Sen. Bart Williams

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $7,222,072 for the Mississippi State Treasurer's Office operations during fiscal year 2027 (July 2026-June 2027). It specifically allocates $3,719,488 for employee salaries, wages, and benefits, authorizing 38 permanent staff positions including one new "Program Specialist III" role. The bill restricts how funds can be used - prohibiting their reallocation for promotions or salary increases beyond the budgeted amount - and requires compliance with the state's Variable Compensation Plan for salaries. It also includes $150,000 for investing in the Education Improvement Trust Fund.

Maddy summarySB 2898 directs the State Treasurer and State Fiscal Officer to transfer $20 million from Mississippi's Capital Expense Fund to the Disaster Assistance Trust Fund upon the bill's effective date. This technical amendment reallocates existing state funds without creating new programs or changing eligibility for disaster assistance. The transfer affects state budget accounting by moving money between two designated funds (Fund No. 6499C00000 to Fund No. 3372500000) to support disaster response resources. The bill has no direct impact on citizens or businesses but modifies how state funds are allocated. It takes effect immediately upon passage.

Maddy summarySB 2654 creates a State Security Operations Center (SSOC) within Mississippi’s Department of Information Technology Services (ITS) to serve as the state’s centralized cybersecurity operations hub. The SSOC will provide continuous monitoring, threat detection, incident response, and technical support to all state agencies subject to cybersecurity rules under Section 25-53-201, requiring agencies to report incidents, cooperate with SSOC efforts, and implement corrective actions. The Executive Director of ITS gains authority to enforce compliance through additional oversight, system access restrictions, or fees for noncompliance. The SSOC must submit annual reports detailing operations, incident responses, and future priorities to state leadership, all while complementing but not replacing existing cybersecurity governance under Section 25-53-201.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally recognizes and congratulates the Eupora High School Eagles cheerleading team and their coaches, Jamie Walker and Kristy Tindall, for winning the 2025 MHSAA 2A State Championship. The document lists the individual student-athletes who competed and highlights the team's performance, discipline, and sportsmanship throughout the season. It directs that the resolution be presented to the coaches and made available to the press corps. This is a ceremonial acknowledgment rather than a law that changes policy or affects public programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $20 million from the Disaster Assistance Trust Fund to Mississippi's Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) for disaster response and recovery costs. It specifically covers expenses related to the severe weather event beginning January 24, 2026, and other state disaster obligations, effective from passage through June 30, 2027. The funds are intended to cover MEMA's costs for managing disaster response and recovery efforts during this period. This is a straightforward funding allocation with no new policy provisions.

Maddy summaryMississippi Senate Bill 2895 manages unspent American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds by requiring state agencies to report on unused funds by October 2025 and directing the transfer of available funds to specific new accounts by September 30, 2026. It creates dedicated funds like the ARPA-MDOT Maintenance Project Fund and extends deadlines for programs such as hospital sustainability grants and rural water infrastructure projects. The bill mandates grant recipients to certify they will complete projects by specified dates or use other funds if not finished on time. It affects state agencies administering ARPA programs and local governments or organizations receiving these grants. The legislation ensures all ARPA funds are fully expended by December 31, 2026, through structured reporting and reallocation.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution congratulates former Mississippi State Senator Bobby Chamberlin on his investiture as a United States District Court Judge for the Northern District of Mississippi. The resolution recognizes his judicial career, including his service on the Mississippi Supreme Court and previous roles as a municipal judge and prosecutor. It also notes his confirmation by the U.S. Senate and includes a statement of support from Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith. The resolution will be presented at Chamberlin's investiture ceremony and shared with the press.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution formally recognizes Josh Hubbard, a basketball player from Madison, Mississippi, for his outstanding achievements at Mississippi State University. The document highlights his on-court statistics, including his All-SEC honors and record-breaking three-point shooting, as well as his off-court community service work. It notes his leadership in initiatives like the "Buckets for Wishes" campaign and his contributions to local youth programs. The resolution serves as an official commendation from the Mississippi Senate rather than a law with enforceable requirements.

Maddy summarySB 3097 appropriates $5,373,698 from the state general fund to cover the State Personnel Board's operations for fiscal year 2027 (July 2026-June 2027). The funds specifically support personnel costs, including employee salaries, benefits, and "Vacancy Funding" to fill unfilled positions authorized as of June 2026. The bill restricts spending to prevent exceeding the budgeted amount for "Personal Services" and requires the Board to publish annual cost projections based on payroll data. It ensures no salary reductions below the Board's minimum standards and prohibits using general funds to replace other funding sources.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $9,771,233 from the state General Fund and $1,673,699 from a special fund to cover the Mississippi Gaming Commission’s operating expenses for fiscal year 2027. It specifically restricts the use of these funds - requiring all "Personal Services" money (covering staff salaries, benefits, and approved vacancies) to stay within authorized headcount levels (113 permanent positions) and prohibiting salary increases for current employees. The funds must not be used for promotions, title changes, or replacing federal funds, and any new hires must utilize designated "Vacancy Funding" rather than increasing overall salary budgets. The commission must comply with Mississippi’s Variable Compensation Plan and ensure spending aligns with the approved budget for FY2027.