Sen. Theresa Gillespie Isom

Maddy summarySB 2120 would require most group health plans and insurers in Mississippi to cover annual prostate cancer screenings without any out-of-pocket costs (like deductibles or copays) for men identified as high-risk. This includes men with a family history of prostate cancer (first-degree relatives affected), men aged 40-49 with specific risk factors, and all men aged 50 and older, as defined by the bill. The screenings must follow the latest National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines and be medically necessary. The law would not apply to Medicare, Medicaid, or certain limited policies like accident-only insurance, and would take effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 2389 would expand Mississippi Medicaid eligibility to include low-income adults who qualify under the federal Affordable Care Act (ACA), specifically those with incomes up to 138% of the federal poverty level who are currently excluded from Mississippi Medicaid. The bill amends state law to automatically include these individuals in Medicaid coverage and requires that they receive essential health benefits. This change would allow eligible adults to enroll directly in Medicaid instead of navigating the ACA marketplace. The bill died in committee in 2026 and did not become law.

Maddy summarySB 2433 requires Mississippi's Department of Human Services to set aside at least $10 million annually from federal TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) block grant funds to provide grants for marriage counseling services. These grants would be awarded to nonprofit organizations specifically serving military families (including active/reserve personnel) and first responder families (firefighters, EMTs, police, correctional officers, etc.). The bill mandates that these funds supplement, not replace, existing funding for marriage counseling programs. It updates state law to direct TANF resources toward this specific purpose, aligning with federal TANF block grant requirements.

Maddy summarySB 2493 requires every Mississippi public school to employ a licensed mental health counselor starting in the 2026-2027 school year, and mandates that all students meet with this counselor at least once annually. The bill directly affects all K-12 public school students and districts across Mississippi by adding this new mental health support requirement to existing school counseling services. If enacted, the law would create a new position for licensed mental health counselors in every school building, distinct from current school counselors, with the annual student meeting requirement taking effect in 2026. The bill died in committee in February 2026 and did not become law.

Maddy summarySB 2582, the "Robert G. Clark, Jr., Voting Rights Act of Mississippi," would establish statewide protections against voter suppression and vote dilution for Mississippi voters, particularly affecting protected classes defined as racial, ethnic, or language minority groups. Key provisions include creating the Mississippi Voting Rights Commission to review election changes (like district maps or voting locations) before implementation, requiring public notice of voting-related changes, and mandating accommodations for limited English proficient and disabled voters. The bill prohibits election policies that disproportionately harm protected class members or dilute their voting power, with enforcement through legal actions. However, the bill died in committee on February 3, 2026, and did not advance to the full legislature.

Maddy summarySB 2685, the Mississippi Fair Housing Act, would have prohibited discrimination in housing based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, or familial status. It would have applied to real estate transactions (sales, rentals, financing), requiring brokers and property owners to avoid discriminatory practices like refusing to rent, making biased ads, or using discriminatory application forms. Exceptions included owner-occupied duplexes and short-term rentals by owners. The bill also established civil remedies for victims of discrimination but died in committee in 2026 without becoming law.

Maddy summarySB 2744 clarifies and expands Mississippi's mental health treatment court program. It defines key terms like "mental health treatment court" and authorizes judges in circuit, county, or municipal courts to establish these courts within existing court structures. The bill revises eligibility requirements for participants and allows courts to impose sanctions or refer cases back to criminal court if participants fail to comply with treatment plans. This program directly affects defendants with mental health disorders who qualify for court-supervised treatment instead of traditional sentencing, using multidisciplinary teams focused on reducing recidivism through evidence-based practices.

Maddy summarySB 2791, the "Purple Angels Law," creates a public registry within Mississippi's Department of Public Safety for offenders convicted of domestic violence with at least one prior conviction for the same offense against the same victim. Courts must order registration upon qualifying conviction, requiring offenders to pay a $250 fee: $150 funds domestic violence prevention services, $50 covers registry administration, and $50 covers court processing. The registry includes basic identifying information (name, DOB, photo) but excludes sensitive IDs like driver's license numbers. Offenders are removed after 5-20 years based on prior convictions, but never for felony convictions, with the law taking effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 2772 creates an Independent Review Panel within Mississippi's Employee Appeals Board to handle grievances from Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC) employees facing personnel actions like discipline or termination. The panel, composed of five members including a former MDOC employee, a neutral HR professional, and an attorney, must ensure fairness, transparency, and consistency in these cases. It directly affects MDOC employees by providing a specialized review process for their employment disputes, with decisions appealable to the full Employee Appeals Board. The bill is procedural, establishing a new review mechanism rather than changing substantive employment policies. Note: The bill died in committee on February 3, 2026, and was never enacted.

Maddy summaryThis resolution expresses the Mississippi Senate's support for the Beth Israel Congregation following an arson attack on their Jackson building on January 10, 2026. It condemns attacks on houses of worship as violations of religious freedom and references statements from Governor Reeves and Jackson Mayor Horhn condemning antisemitism and hate crimes. The resolution formally offers sympathy to the congregation and directs the Senate to transmit its support to the congregation's board and Mississippi's Public Safety Commissioner. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws or allocate funding.