Sen. Angela Turner-Ford

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $891,741 from the State General Fund and $27,268 from the State Treasury to cover the Commission on Judicial Performance's expenses for fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). It authorizes six permanent staff positions, caps the director’s salary at chancellor-level pay (Mississippi Code §25-3-35), and requires detailed financial reporting. Additionally, $140,000 is specifically allocated to hire an attorney to audit and monitor Youth Courts operations. The bill funds existing commission operations without creating new policy, directly affecting the commission’s staffing and oversight capabilities.

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 summaryThis bill is a Senate Concurrent Resolution that formally commends Mrs. Nora Roberts Miller for her distinguished leadership as President of Mississippi University for Women. It recognizes her 30-year career in higher education and her contributions to the state, particularly highlighting her role as the institution's fifteenth and first alumna president. The resolution notes specific achievements during her tenure, including enrollment growth and favorable student outcomes, and directs that copies of the commendation be presented to her and made available to the press. This is a ceremonial measure with no changes to laws or policies, serving only to honor her retirement and service.

Maddy summaryMississippi's Senate Concurrent Resolution 534 is a request to Congress, not a law. It urges Congress to include in the 2026 Water Resources Development Act a requirement for the Army Corps of Engineers to conduct a reliability report on Marine Highway 65 (M-65). This report would assess the condition and risks of locks and infrastructure along M-65, including documented failures at the Demopolis, Holt, and Wilson locks. The resolution directly affects Mississippi's ports (like Yellow Creek and Itawamba), industries, and communities that rely on this waterway for transporting goods like steel, coal, and agricultural products. The report aims to guide future infrastructure investments to maintain the corridor's reliability.

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 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 bill allocates $690,254 from the state general fund to cover the operational costs of Mississippi's Board of Tax Appeals for fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). It specifically designates $609,399 for staff salaries and benefits, limiting the board to six permanent employees. The bill requires strict adherence to this budget, prohibits using funds for non-salary purposes like promotions, and mandates detailed financial reporting to ensure compliance with state personnel salary standards. It does not change tax laws or policies but provides funding for the board's administrative operations.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution formally recognizes and congratulates the Columbus High School Falcons boys basketball team and their coach, Phillip Morris, for winning the 2026 Class 5A State Championship. The resolution highlights the team's 27-5 season record, their 23-game winning streak, and key player achievements, including MVP Tylan Brown's performance. It serves as an official commendation from the Mississippi Legislature to the school, coaches, and community members involved in the victory.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 71 pays tribute to Dr. Elayne Hayes-Anthony, a pioneering journalist and former Jackson State University acting president who passed away on March 5, 2026. The resolution formally recognizes her historic contributions as the first African American woman to serve as an anchor, producer, and reporter at WJTV-12, and honors her decades of leadership in education, public service, and media advocacy. It directs that the resolution be presented to her surviving family and shared with Jackson State University and the Capitol Press Corps.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution commends the Starkville High School Boys Basketball Team and their first-year coach, Anthony Carlyle, for winning the 2026 Class 7A State Championship. The resolution formally recognizes the team's comeback victory against Germantown High School, where they overcame a seven-point halftime deficit to win 40-36. It highlights the achievements of individual players and coaches, including MVP Jerwan McCarter and Coach Carlyle's seventh state championship as a head coach. The document serves as an official acknowledgment of the team's success and extends congratulations to the school, community, and supporters.