Sen. Josh Harkins

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 30) expresses the Mississippi Senate's condolences to the family of Representative Charles L. Young, Jr., following his passing on December 19, 2024. It formally extends sympathy to his surviving family members, recognizing his service as a Democrat representing Mississippi's 82nd District since 2012. The resolution does not create any new policies or affect any specific laws, as it is a ceremonial expression of respect for a deceased legislator.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SR 11) passed by the Mississippi Senate to formally commend Hartfield Academy's football team and head coach Craig Bowman for winning the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MAIS) 6A State Championship for the second consecutive year. The resolution specifically recognizes their victory in the November 23, 2024, championship game against Jackson Prep. It does not create new laws or affect any policies; it is a symbolic gesture of legislative support. The resolution was adopted by the Senate on February 17, 2025, and will be presented to Coach Bowman and the school leadership.

Maddy summarySR 27 is a ceremonial resolution extending the Mississippi Senate's sympathy to the family of Jeanne Carter Luckey, a National Republican Committee Woman and community leader from Louisville, Mississippi, following her death on November 7, 2024. The resolution commends her service, including her work as Mississippi Federation of Republican Women President, her advocacy for disability access on the Institutions of Higher Learning board, and her decades of community involvement. This resolution has no policy effect - it solely expresses the Senate’s condolences and acknowledges her life’s contributions. It was adopted by the Senate on February 17, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the expiration date of Mississippi's tax credit for upholstered furniture manufacturing jobs from January 1, 2026, to January 1, 2030. It directly affects manufacturers in Mississippi who create new "cut and sew" jobs (jobs not existing in the state before 2010), allowing them to claim a $2,000 annual tax credit per full-time employee in those positions for five years. The credit is limited to the company's state income tax liability and must be claimed in lieu of another similar tax credit. The extension ensures qualifying businesses can continue using this credit through 2030, even though the provision itself will expire afterward.

Maddy summarySB 2545 extends the expiration date of a Mississippi income tax credit program that incentivizes companies to relocate their national or regional headquarters to the state. The bill specifically prevents the existing tax credit provision - allowing companies in designated counties to claim credits based on new job creation - from ending. This credit, which varies by county tier (Tier One to Tier Three) and requires minimum job increases (20+ jobs in Tier One, 15+ in Tier Two, 10+ in Tier Three), directly affects qualifying businesses relocating headquarters to Mississippi. The bill does not change the credit amounts or eligibility rules but delays the program's termination date. The bill died in committee on February 4, 2025, and was not enacted.

Maddy summarySB 2550 extends the expiration date for Mississippi's Small Business and Grocer Investment Act, which provides grants and loans to healthy food retailers in underserved communities. The bill directly affects retailers (including supermarkets, grocery stores, and farmers' markets) seeking funding to expand access to fresh produce, particularly Mississippi-grown fruits and vegetables, in areas designated as underserved due to limited healthy food access. Key provisions include competitive funding for store renovations, new construction, mobile markets, and infrastructure upgrades, with applicants required to demonstrate commitment to selling fresh produce and serving eligible communities. The Mississippi Development Authority would administer the program, track outcomes like produce sales, and report annually to the Legislature.

Maddy summarySB 2406 increases Mississippi's minimum required auto liability insurance coverage for bodily injury/death and property damage. It doubles the current minimums: $50,000 for one person injured/deceased per accident (up from $25,000), $100,000 for two or more people (up from $50,000), and $50,000 for property damage (up from $25,000). The bill directly affects all Mississippi drivers and insurers who must comply with these new limits starting July 1, 2025. The change applies to all motor vehicles operated in Mississippi under the state's financial responsibility law.

Maddy summarySB 2307, the "Stop Squatters Act," would allow property owners of residential or commercial properties to request immediate sheriff assistance to remove unlawful occupants (squatters) under specific conditions. To qualify, owners must submit a verified complaint confirming occupants are not tenants, family members, or have been asked to leave, and the property was not open to the public when they entered. The sheriff would verify ownership, serve a notice to vacate immediately, and place the owner in possession, with the option to stay while the owner changes locks and moves occupants' belongings to the property line. The bill also adds criminal penalties for fraudulent lease agreements or listing property without legal title, and provides a civil remedy for wrongful removal.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the creation of a new Rankin County Stormwater Management Agency to address flooding and drainage issues across the county. The agency would be formed only if the county's governing bodies pass an ordinance or resolution following a special election where a majority of voters approve its establishment. Once created, the agency's board of commissioners must develop a comprehensive stormwater management plan within 24 months and will have the power to levy annual utility charges on landowners within its territory. Landowners who disagree with the amount of these charges can request a hearing before the county Board of Supervisors to contest the fee.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new trust fund to provide death benefits to Mississippi law enforcement officers and firefighters who die or suffer fatal injuries while performing official duties. It increases the base death benefit payment to $150,000 and allows for an additional $25,000 per child, with a maximum total payout of $250,000, while also authorizing up to $15,000 for funeral expenses. The legislation creates a separate fund for training and equipment grants, directing any money remaining in the death benefits trust after maintaining a $4 million minimum balance to support enhanced training or safety gear for covered individuals.