Sen. Chuck Younger

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a policy bill) honoring former Mississippi House Speaker Pro Tempore Robert George Clark, Jr., who died on March 4, 2025. It extends the Legislature's sympathy to his family and recognizes his historic service as Mississippi's first African American legislator since Reconstruction (1967-2003), his leadership roles, and his advocacy for education and Mississippi's historical preservation. The resolution directs that it be presented to his family and forwarded to the Mississippi Department of Archives and History. No policy changes or funding are involved.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 97) is a ceremonial tribute from the Mississippi Senate to commend Major General John Trent Kelly for his 40-year military career and retirement. It specifically honors his service in the Mississippi Army National Guard, including deployments to Desert Storm and Iraq, his numerous military awards, and his leadership roles. The resolution expresses the Senate's gratitude for his service to Mississippi and the U.S., and it will be presented to General Kelly and shared with relevant military and government offices. As a purely commemorative measure with no policy or funding impact, it directly affects only the recipient and the Senate's official record.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a law) passed by the Mississippi Senate to honor Roger Barlow upon his retirement. It recognizes his 22-year service as President of The Catfish Institute (TCI) and 19-year role as Executive Vice President for Catfish Farmers of America (CFA), both organizations representing the U.S. farm-raised catfish industry. The resolution has no policy impact or effect on laws; it solely expresses the Senate's appreciation for his career in Mississippi agriculture. It was adopted without recorded votes on March 19, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 2803 requires owners of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and utility task vehicles (UTVs, or "side-by-sides") to obtain a title from Mississippi's Department of Revenue starting in 2025 for newly manufactured vehicles. It exempts ATVs and UTVs held by retailers on consignment or floor plan (as dealer inventory) from property tax. The bill updates vehicle definitions to include ATVs/UTVs in Mississippi's titling law and aligns related tax provisions. This affects ATV/UTV owners needing titles and retailers managing inventory, with no new tax burden on dealer stock. The law was signed by the governor in March 2025.

Maddy summarySB 2256 increases weight limits for specialized trucks transporting concrete and solid waste in Mississippi. Concrete trucks with three axles may now weigh up to 64,000 pounds (previously lower), and those with four axles up to 72,000 pounds. Solid waste trucks with three axles also receive the 64,000-pound limit. All affected vehicles must operate within 50 miles of their base, stay within vehicle capacity limits, have all-wheel brakes, and avoid interstate highways and bridges restricted by officials.

Maddy summarySB 2264 modifies Mississippi's agritourism laws to clarify definitions, update safety warnings, and establish a registration system. It requires agritourism professionals (like farms or ranches offering public visits) to register annually with the Mississippi Department of Agriculture for a $50 fee and maintain a public list of registered activities. The bill mandates clear warning signs and written notices at locations, stating participants assume risks inherent to farm activities like land conditions, equipment, or animal behavior. It also strengthens liability protections for professionals, barring claims for injuries caused by inherent risks unless the professional acted with willful disregard for safety. This law directly affects farm-based tourism operations and their visitors by standardizing safety communications and registration.

Maddy summarySB 2266 requires Mississippi's Department of Revenue (DOR) to publish by August 1, 2025, a list of agricultural items eligible for sales tax exemptions or reduced rates under existing law. This directly affects commercial farmers who hold a commercial farmer permit and qualify for these tax benefits. The bill does not change current tax rates but mandates that the DOR make the existing exemption rules publicly accessible, improving transparency for farmers seeking reduced tax rates on qualifying farm equipment and supplies. The law passed in March 2025 and is now effective.

Maddy summarySenate Concurrent Resolution 505 is a ceremonial tribute honoring Emily Wagster Pettus for her 30-year career as a Capitol correspondent for The Associated Press in Mississippi. The resolution formally thanks her for covering legislative sessions, state government, and major events like Hurricane Katrina and civil rights trials. It recognizes her role in providing fair coverage, mentoring new reporters, and her service to Mississippi citizens. This resolution has no policy impact - it is purely a gesture of appreciation from the Mississippi Legislature.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a substantive bill) recognizing Senator Angela Turner Ford for receiving the Coalition on Adult Basic Education (COABE) 2024 Legislative Champion Award. It formally commends her advocacy for adult education in Mississippi, citing her support during National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week and her role as a keynote speaker for a High School Equivalency ceremony. The resolution has no policy impact or direct effect on any programs or individuals beyond honoring the Senator. It was adopted by the Mississippi Senate on March 6, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution expressing condolences, not a policy bill. It formally extends the Mississippi Senate's sympathy to Jeanne Luckey's surviving family (including her husband, daughters, and grandchildren) and commends her community service and public roles. Specifically, it honors her work as Mississippi's Republican National Committee Woman, President of the Mississippi Federation of Republican Women, and her advocacy for disability access during her service on the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it solely serves as a commemorative gesture.