Maddy summarySB 2377 expands the oversight authority of Mississippi's Public Procurement Review Board, requiring the board to review all state agency contracts and emergency contracts for compliance. It mandates that the board approve purchasing regulations for state agencies (excluding computer equipment) and adopt rules for lease agreements, including requiring agencies to publicly post lease details like location, cost, and terms online before bidding. The bill also requires the board to set aside at least 5% of annual procurement spending for minority-owned businesses, defined as those owned by Black, Hispanic, Asian-American, American Indian/Alaska Native, or female individuals, with specific bidding rules for these contracts. This bill directly affects state agencies managing contracts, leases, and procurement processes across Mississippi.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySB 2575 expands the definition of "qualified corporation" under Mississippi law to include for-profit entities formed solely to comply with federal or state water regulations. This change would allow water service providers (both not-for-profit and for-profit) to convert their organizations into public "water authorities" under Chapter 51-41. As a water authority, these entities could access tax-exempt capital markets to finance water infrastructure projects, aiming to secure lower water rates for customers. The bill, which died in committee on March 4, 2025, does not create new services but modifies eligibility for an existing conversion process.
Maddy summarySB 2861 creates Mississippi's "Work and Save Program," a state-sponsored retirement savings initiative for small businesses without existing retirement plans. It allows eligible employers to offer employees voluntary payroll deductions into Roth IRAs with target-date investments, primarily benefiting moderate- and lower-income workers in private-sector jobs. The program establishes an administrative fund in the state treasury to cover costs and provides liability protections for participating employers. The bill died in committee on March 4, 2025, after passing the Senate but not advancing further.
Maddy summarySB 2843, the "State Treasury Efficiency and Transparency Act," requires all Mississippi state agency funds - both inside and outside the State Treasury - to be held in interest-bearing accounts. It mandates that funds within the State Treasury be pooled into investment accounts managed by the Treasurer when feasible, and directs an annual review to identify "idle" funds (those with no activity except interest earnings) for potential consolidation or closure. State agencies must report detailed fund information to the Treasurer by 2025, with annual reports to the Legislative Budget Office starting in 2028. The bill directly affects all state agencies managing public funds, aiming to ensure idle money earns interest and improve fiscal transparency.
Maddy summaryThe Pharmacy Benefit Prompt Pay Act requires pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) to pay pharmacies promptly for medications and establishes a process for pharmacies to appeal if payments are below agreed rates. It also bans PBMs and pharmacy services organizations (PSAOs) from restricting patient choice of pharmacy, spreading pricing, or retaliating against pharmacists who exercise rights under the law. The bill mandates that PBMs, PSAOs, drug manufacturers, and health insurers report pricing and contract details to the Mississippi Board of Pharmacy, which will publish this information online for transparency. These changes directly affect pharmacies, pharmacists, PBMs, PSAOs, and health insurers operating in Mississippi.
Maddy summarySB 2574 raises the threshold for requiring performance and payment bonds on public construction contracts from an unspecified lower amount to $50,000. This means state, county, city, or public authority contracts for building, altering, or repairing public works under $50,000 will no longer need these bonds. Instead, the public body may make a single cash payment after project completion, simplifying the process for smaller projects. The bill directly affects contractors and public agencies handling public works contracts valued at $50,000 or less, effective July 1, 2025.
Maddy summarySB 2151 requires all Mississippi public school districts, charter schools, agricultural high schools, and specific state schools (like the Mississippi School for the Arts) to adopt and submit by January 1, 2026, policies banning or limiting student cell phone use during class or under staff supervision. Schools failing to comply face daily funding deductions under the state’s funding formula. Exceptions allow phone use during emergencies, for medically necessary reasons (as certified by a healthcare provider), or per a student’s special education plan. The bill also specifies that cell phone policy violations alone cannot justify suspension or expulsion, except as a final disciplinary step.
Maddy summarySB 2079 extends the deadline for public entities (like schools, hospitals, and state agencies) to use energy efficiency contracts under existing rules. It amends Mississippi Code § 31-7-14 to delay the expiration date of provisions allowing these contracts for equipment/services that reduce operating costs, such as HVAC systems or lighting upgrades. The bill clarifies definitions for "energy services providers" and requires prequalification by the Energy Division, ensuring contracts meet criteria like 20-year simple payback periods. The bill died in committee on March 4, 2025, so it did not become law.
Maddy summarySB 2202 would criminalize sharing digitally altered or AI-generated images/audio (including deepfakes) depicting someone in intimate situations without their consent, when shared with intent to cause emotional, financial, or physical harm. It directly affects victims of non-consensual image sharing and perpetrators who create or disseminate such content, with penalties ranging from misdemeanors for under-21 offenders to felonies for adults (up to penalties similar to voyeurism laws). Key provisions include defining "digitization" broadly to cover AI tools, requiring intent to cause harm, and listing exceptions for law enforcement, journalism, and public exposure. The bill died in committee on March 4, 2025, and never became law.
Maddy summarySB 2892 established the Mississippi-Ireland Trade Commission to strengthen economic ties between Mississippi and Ireland. The commission, composed of 10 appointed members (including state officials and Irish trade representatives) plus non-voting ex-officio members, aims to advance bilateral trade, promote business/academic exchanges, and encourage investment between the two regions. It is authorized to raise funds through donations, grants, and events to carry out these goals. The bill died in committee on March 4, 2025, and did not become law.