Sen. Angela Turner-Ford

Maddy summarySB 2503 would have revised Mississippi's public school accountability system by requiring the State Board of Education to establish statewide educational goals and standards for all public elementary and secondary schools. It mandated annual evaluations of schools and districts, required three-year improvement plans, and specified curriculum content including Mississippi history, the U.S. Constitution, and cultural diversity. The bill also directed the superintendent to collect data on program effectiveness and student services like English language learning. However, this bill "Died In Committee" on February 3, 2026, and did not become law.

Maddy summarySB 2582, the "Robert G. Clark, Jr., Voting Rights Act of Mississippi," would establish statewide protections against voter suppression and vote dilution for Mississippi voters, particularly affecting protected classes defined as racial, ethnic, or language minority groups. Key provisions include creating the Mississippi Voting Rights Commission to review election changes (like district maps or voting locations) before implementation, requiring public notice of voting-related changes, and mandating accommodations for limited English proficient and disabled voters. The bill prohibits election policies that disproportionately harm protected class members or dilute their voting power, with enforcement through legal actions. However, the bill died in committee on February 3, 2026, and did not advance to the full legislature.

Maddy summarySB 2753 is a proposed Mississippi bill requiring human resource agencies (local government entities managing community programs) to publicly disclose the specific Mississippi law that created them, including the exact legal citation. This disclosure must be clearly visible on the agency’s website and public materials. The bill also changes how tort claims notices are handled under the Mississippi Tort Claims Act, directing that such notices must be served to county or municipal clerks instead of agency staff. The bill died in committee in February 2026 and was never enacted.

Maddy summarySB 2815 creates a new misdemeanor offense for negligent firearm storage that allows minors to access and misuse a firearm. It requires firearm owners to store weapons securely (e.g., in a locked container) to prevent minor access, unless the minor is under the owner's immediate control. Penalties include fines up to $1,000 or up to six months in jail. Exceptions include lawful hunting with parental supervision, theft/unlawful entry, or the minor being under immediate control. The bill does not create civil liability or infringe on constitutional rights.

Maddy summarySB 2016 is an appropriation bill that allocates $722.7 million (combined General Fund and special source funds) to Mississippi’s Department of Mental Health for fiscal year 2026 (July 2025-June 2026). It directly affects the department’s operations by funding staff salaries, mental health services, and specific programs like crisis centers and fentanyl education. Key provisions restrict the funds to "Personal Services" (salaries, wages, and vacancy funding), prohibit using General Funds to replace federal funds, and require strict adherence to the Variable Compensation Plan. The bill mandates efficient use of funds to meet performance targets, such as reducing unmet community mental health care access. As a procedural funding measure, it does not create new policies but authorizes existing service delivery.

Maddy summarySB 2022 appropriates $4,319,483 from state special funds to the Mississippi State Board of Public Contractors for fiscal year 2026 (July 2025-June 2026). It allocates $1.28 million specifically for salaries, wages, and benefits for 18 permanent staff positions, with strict limits to prevent exceeding budgeted amounts for personnel costs. An additional $2.3 million is designated for enforcement activities, collecting unpaid fines, and administrative costs related to contractor oversight. The bill also requires the Board to prioritize purchasing from Mississippi Industries for the Blind when bids are equal in price, quality, and service.

Maddy summarySB 2019 appropriates $144,816 for the Mississippi Board of Registered Professional Geologists to cover its fiscal year 2026 operating expenses. The bill specifies that $103,219 of this amount must be used solely for employee salaries, wages, and benefits (designated as "Personal Services"), with strict limits to prevent exceeding the budget. It requires the board to follow state personnel rules, prohibits using these funds for employee raises or promotions, and mandates that vacancy funding (for unfilled positions) be used only to increase headcount. The bill ensures all expenditures comply with state budget laws and requires detailed financial reporting.

Maddy summarySB 2031 appropriates $9,586,041 from the state General Fund and $1,657,595 from a special fund to cover the Mississippi Gaming Commission’s expenses for fiscal year 2026 (July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026). The bill specifically allocates these funds for the Commission’s "Personal Services" category, including salaries, wages, and fringe benefits for up to 119 authorized positions. It requires the Commission to adhere to state personnel budget rules, prohibits using general funds to replace federal or special funds, and directs portions of the special fund toward law enforcement resources and gaming investigations. This is a budgetary measure with no new policy provisions, solely funding existing Commission operations.

Maddy summarySB 2021 appropriates $753,471 for the Mississippi State Board of Public Accountancy to cover its fiscal year 2026 expenses (July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026). It specifically allocates $479,746 for employee salaries, wages, and benefits (with strict limits on using these funds only for authorized headcounts and no salary reductions below state minimums) and $42,000 for investigations and hearings. The bill requires strict adherence to budget limits, prohibits using funds for non-authorized purposes (like promotions), and mandates preference for Mississippi Industries for the Blind in procurement. This is a procedural funding bill affecting the Board’s operations and staffing, not a policy change.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SB 3290) restores voting rights to Jerlean Cummings of Clay County, Mississippi, who was disqualified after a 1997 conviction for false pretenses. It specifically reinstates her suffrage rights because she completed her sentence by July 2000, has been law-abiding since, and Mississippi's records show no ongoing disqualification. The bill is a one-time restoration for this individual, not a broad policy change. It would take effect July 1, 2025, but died in committee on April 3, 2025.