Maddy summaryMississippi Senate Bill 3116 (SB 3116) expands tax exemption eligibility for energy storage projects by adding battery energy storage systems to the definition of qualifying "projects" under existing property tax exemption rules. The bill amends Section 27-31-46 to include facilities storing energy via batteries (standalone or paired with renewable generation) and updates Section 27-31-101 to explicitly allow counties/municipalities to exempt up to 50% of the assessed value for such projects with at least $100 million in private investment. This directly affects energy storage developers and operators seeking property tax relief under Mississippi’s ad valorem exemption program. The bill extends the exemption period through 2028 but does not alter the 50% cap or $100 million investment threshold.
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Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 49) congratulating 17-year-old Rachel McAlpin of Brandon, Mississippi, for winning a gold medal in the 50-meter breaststroke at the 2025 World Aquatics Junior Swimming Championships in Romania. The resolution formally extends the Mississippi Senate's commendation to McAlpin, recognizing her athletic achievement and personal background. It has no policy impact or binding effect - it is purely an honorary gesture with no direct legal or financial implications for any individual or group. The Senate will present the resolution to McAlpin, her family, and Team USA.
Maddy summarySB 2258 establishes the Mississippi-Ireland Trade Commission to strengthen economic ties between Mississippi and Ireland. The commission, composed of 10 appointed members (including state officials and trade experts with Irish connections), will advance bilateral trade, promote business/academic exchanges, and encourage mutual investment. It can raise funds through solicitation, grants, and donations to carry out these goals. The bill directly affects Mississippi businesses seeking Irish market opportunities and Irish entities interested in Mississippi trade partnerships, effective March 17, 2026.
Maddy summarySB 2835 allows used motor vehicle parts dealers and scrap metal processors in Mississippi to use third-party vendors that meet Department of Revenue (DOR) requirements for verifying a vehicle has no lien, instead of using the state's automated registration system. This directly affects businesses that purchase, scrap, or dismantle vehicles, as they must still confirm no lien exists before transactions. The bill amends existing law to provide an alternative verification method while maintaining the core requirement to check for liens. The change will take effect July 1, 2026, and does not alter the fundamental lien-checking obligation.
Maddy summarySB 2202 requires businesses seeking Mississippi's economic development incentives (like grants or tax breaks) to follow specific labor-related conditions. It prohibits employers from recognizing unions based solely on signed authorization cards (instead requiring secret ballot elections via the NLRB), sharing employee contact information with unions without written consent, signing neutrality agreements with unions, or forcing subcontractors to do these things. The law applies only to new agreements signed on or after July 1, 2026, and mandates that the state include a separate agreement with recipients that allows recovery of funds if these rules are violated. This directly affects private businesses receiving state economic development funds by adding labor practice requirements to their incentive contracts.
Maddy summarySB 2018 creates the Mississippi National Guard Tricare Premium Reimbursement Program, which reimburses actively drilling Mississippi National Guard members for their Tricare Reserve Select health insurance premiums. The program applies to members eligible for Tricare Reserve Select coverage who are not covered by another employer, with reimbursements paid at the current "Tricare Reserve Select - Member only" rate. The Adjutant General administers the program, requiring legislative funding each year and annual reports starting in 2026 to assess its impact on medical readiness and participation. This policy directly affects National Guard members by reducing their out-of-pocket healthcare costs, aiming to support retention and readiness.
Maddy summarySB 2832 extends the expiration date for a Mississippi income tax credit that supports railroad infrastructure investments. It directly affects Class II and Class III railroads operating in Mississippi that make qualifying track reconstruction, replacement, or new infrastructure expenditures. The credit allows eligible railroads to claim up to 50% of qualifying costs (capped at $5,000 per mile of track or $1 million per new customer project), with unused credits transferable to other taxpayers for up to five years. This bill modifies the existing credit program (Section 27-7-22.42) to prevent its automatic termination on January 1, 2029, extending the program's availability.
Maddy summarySB 2849 extends the repeal date of Mississippi's SMART Business Act from 2028 to a future date (as specified in the bill), allowing the existing law to remain in effect longer. The bill brings forward the original sections of the SMART Business Act (Sections 37-148-1 through 37-148-9) for potential future amendments. This procedural change does not alter the act's core provisions, which include a 25% rebate for investors funding qualified research at Mississippi colleges (capped at $1 million per investor annually) and a separate initiative for developing state-owned intellectual property. The extension provides time for lawmakers to review and modify the program before its current sunset.
Maddy summarySenate Concurrent Resolution 526 is a symbolic resolution congratulating the Ole Miss Rebels football team and head coach Pete Golding for winning the 2025-2026 Sugar Bowl championship and finishing No. 3 in national rankings - the highest finish for an SEC team since 1962. It recognizes their 13-2 season, historic College Football Playoff semifinal appearance, and significance as the highest-ranked Ole Miss team in over six decades. The resolution has no policy impact - it is purely ceremonial, commending the team's achievements without altering laws or regulations.
Maddy summarySB 2004, the Mississippi PERS Stability Act, transfers $500 million from Mississippi's Capital Expense Fund to the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) on July 1, 2026, followed by annual $50 million transfers through 2036. If insufficient funds exist in the Capital Expense Fund, the state will use General Funds to ensure the full $50 million is transferred each year. This directly stabilizes funding for Mississippi's public employees' retirement system, which serves state and local government workers. The bill requires these specific, scheduled transfers to address long-term retirement system funding needs.