, expressing condolences and acknowledging his service. The Senate formally adopted the resolution on February 27, 2025, and will present it to his family and the Hinds County Sheriff's Office.

Maddy summarySB 2972 proposed appropriating $2.2 million from Mississippi's General Fund to Carroll County for interior improvements, restoration, and updates to the Carroll County courthouse during fiscal year 2026 (July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026). The bill would have directly affected Carroll County by providing state funding for courthouse renovation costs. However, the bill died in committee on February 26, 2025, and was never enacted into law. This was a funding bill, not a policy change, and its provisions would have applied solely to the specified courthouse project.

Maddy summarySB 2107 appropriates $2 million from Mississippi's General Fund to the Greenwood-Leflore-Carroll Economic Development Foundation for the rehabilitation, construction, and equipping of the historic Whittington Building in Greenwood. The funds would cover costs to create a mixed-use economic development hub serving the region during fiscal year 2026 (July 2025-June 2026). The bill directly affects the Foundation and local economic development efforts by providing capital for a specific property renovation. The bill died in committee on February 26, 2025, and did not become law.

Maddy summarySB 3140 proposed a $875,000 state appropriation from the General Fund to Grenada County for road improvements on Barnside Drive during fiscal year 2026 (July 2025-June 2026). The bill would have covered costs for local infrastructure work directly affecting Grenada County residents and road users. It died in committee on February 26, 2025, and did not become law. This was a straightforward funding measure with no additional provisions or policy changes.