Maddy summarySB 2344 requires students at Mississippi's public colleges and universities to complete a financial literacy course (at least one credit hour) as a graduation requirement, starting fall 2027. The course must cover practical topics like budgeting, debt management, student loans, taxes, and retirement planning, using real-world simulations rather than commercial content. Institutions can deliver the course through various formats (online, embedded in other classes, etc.) and allow prior coursework to satisfy the requirement if it meets standards set by the Board of Trustees or Mississippi Community College Board. This applies to all state institutions of higher learning and community colleges, but does not automatically accept high school financial literacy courses unless they meet postsecondary standards. The law takes effect July 1, 2026.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySB 2522 creates the UPSKILL Mississippi Grant Program, providing tuition-free access to community college certificate or associate degree programs for Mississippi residents pursuing training in high-demand fields. The program targets occupations identified by Accelerate Mississippi (the state's workforce office) as critical for economic growth, requiring colleges to offer support services like academic advising and career planning. Administered by the Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid, it will launch in phases starting with a 2027 pilot, covering tuition/fees after other aid, plus a $500 annual book stipend, for eligible residents meeting residency, education, and enrollment requirements.
Maddy summarySB 2446, the HOPE Act, requires Mississippi nurses applying for or renewing licenses to complete one hour of human trafficking training with a trauma-informed curriculum by January 1, 2027. It mandates nurses to report suspected trafficking involving minors to Child Protection Services and suspected cases involving adults to law enforcement only when a victim is in imminent danger, after confirming consent, or as legally required. The bill directly affects all nurses licensed under the Mississippi Board of Nursing, aiming to improve identification and response to trafficking. It does not change existing sex offender registration requirements for human trafficking convictions, which are covered under a separate amendment in Section 4.
Maddy summarySB 2819 increases penalties for illegally dumping solid waste in Mississippi. It raises fines for larger violations: amounts exceeding 15 pounds or 27 cubic feet become misdemeanor offenses ($500-$1,500 fines or up to 1 year in jail), while commercial dumping, hazardous waste, or over 500 pounds becomes a felony ($1,000-$75,000 fines or up to 5 years in prison). Convicted individuals must also cover cleanup costs, repair property damage, perform community service related to waste removal, and pay investigative expenses. This directly affects anyone illegally discarding solid waste, including individuals, businesses, and vessel operators.
Maddy summarySB 2708 requires healthcare providers in Mississippi to screen new mothers for postpartum depression within six weeks of birth. It mandates that health insurance issuers cover this screening without deductibles or copays and prohibits step therapy protocols for FDA-approved depression treatments. The bill also requires hospitals to provide educational materials about maternal mental health to new parents and mandates the state health department to develop resources for providers and patients. These provisions directly affect new mothers, healthcare providers, and insurers across Mississippi.
Maddy summarySB 2730 grants civil immunity to charitable organizations (defined as tax-exempt groups registered with the Mississippi Secretary of State) for legal liability arising from their emergency services during declared emergencies, government-ordered emergencies, or impending weather events like hurricanes, floods, or extreme storms. The bill covers services including shelter, transportation, emergency response, and utilities provided during these events. However, immunity does not apply for wanton, willful, or intentional misconduct. This law aims to encourage rapid disaster assistance without fear of lawsuits, taking effect July 1, 2026.
Maddy summarySB 2679, the Mississippi Land Bank Act, allows cities and counties to create land banks that acquire, clean, and redevelop vacant or abandoned properties. These land banks can purchase properties (including tax-forfeited land), demolish unsafe structures, rehabilitate buildings, and sell properties to return them to productive use. The bill directly affects communities struggling with blighted properties, which currently cost local governments lost tax revenue and safety hazards. Key mechanisms include land banks operating with the flexibility of private property owners, accepting tax-forfeited properties from the state, and establishing financing structures for redevelopment. The law aims to address neighborhood deterioration and strengthen local economies by revitalizing underutilized land.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate Resolution (SR 40), not a bill with policy changes. It formally commends The Links, Incorporated - a national nonprofit founded in 1946 with over 17,000 members - for its community service, including its seven Mississippi chapters. The resolution honors the organization ahead of its "Mississippi Links Day at the Capitol 2026" event on February 11, 2026, where members will engage in advocacy and civic activities. As a procedural resolution, it has no legal effect and simply expresses legislative appreciation.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a bill with policy changes) passed by the Mississippi Senate. It formally extends congratulations to Alice Marie Johnson of Olive Branch, Mississippi, for her appointment as the first-ever White House "Pardon Czar" by President Donald Trump. The resolution acknowledges her role in reviewing clemency cases and supporting individuals transitioning from prison, highlighting her personal history as a formerly incarcerated person whose sentence was commuted in 2018. The resolution has no legal effect or policy provisions; it is solely an expression of commendation.
Maddy summarySB 2121 requires Mississippi health insurers to cover standard fertility preservation services (like egg or sperm freezing) when a patient undergoes medically necessary treatment - such as cancer therapy - that may cause infertility, as defined by American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) guidelines. It prohibits insurers from denying coverage based on prior health conditions, disability, age, gender identity, or other personal characteristics. The law applies to all health insurance policies issued or renewed in Mississippi after July 1, 2026. The bill died in committee on February 3, 2026, and has not become law.