Sen. Kevin Blackwell

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution commends the Northwest Mississippi Community College women's basketball team for winning the NJCAA Region 23 Championship during the 2025-2026 season. The bill recognizes the team's achievements, including their 23-8 overall record, strong defensive performance, and historic first national tournament appearance since 2005. It directs that the resolution be presented to the team, their coach, and the college administration, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps. This is a ceremonial measure with no policy changes or funding implications.

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 summarySB 2695 exempts Medicare-certified long-term acute care hospitals in Mississippi from a state hospital assessment used to fund Medicaid, subject to approval by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). This bill directly affects long-term acute care hospitals that meet Medicare certification requirements. The exemption would remove these facilities from paying the annual assessment calculated based on non-Medicare hospital inpatient days. The change requires CMS approval before taking effect, as specified in the bill's language.

Maddy summarySB 2567 requires Mississippi's Medicaid program to pay an out-of-state pediatric teaching hospital (located in a city bordering the Mississippi River and meeting specific criteria) if federal Medicare/Medicaid authorities approve increased funding for such hospitals. The bill ensures that costs for treating Mississippi Medicaid children under 21 at this hospital do not exceed costs for similar care in Mississippi hospitals, and prevents in-state hospitals from receiving lower payments due to these out-of-state payments. It takes effect July 1, 2026, and applies only to hospitals meeting strict requirements like maintaining pediatric specialty programs and dedicated beds for patients under 21.

Maddy summarySB 3052 appropriates $3,223,525 from the State General Fund and $638,140 from Special Funds to cover expenses for the Governor's Office, staff, and operation of the Governor's Mansion during fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). The bill authorizes 46 positions (39 permanent, 7 time-limited) for the Governor's Office and requires adherence to standard accounting and reporting practices. It also mandates preference for Mississippi Industries for the Blind in procurement when bids are equal. This is a routine funding measure with no substantive policy changes.

Maddy summaryMississippi Senate Bill 2420 amends wildlife laws to extend hunting seasons ending on a Saturday until 30 minutes after sunset on the following Sunday. This applies to deer (Section 49-7-31), bobwhite quail and wild turkey (Section 49-7-31.2), squirrel and rabbits (Section 49-7-31.3), and fur-bearing animals (Section 49-7-31.4). The change only affects the end time of existing seasons when they conclude on Saturday, providing hunters an additional window on Sunday. It does not alter season dates, hunting methods, or regulations for these species.

Maddy summarySB 3102 appropriates $28.9 million total (including $6.05 million from the General Fund and $22.86 million from special funds) for Mississippi's Department of Tourism operations during fiscal year 2027 (July 2026-June 2027). It specifically allocates $3.1 million for personnel costs (salaries, wages, and fringe benefits) to cover up to 59 authorized positions (56 permanent and 3 time-limited), strictly limiting how these funds can be used. The bill requires the department to maintain detailed financial records matching its FY2026 standards and prohibits exceeding the allocated personnel budget without new legislative approval. This is a funding measure, not a policy change, directly affecting the department’s budget and staffing operations.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally commends Mississippi Bureau of Investigation Special Agent Milton Williams, Jr. for receiving the Northern Region Special Agent Citation. It recognizes his law enforcement career and community leadership, including founding the nonprofit organizations Men United and Women United to support youth in the Mississippi Delta. The resolution also highlights his family legacy in law enforcement and his service as a mentor and public servant. This is a ceremonial document that does not create new laws or change policy.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution honoring Katie Blount upon her retirement as Director of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History (MDAH). It recognizes her 11-year leadership (2015-2026), including overseeing the opening of the Two Mississippi Museums (visited by over 744,000 people since 2017) and advancing inclusive storytelling and preservation efforts at historic sites. The resolution has no policy impact - it solely expresses the Senate’s gratitude for her service.

Maddy summaryMississippi's SB 2005 designates a specific tartan pattern as the official state tartan. The bill defines the tartan's exact color sequence (20 black, 40 green, 4 blue, etc.) and provides Pantone and hex color codes for its use. This symbolic designation allows any Mississippi-affiliated organization, society, or individual to freely use the tartan pattern. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, and does not create new regulations or affect state policy.