Sen. Bart Williams

Maddy summarySB 2732 requires Mississippi consumer reporting agencies to place a free security freeze on a child’s credit report upon request from the Bureau of Vital Statistics. The bill directs health care facilities to provide parents with a form (at their discretion) to authorize this freeze within 10 days of a child’s birth. This applies only to children born in Mississippi health care facilities, creating a new procedure to block access to a child’s credit report before identity theft could occur. The law uses existing federal credit freeze rules (15 USC § 1681c-1) and takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryMississippi Senate Bill 2293 amends the state's student funding formula to increase the weight and multiplier for gifted education funding. It requires that all funds allocated under this revised calculation go directly toward gifted education instruction in schools. The bill also adds seventh- and eighth-grade students enrolled in career and technical education courses to the calculation for those funds. This change affects all Mississippi public school districts serving students identified as gifted, increasing their per-pupil funding for specialized gifted programs. The bill does not specify the exact new percentage but revises the existing 14.5% weight calculation method.

Maddy summarySB 2874, the "Gold and Silver Commemorative Coin Act," authorizes Mississippi's State Treasurer to contract with a minting company to produce one-ounce commemorative coins in gold or silver. The coins must feature the state name, "In God We Trust," the minting year, the Great Seal on one side, and a magnolia flower on the reverse, with no monetary value or human imagery. The Treasurer can sell the coins at or above cost (metal value plus fees), depositing profits into the state general fund (retaining 20% for administrative costs), effective July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryMississippi SB 2242 establishes the "Moving Mathematics in Mississippi" (M3) program to improve math education across public K-12 schools. It requires schools to implement K-5 math screening with targeted interventions for struggling students, use 5th-grade test scores as an Algebra-Readiness Indicator to guide middle school placement, and expand math coaching for teachers in all grade bands. The bill mandates grade-specific professional development aligned with state standards and creates a state fund to support these initiatives. These changes directly affect all Mississippi public school students, teachers, and districts through new assessment protocols and support structures.

Maddy summarySB 2344 requires students at Mississippi's public colleges and universities to complete a financial literacy course (at least one credit hour) as a graduation requirement, starting fall 2027. The course must cover practical topics like budgeting, debt management, student loans, taxes, and retirement planning, using real-world simulations rather than commercial content. Institutions can deliver the course through various formats (online, embedded in other classes, etc.) and allow prior coursework to satisfy the requirement if it meets standards set by the Board of Trustees or Mississippi Community College Board. This applies to all state institutions of higher learning and community colleges, but does not automatically accept high school financial literacy courses unless they meet postsecondary standards. The law takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 2238 amends Mississippi law to authorize the consolidation of Starkville School District and Oktibbeha County School District into a single "Starkville-Oktibbeha Consolidated School District" effective July 1, 2015. The bill requires transfer of all real and personal property, contracts, and staff obligations from the former Oktibbeha County School District to the new consolidated district, with specific governance rules for the new school board. It also establishes procedures for nonrenewing staff contracts and limits administrative leadership to three assistant superintendents. The bill does not create new university partnerships, as its focus is solely on the administrative consolidation of the two school districts.

Maddy summarySB 2594 creates an exemption allowing public universities and community colleges in Mississippi to demolish historic campus buildings that are blighted, abandoned, or vacant. Specifically, it permits demolition if restoring the building would cost over 50% of its replacement value, as defined in Section 39-7-19. The bill requires institutions to provide a structural feasibility study or cost estimate from a qualified expert before demolition. This directly affects public higher education institutions managing historic properties on their campuses.

Maddy summaryHB 321 appropriates $5 million from the state general fund to Coahoma County's Board of Supervisors for specific railroad track upgrades. The funds will cover replacing crossties, improving road crossings, and reinforcing bridges along a rail line between Lula and Swan Lake. This direct state funding supports Coahoma County's infrastructure improvements for the fiscal year 2027. The bill authorizes the State Treasurer to disburse the funds upon proper requisitions.

Maddy summaryHB 917 authorizes Mississippi to issue state bonds specifically to fund repairs and renovations at Alcorn State University needed to meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance standards for its buildings and facilities. The bill directs the State Bond Commission to handle bond issuance, with proceeds deposited into a dedicated fund for these upgrades. It directly affects Alcorn State University by providing funding for physical accessibility improvements, which would benefit students, faculty, and visitors using campus facilities. The legislation establishes the bond terms but does not specify exact renovation projects or timelines.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the State of Mississippi to issue general obligation bonds to fund repairs, renovations, expansions, and upgrades to the David L. Whitney (HPER) Arena Complex and Wellness Center at Alcorn State University. The State Bond Commission will manage the bond issuance process, including determining sale methods, setting interest rates within legal limits, and ensuring the bonds mature within 25 years. Funds raised from the bond sales will be placed in a special fund and used exclusively for the specified construction and improvement projects at the university facilities.