Sen. David Parker

Maddy summarySB 3169 ends several existing economic development tax incentives in Mississippi after specific dates in 2025. It stops income tax credits for job creation in alternative energy projects after 2025, eliminates sales tax exemptions for construction/expansion after July 2025, and halts new applications for the Mississippi Advantage Jobs Act incentives after December 2025. The bill also removes outdated incentive tiers that expired before 2025. These changes directly affect businesses currently using these tax credits or exemptions to support job growth or facility expansion. The law phases out overlapping incentives to streamline the state's economic development programs.

Maddy summarySB 2995 would allow Mississippi counties and municipalities to exempt raw materials and work-in-progress inventory from local property taxes (excluding school taxes) for qualifying manufacturers and distributors. The exemption could last up to 10 years per business, requiring written requests to local governing bodies, and would ratify existing exemptions granted before July 1, 2025. It specifically excludes finished products, school taxes, and vehicles from the exemption. The bill died in committee on March 18, 2025, and is not currently law.

Maddy summarySB 2844 establishes a dedicated "TVA Service Area Utilities Grant Fund" in Mississippi's state treasury, funded initially by $25 million in state general obligation bonds and future diverted payments from the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) in lieu of taxes. The fund provides grants to local utility companies in Mississippi's TVA service area to improve infrastructure, with priority for entities affected by the March 2023 storms and matching grants for projects aligned with federal programs. It requires the Okolona Electric Department to commit to spending matching funds for distribution line improvements outside the city if it receives aid. The Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) administers the program, distributes funds, and must report annually to the legislature on all grant usage.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 93) is a ceremonial commendation from the Mississippi Senate to DeSoto County Deputy Sheriff Brian Brock for his actions on March 4, 2025. It specifically recognizes his decision to position his vehicle in oncoming traffic on I-269 to prevent a collision, saving other motorists including a doctor. The resolution does not create new laws, alter policies, or affect any individuals or entities beyond expressing the Senate's gratitude. It is a standard procedural resolution honoring a specific act of bravery, with no binding effect or policy change.

Maddy summarySB 2080 extends the deadline for state agencies' telework authority from July 1, 2025, to July 1, 2027. It directly affects Mississippi state agencies and their employees who currently operate under approved telework policies. The bill does not change telework rules but delays when the existing authority expires, allowing agencies to continue using the current framework for two additional years. This extension ensures state agencies can maintain telework programs without needing to revise policies before 2027.

Maddy summarySB 2200, "Parker's Law," clarifies and strengthens Mississippi's criminal penalties for fentanyl delivery that causes death. It imposes a minimum 20-year prison sentence and a $10,000 fine on individuals who deliver fentanyl knowing it will cause death (e.g., in exchange for money or goods). The law specifically excludes from prosecution anyone who seeks medical help for a fentanyl overdose in good faith, and clarifies it does not apply to drug users who share fentanyl with friends if the friend dies. The bill also removes a requirement for annual reporting on convictions related to this offense.

Maddy summarySB 2260 establishes Mississippi's Blue Envelope Program to improve communication between law enforcement and drivers with autism spectrum disorder. The program provides a free package including a blue envelope, a window decal, informational materials on autism-friendly interactions, and a contact card. Drivers with a diagnosis (or their parents/guardians for minors) can request the package to store their license, insurance, and emergency contact info in the envelope - placed visibly in their vehicle. Law enforcement can access this information if a driver becomes nonverbal during a stop. The program takes effect July 1, 2025, and is administered by the Department of Public Safety.

Maddy summarySB 2078 extends the expiration date for Mississippi's State Board of Funeral Service regulations, specifically delaying the automatic repeal of Sections 73-11-41 through 73-11-73 in the Mississippi Code. It directly affects funeral service providers, the State Board of Funeral Service, and related licensing requirements by keeping existing rules in place. The bill does not change the substance of the regulations but prevents them from expiring, ensuring continuity in how funeral services, cremation, and licensing are governed. This procedural measure was enacted after passing both legislative chambers and receiving gubernatorial approval in March 2025.

Maddy summarySB 2515, the "REFOCUS Act," creates a Mississippi University System Efficiency Task Force to evaluate public universities' enrollment, graduation, and retention rates - especially for Mississippi residents - as well as demographic trends and funding. It directly affects all public universities and community colleges in Mississippi by requiring them to stop establishing diversity, equity, and inclusion offices and to report on student/faculty fairness. The task force, composed of legislative leaders and university representatives, must develop efficiency recommendations for the legislature by December 2025, focusing on enrollment declines and demographic shifts. The bill died on the calendar in March 2025 and was never enacted.

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.