Sen. Lydia Chassaniol

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SR 18), not a policy bill. It formally recognizes filmmaker Tate Taylor of Natchez, Mississippi, as the 2025 recipient of the Governor's Arts Award for Excellence in Motion Picture. The resolution commends Taylor for his film work (including *The Help* and *Get On Up*), his economic impact on Mississippi through filming locations and job creation, and his community contributions like restoring historic sites and supporting local businesses. It has no legal effect or policy changes - it simply offers official Senate recognition.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the joint Senate Rules and House Management Committees to reassign fourth-floor office space in the Mississippi Capitol Building. Specifically, it aims to take space currently reserved for the press and divide it equally between the Senate and the House of Representatives. The legislation relies on existing laws that grant the legislature authority to allocate office space within the new Capitol building. Although the bill was referred to the Rules Committee in January 2024, it did not advance and died in committee by May 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Senate rules to restrict access to the floor and gallery for news media members during legislative sessions. It requires journalists to have proper credentials issued by the Rules Committee to take photographs or transcribe debates, while also banning food consumption and the display of banners or signs in these areas. Additionally, the bill tightens general visitor restrictions by clarifying who is allowed on the Senate floor and mandating that the Sergeant-at-Arms clear the chamber thirty minutes before sessions begin. Although the measure was referred to the Rules Committee in January 2024, it did not advance and died in committee in May 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the Town of Vaiden, Mississippi, to potentially levy a 2% tax on restaurant sales and hotel or motel room rentals to fund local tourism and parks and recreation. The tax would apply only to businesses operating within the town and would be collected by adding the fee to the price of food, drinks, or room rates. Before the tax can be implemented, the town must hold a public election where at least 60% of voters must approve the measure. If approved, the money collected would be placed in a separate special fund, tracked independently from the town's general budget, and audited annually. The bill also establishes a sunset clause, meaning the authorization would expire on July 1, 2028, unless renewed.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new trust fund to provide death benefits to Mississippi law enforcement officers and firefighters who die or suffer fatal injuries while performing official duties. It increases the base death benefit payment to $150,000 and allows for an additional $25,000 per child, with a maximum total payout of $250,000, while also authorizing up to $15,000 for funeral expenses. The legislation creates a separate fund for training and equipment grants, directing any money remaining in the death benefits trust after maintaining a $4 million minimum balance to support enhanced training or safety gear for covered individuals.