Sen. Josh Harkins

Maddy summarySB 2854 revises Mississippi's tourism project sales tax incentive program to increase minimum investment requirements for qualifying projects. It raises the minimum private investment for hotels to $50 million and for full-service hotels to $20 million, while reducing the allowable spending on retail facilities within resort developments to 30% of total investment. The bill extends the application deadline for the program to June 30, 2027, and allows the Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) more time to make incentive payments. This law directly affects tourism developers seeking tax incentives for large-scale projects like theme parks, hotels, and resort complexes, requiring higher upfront investments to qualify.

Maddy summarySB 2851 allows patrons at resorts with on-premise alcohol permits (specifically in "qualified resort areas" defined under existing law) to bring, possess, and consume their own alcoholic beverages on the premises. It directly affects resort restaurants, bars, and guests within those designated areas. The bill amends Mississippi's alcohol code to remove prior restrictions preventing this practice, while also eliminating a separate "wine fulfillment provider" permit and changing wine shipment violation penalties from criminal to civil. This policy change applies only to resorts meeting the specified legal criteria, not all alcohol-serving establishments.

Maddy summarySC 544 is a concurrent resolution passed by the Mississippi Senate and House of Representatives to extend condolences to Paul Gallo's family and honor his 56-year career as a talk radio host in Mississippi. It recognizes Gallo's role as a "Godfather" of Mississippi talk radio, his hosting of "The Gallo Radio Show," and his community impact - including raising nearly $3 million for children's causes through SuperTalk's Radiothon. The resolution emphasizes his dedication to amplifying Mississippi's stories, holding leaders accountable, and connecting with listeners as "family" over decades. As a ceremonial tribute, it has no policy effect or direct impact on legislation or constituents.

Maddy summarySB 2849 (Mississippi) sets conditions for businesses receiving state economic development incentives. It requires employers to: (1) use secret ballot elections (via NLRB) instead of union authorization cards for union recognition, (2) not share employee contact information with unions without written consent, (3) avoid neutrality agreements with unions, and (4) not require subcontractors to violate these rules. These requirements apply only to incentive agreements signed on or after July 1, 2025, and the state may recover funds if violated. The bill died on calendar April 3, 2025, and never became law.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SR 150) passed by the Mississippi Senate to formally commend Dr. Scott Rimes, Rankin County School Superintendent, upon his retirement. It recognizes his receipt of the 2024 Mississippi Association of School Administrators (MASA) Superintendent of the Year award and honors his 27 years in education, including 22 with Rankin County School District. The resolution has no policy impact - it is purely a symbolic gesture of appreciation for his leadership and service, with no binding requirements or changes to law.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SR 144) commending the Jackson Prep Lady Patriots girls basketball team and coach Michael McAnally for winning back-to-back MAIS 6A state championships in 2024-2025. It formally recognizes their achievement through a resolution adopted by the Mississippi Senate, highlighting their championship game victory and team roster. The resolution has no policy impact - it serves solely as a formal expression of praise and congratulations to the team, coaches, and school. It directly affects the athletes, coaches, and Jackson Preparatory School by publicly honoring their athletic accomplishment.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 136) is a ceremonial commendation for the East Rankin Academy Patriots Girls Basketball Team and Head Coach Brooke Rhodes, recognizing their victory in the MAIS 5A State Championship. It does not create any new laws or affect any legal rights, obligations, or policies. The resolution formally expresses the Mississippi Senate's congratulations to the team, coach, and school for their championship win and season achievements, including their 39-win record and specific player accomplishments. It is purely symbolic and does not involve any concrete policy changes or direct impact on individuals beyond the expression of official recognition.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SR 137), not a substantive law. It formally commends the East Rankin Academy (ERA) Lady Patriots girls cross country team and their coach, David Hopper, for winning their fourth consecutive MAIS 5A state championship in 2024. The resolution has no legal effect or policy impact - it simply expresses legislative recognition of the team's athletic achievement. It does not directly affect any individuals, policies, or government programs.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 134) is a ceremonial commendation for the East Rankin Academy Shooting Sports Team and coach Vince Bynum, recognizing their sixth consecutive Mississippi Scholastic Shooting Program (MSSP) state championship win on March 1, 2025. It specifically highlights the team’s victory in a competition involving 150 student athletes, their $7,500 in scholarship winnings, and individual student achievements like Gabe Nutt and Olivia Griffing earning top honors. As a non-binding resolution, it has no policy impact - it solely offers words of praise to the team, coach, and school leadership. The resolution was formally adopted by the Mississippi Senate on April 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 135) is a ceremonial Senate commendation for the East Rankin Academy Patriots Boys Soccer Team and Coach Reid Westover, recognizing their first-ever MAIS Division II State Championship win in 2025. It does not create new laws or affect any policies; it is purely a symbolic expression of support from the Mississippi Senate. The resolution formally congratulates the team, coaches, and school community for their achievement, as documented in the bill text. It was adopted by the Senate on April 1, 2025.