Sen. Bart Williams

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 4) is a ceremonial measure commending the Choctaw County High School Chargers football team and head coach Dillon Mitchell for winning their first MHSAA Class 3A state championship in 2024. It formally recognizes the team's 14-1 record, championship victory over Noxubee County, and specific athletic achievements detailed in the resolution. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it solely serves as a symbolic gesture of approval from the Mississippi Senate to honor the team, coaches, and school officials.

Maddy summaryThis Mississippi bill provides $164,556 in general funds and authorizes $342,584 in special funds for the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway Development Authority to operate during fiscal year 2025. The legislation authorizes three permanent staff positions and includes standard financial rules, such as prohibiting the use of state vehicles for non-official purposes and requiring the agency to give purchasing preference to Mississippi Industries for the Blind when bids are equal. It also mandates that the agency maintain detailed accounting records similar to the previous year and submit its 2026 budget request in a comparable format. The bill sets a deadline for spending the funds and holds responsible officers accountable for any financial obligations that exceed the approved appropriation.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates state funds to cover the operating expenses and salaries for the Mississippi State Veterans Affairs Board and the Mississippi State Veterans Homes for the 2025 fiscal year. It authorizes specific staffing levels for both entities and includes strict rules to prevent using general funds to replace federal or special source money, while also ensuring no employee salaries fall below state minimums. Additionally, the legislation provides $250,000 to assist indigent or low-income veterans and eligible surviving spouses with care costs and grants the Board limited authority to transfer up to 25% of its budget between the Board and the Homes to manage cash reserves more efficiently.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates approximately $11 million from state funds to cover the operating expenses of the Mississippi Gaming Commission for the 2025 fiscal year. The funding supports a permanent staff of 120 employees and includes specific rules to prevent salary increases for current workers, ensuring that new hires do not displace existing positions. Additionally, the legislation directs $75,000 to the Mississippi Council on Compulsive Gambling and establishes performance targets for regulating riverboat casinos and charitable bingo halls. The bill also mandates that the agency give preference to the Mississippi Industries for the Blind when purchasing goods and services.

Maddy summaryThe SAFER Act establishes new state laws in Mississippi that require public schools and universities to maintain separate restrooms, changing facilities, and student housing spaces for males and females. Under this legislation, these areas must be designated exclusively for one sex or configured as single-occupant or family-use rooms with secure locks to ensure privacy. The law also restricts entry into these spaces, allowing access only for specific reasons such as assisting young children, responding to emergencies, or performing official government duties. Additionally, the bill defines terms like "female" and "male" based solely on biological sex determined at birth and mandates that social fraternities and sororities on public land adhere to these single-sex housing definitions.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates approximately $220 million to the Mississippi Department of Transportation's Office of State Aid Road Construction for the fiscal year 2025 to fund road maintenance and bridge repair projects. The legislation authorizes the hiring of 54 permanent staff members and establishes strict rules to ensure salary funds are used only for new hires rather than raises or promotions for existing employees. Additionally, the bill sets specific performance targets for the agency, such as completing a certain number of road and bridge projects and maintaining administrative costs at or below 5% of construction spending. It also designates up to $40 million specifically for replacing structurally deficient bridges on the Local System Bridge Program.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides $5,374,870 in state funding to cover the operating expenses of the Mississippi State Personnel Board for fiscal year 2025. The legislation authorizes the hiring of 46 permanent staff members and establishes strict rules to ensure that these funds are used only to fill vacant positions rather than for salary increases, promotions, or title changes for current employees. It also mandates that the Board publish projected payroll costs and requires written approval from the Department of Finance and Administration before any salary escalations can occur. Additionally, the bill includes a preference for purchasing goods from the Mississippi Industries for the Blind when bids are equal and requires the agency to maintain detailed financial records.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates state funds to cover the operating expenses of the Mississippi Department of Information Technology Services and the Wireless Communication Commission for the 2025 fiscal year. It authorizes the hiring of 132 permanent staff positions for the IT department and 10 for the Wireless Communication Commission, while establishing strict rules to prevent using these funds for salary increases or promotions of existing employees. The legislation also permits a limited transfer of up to $750,000 to help manage cash flow within the IT department's revolving fund and requires that all contracts follow state procurement laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates over $180 million in state funds to cover the general expenses and operations of the Mississippi National Guard for fiscal year 2025. The legislation authorizes the hiring of specific permanent and time-limited positions while prohibiting the use of general funds to replace federal salary support. Additionally, the bill directs money toward specific programs and facilities, including support for the Youth Challenge Program, the Armed Forces Military Museum, and renovations at the Southaven Armory and Youth Challenge Academy. It also establishes procedures for transferring funds to meet federal grant requirements and mandates a preference for purchasing goods from Mississippi Industries for the Blind when bids are equal.