Sen. Angela Turner-Ford

Maddy summaryBill SC 504 is a commemorative resolution extending the Mississippi Senate's deepest sympathy to the family of Charles James Pittman, a former Mississippi State Senator and former staff member to Governor Haley Barbour. The resolution also commends his decades of public service, including founding the "MS Singing Senators" and his dedication to Mississippi communities. It honors his legacy of ethics, community involvement, and service to the state, as detailed in the resolution's preamble. This procedural resolution does not create new laws or affect policy, but serves as a formal tribute.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 30) expresses the Mississippi Senate's condolences to the family of Representative Charles L. Young, Jr., following his passing on December 19, 2024. It formally extends sympathy to his surviving family members, recognizing his service as a Democrat representing Mississippi's 82nd District since 2012. The resolution does not create any new policies or affect any specific laws, as it is a ceremonial expression of respect for a deceased legislator.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SR 28), not a policy bill. It formally commends and congratulates the Tupelo High School Golden Wave Football Team and Head Coach Ty Hardin for winning the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 7A state championship on December 5, 2024 - their first title since 1992. The resolution recognizes the team's perfect 14-0 season, highlights key players like Mr. Football Jaeden Hill, and extends the legislature's congratulations to the team, coaches, and community. It has no policy impact or direct effect on any laws, regulations, or affected parties beyond symbolic recognition.

Maddy summarySB 2779, the Mississippi Consumer Data Privacy Act, would give Mississippi consumers new rights regarding their personal data collected by businesses. It would allow consumers to request that businesses disclose what data they collect, delete that data, and opt out of having their data sold. Businesses meeting specific thresholds (like annual revenue over $10 million or handling data for 50,000+ consumers) would be required to comply with these requests and provide clear privacy notices. However, this bill died in committee on February 4, 2025, and did not become law.

Maddy summarySB 2022, the Mississippi Sick and Safe Leave Act, would require most Mississippi employers to provide employees with earned paid sick leave. Employees would accrue one hour of paid leave for every 30 hours worked, up to a maximum of 40 hours per year, for medical care, family needs, domestic violence, or safety-related situations. The law would prohibit employer retaliation for using leave and mandate clear employer notice about leave policies. However, this bill died in committee on February 4, 2025, and did not become law.

Maddy summarySB 2394 would expand Mississippi's Medicaid program to include low-income adults who qualify for coverage under the federal Affordable Care Act (ACA), specifically those meeting income criteria typically set at 138% of the federal poverty level. The bill amends Mississippi Code sections 43-13-115 (eligibility) and 43-13-117 (benefits) to add this new category and require essential health benefits for these individuals. This change would directly affect thousands of low-income adults in Mississippi currently uninsured due to the state's lack of Medicaid expansion under the ACA.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution commemorates the 30th anniversary of the Mississippi Court of Appeals' establishment (1994), recognizing its role in resolving the Mississippi Supreme Court's appeal backlog and efficiently handling appellate caseloads. It highlights the court's achievement of issuing over 15,000 merit opinions with an average processing time of 200 days since its inception. The resolution formally honors the court's accomplishments, including its community outreach programs and the dedication of its judges and staff over three decades. As a symbolic gesture, it does not enact new laws or affect any policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the deadline for repealing a specific tax authorization in the City of West Point, Mississippi, from July 1, 2024, to July 1, 2028. The legislation allows the city's governing authorities to impose a one percent tax on hotels, motels, and restaurants to fund tourism and parks and recreation projects. Before the tax can be collected, the city must hold a public election where at least sixty percent of voters must approve the levy. If approved, the tax revenue will be managed separately from the city's general funds and audited annually by an independent accountant.

Maddy summaryThis bill restores the right to vote to Robert Maxwell of Oktibbeha County, Mississippi, who had previously lost his voting rights due to embezzlement convictions in 1981 and 1996. The legislation states that Maxwell has since behaved as a law-abiding citizen and officially reinstates his status as an eligible elector. Once signed into law, the change takes effect immediately, allowing Maxwell to participate in elections without further legal barriers.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates approximately $14.2 million in state funds to cover the salaries and operating expenses of the Mississippi Department of Audit for the 2025 fiscal year. The legislation authorizes the department to maintain a permanent workforce of 156 employees and establishes strict rules to prevent salary increases for current staff unless new positions are added. It also sets specific performance targets for audits, investigations, and technical assistance services, while requiring the department to prioritize purchasing from the Mississippi Industries for the Blind. Additionally, the bill allocates $30,000 for employee training and provides up to $1 million specifically for non-budgeted law enforcement activities related to federal equitable sharing programs.