Sen. Bart Williams

Maddy summarySB 2038 appropriates $666,936 from the State General Fund to cover the Board of Tax Appeals' expenses for fiscal year 2026 (July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026). The bill specifically allocates $586,081 for "Personal Services" (employee salaries, wages, and benefits) for six authorized permanent positions, with $58,608 designated as "Vacancy Funding" for unfilled roles. It prohibits using these funds for promotions, salary increases, or non-salary adjustments, requiring strict adherence to Mississippi's Variable Compensation Plan and budget limits. The Board must maintain detailed financial records matching FY2025 standards and follow state procurement preferences for the Mississippi Industries for the Blind.

Maddy summarySB 2039 allocates $6,164,999 in state funds for the Mississippi Workers' Compensation Commission's operations during fiscal year 2026, including $5,000,826 specifically for employee salaries and benefits. The bill strictly limits "Personal Services" spending to $5.00M (covering salaries, fringe benefits, and vacancy funding for 55 authorized positions) and requires the Commission to maintain detailed records and meet specific performance targets, such as resolving 900 cases within three months. It also appropriates $25,000 for the Second Injury Fund and mandates a safety training contract with the private sector. This is a funding bill with no new policy provisions, solely authorizing budgeted expenditures for the Commission's existing responsibilities.

Maddy summarySB 2741 establishes a licensing requirement for professional music therapists in Mississippi, effective January 1, 2026. It mandates that only licensed individuals may use titles implying they are professional music therapists, directly affecting practitioners and ensuring the public receives services from qualified providers. The bill creates a Music Therapy Advisory Committee to advise the State Department of Health, sets licensure qualifications, renewal rules, and disciplinary procedures, and requires all fees collected to fund a special state account. It defines "music therapy" as evidence-based clinical practice using music interventions within a therapeutic relationship, excluding diagnosis or screening. The legislation aims to protect public health by regulating the profession and ensuring service quality.

Maddy summarySC 544 is a concurrent resolution passed by the Mississippi Senate and House of Representatives to extend condolences to Paul Gallo's family and honor his 56-year career as a talk radio host in Mississippi. It recognizes Gallo's role as a "Godfather" of Mississippi talk radio, his hosting of "The Gallo Radio Show," and his community impact - including raising nearly $3 million for children's causes through SuperTalk's Radiothon. The resolution emphasizes his dedication to amplifying Mississippi's stories, holding leaders accountable, and connecting with listeners as "family" over decades. As a ceremonial tribute, it has no policy effect or direct impact on legislation or constituents.

Maddy summaryThis Mississippi Senate resolution (SR 20) changes Senate Rule 74 to limit how many bills individual senators can introduce during a legislative session. Non-committee chair senators may introduce up to 10 bills with standard deadlines, while committee chairs may introduce up to 15. These limits do not apply to revenue bills, appropriations bills, local or private bills, or resolutions. The rule aims to manage the volume of bills introduced by senators during regular sessions.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SR 142) commending Jim Ellis for his 46-year career as the play-by-play announcer for Mississippi State University baseball. It recognizes his role as "The Voice of the Diamond Dawgs," highlighting his coverage of 11 College World Series appearances, SEC championships, and the 2021 national title. The resolution formally praises his service to MSU and the state, with no policy changes or direct impact on any laws or individuals beyond the ceremonial acknowledgment. It was adopted by the Mississippi Senate in April 2025.

Maddy summarySB 3038 appropriates $5,350,112 from the State General Fund to cover the operating costs of Mississippi's State Personnel Board for fiscal year 2026 (July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026). The bill directly affects state employees and agencies by funding personnel positions (46 permanent roles) and strictly prohibiting the use of these funds for salary increases, promotions, or title changes for current staff. Key provisions require the Personnel Board to publish projected payroll costs, ensure expenditures don’t exceed budgeted amounts, and mandate that any new salary actions require additional funding approval. The bill also includes administrative requirements for record-keeping and ensures funds comply with existing state budget laws and IRS reporting rules for contract employees.

Maddy summarySB 3040 allocates $5.67 million from the General Fund and $3.19 million from special funds to cover the operational costs and staff salaries of the State Veterans Affairs Board for fiscal year 2026 (July 2025-June 2026). It also provides $6.36 million from the General Fund and $48.53 million from special funds to support the Mississippi State Veterans Homes’ operations. Additionally, $250,000 is specifically designated to assist indigent and low-income veterans and eligible surviving spouses (under the "Hilton R. 'Jack' Vance Act of 1997"), retroactively covering prior eligibility periods. The bill focuses on funding existing programs without creating new policies or mandates.

Maddy summarySB 3018 allocates $220.38 million to Mississippi's Department of Transportation for its Office of State Aid Road Construction during fiscal year 2026. It specifically directs $40 million toward replacing structurally deficient bridges on local road systems, directly affecting communities relying on these infrastructure projects. The bill also establishes strict accounting rules for fund usage, requires performance reporting on project metrics (like bridge repairs and project timelines), and prohibits using state funds to replace withdrawn federal or special funds.

Maddy summarySB 3039 appropriates $9.5 million from the State General Fund and $157 million from specific military funds to cover the Mississippi National Guard's operational expenses for fiscal year 2026 (July 2025-June 2026). Key allocations include $2.3 million for the Youth Challenge Program at Camp Shelby, $662,778 for the Armed Forces Military Museum, and $4 million from the Education Enhancement Fund for the State Education Assistance Program. The bill prohibits using general funds to reimburse National Guard members for training costs (requiring federal funds instead) and mandates annual reporting on fund transfers to special military accounts. It also directs $1.6 million for Youth Challenge Academies renovations and prioritizes Mississippi Industries for the Blind in procurement.