Sen. Bart Williams

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 summarySR 62 is a procedural resolution passed by the Mississippi Senate to formally congratulate Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Darius Slay, Jr., on winning Super Bowl LIX with the Eagles in 2025. The resolution specifically honors Slay's background as a former Mississippi State Bulldogs player and Itawamba Community College standout, recognizing his role in the Eagles' 40-22 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. This resolution does not create new laws or policies but serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment of Slay's athletic achievement and ties to Mississippi institutions. It was adopted by the Senate on March 6, 2025, and will be presented to Slay, the Eagles organization, and Mississippi State and Itawamba Community College leaders.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 67) formally recognizes the 150th anniversary of the Mississippi Dental Association (MDA), which was founded in 1875. It does not create new laws or policies; instead, it symbolically honors the MDA's historical role in advancing dental care, promoting oral health, and supporting over 1,000 dentists across Mississippi. The resolution expresses the state Senate's appreciation for the MDA's contributions to public health and professional standards over 150 years. It directly affects the MDA by publicly acknowledging its anniversary, with no concrete policy changes or financial implications.

Maddy summaryThis resolution commends the life and service of U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Andrew Loyd Eaves, a Mississippi native and Black Hawk helicopter pilot who died in a 2025 training mission crash near Washington, D.C. It expresses the Mississippi Legislature’s sympathy to his family and honors his memory as a fallen soldier. The resolution has no policy provisions or direct impact beyond ceremonial recognition.

Maddy summarySB 2597 established an Executive Committee under Mississippi's Interagency Coordinating Council for Children and Youth (ICCCY) to coordinate mental health resources for K-12 and postsecondary students. The committee, composed of education and health officials, must develop mental health training for school staff, create age-appropriate mental health materials for students and parents, and build an online resource guide for schools to post on their websites starting in 2025. It also requires an annual report by October 1 on state-funded mental health programs for children and adolescents, to be shared with key legislative committees. The bill died in committee on March 4, 2025, and did not become law. It directly affected Mississippi public schools, community colleges, and universities by mandating coordinated mental health infrastructure.

Maddy summarySB 2221 requires all 9 public universities and 15 community colleges in Mississippi to report on coeducational dormitory safety policies by October 1, 2025. Institutions must detail coed dorm configurations (e.g., shared floors, bathrooms, common areas), guest policies, access methods, and compare safety incidents between coed and single-sex housing. The Board of Trustees and Mississippi Community College Board must compile these reports and submit a consolidated summary to the legislature by December 1, 2025. The bill died in committee on March 4, 2025, so it has not become law and no policy changes have taken effect.

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 2301 authorizes Mississippi's Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) to purchase three specific land parcels on East Hamilton Street in Jackson (at 303, 323, and 337 East Hamilton Street) for state office and parking use. The bill requires the DFA to pay no more than the current fair market value, determined by two certified appraisals, and covers related closing costs. This procedural bill focuses solely on enabling the state to acquire these properties, with no impact on citizens or businesses.

Maddy summarySB 2443 proposed establishing Mississippi's Technology Innovation Fund to support government technology projects. The fund would provide grants and other support to state agencies, schools, nonprofits, and private companies partnering with government to develop digital solutions for improving public services, cybersecurity, and efficiency. Recipients would need to report progress to the state's Chief Information Officer, who would also submit annual reports to the Governor and Legislature. However, the bill died in committee on March 4, 2025, and did not become law.

Maddy summarySB 2598 would allow retired Mississippi public school teachers or administrators (who retired at least 90 days ago, hold a valid teaching license, and receive retirement pay) to return to work as teachers while continuing to receive their retirement allowance. It removes the previous 30-year service requirement and permits school districts to pay up to 150% of the standard salary for returning retirees, with 50% of that amount paid directly to the retirement system to offset pension costs. The bill restricts hiring to districts with critical teacher or subject-area shortages, requires district certification of qualifications, and limits total reemployment to five years. The bill died in committee on March 4, 2025, and was never enacted.