Sen. Josh Harkins

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 145) is a ceremonial commendation by the Mississippi Senate for the Jackson Preparatory School Patriots Boys Basketball Team and Head Coach Will Johnson. It specifically honors their achievement of winning the MAIS Overall State Championship for three of the last four seasons, including the 2024-2025 title. The resolution has no policy or legal effect - it simply expresses formal recognition and congratulations to the team, coaches, and school. It directly affects the team, coaches, and Jackson Prep community through symbolic praise, not through any legislative action.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SR 142) commending Jim Ellis for his 46-year career as the play-by-play announcer for Mississippi State University baseball. It recognizes his role as "The Voice of the Diamond Dawgs," highlighting his coverage of 11 College World Series appearances, SEC championships, and the 2021 national title. The resolution formally praises his service to MSU and the state, with no policy changes or direct impact on any laws or individuals beyond the ceremonial acknowledgment. It was adopted by the Mississippi Senate in April 2025.

Maddy summarySB 3095 reduces Mississippi's individual income tax rate for income above $10,000 to 3.75% starting in 2027, gradually decreasing to 2.99% by 2030. It increases the sales tax on groceries (not purchased with food stamps) to 5% starting July 2025 and raises the fuel excise tax from 21¢ to 27¢ per gallon over 2025-2027. The bill also adjusts how revenue from fuel and sales taxes is distributed, directing more funds to infrastructure projects in municipalities and counties. These changes directly affect higher-income earners, grocery shoppers, and drivers purchasing gasoline.

Maddy summarySB 3167 provides a state income tax credit for TV production companies that spend at least $4 million in Mississippi on qualifying productions with 65% of activity occurring in the state. The credit covers up to 20% of non-resident payroll, 30% of resident payroll, and 25% of other production costs (capped at $3 million per category), with excess credit carry-forward for 10 years. Companies may instead opt for a 75% rebate of the credit amount. This directly affects film/TV producers meeting the spending and activity thresholds, replacing prior incentive structures under Mississippi's Motion Picture Incentive Act. The policy aims to boost in-state production by reducing tax liability for qualifying companies.

Maddy summarySB 2860 amends Mississippi law to update procurement rules for "construction manager at risk" (CMAR) projects used by public universities and related entities. It requires agencies to justify using CMAR over traditional bidding by demonstrating cost/time savings and project suitability, sets a $25 million minimum project cost threshold, and mandates qualifications-based selection for design and construction managers. The bill also requires public disclosure of procurement records and specifies that CMAR projects must be single-location developments. These changes apply specifically to construction contracts for Mississippi's public higher education institutions.

Maddy summarySB 3166 requires Mississippi's Department of Revenue to create a separate category for commercial solar and wind facilities in its annual inflation factor table for industrial property assessments. This directly affects owners of commercial solar and wind energy facilities by changing how their property value is calculated for ad valorem taxes. The bill mandates that if Marshall Valuation Service doesn't provide an inflation factor for these facilities in a given year, the Department must set it at 1.000 (meaning no adjustment). This ensures these facilities are assessed using a dedicated multiplier rather than being grouped with other industrial properties, potentially lowering their tax burden compared to the previous system.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 125) formally recognizes the 50th anniversary of the Mississippi State Fire Academy. It honors the Academy's history since 1974, its role in training firefighters and emergency responders, and its contributions to public safety across Mississippi. The resolution does not create new laws or affect any policies; it is a ceremonial acknowledgment presented to the Academy's leadership.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a bill) honoring Senator John A. Polk (District 44) for receiving the Mississippi Meritorious Civilian Service Medal from the Mississippi National Guard. It formally recognizes his "outstanding leadership" in supporting the National Guard through legislative actions, as cited in the award. The resolution has no policy impact - it simply expresses the Senate's acknowledgment of his award and will be presented to him. It does not create new laws, allocate funds, or affect any specific group beyond the symbolic honor.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 122) formally commends Flowood, Mississippi Mayor Gary Rhoads for his 36 years of public service and economic development leadership, including his role in maintaining low city millage rates and overseeing projects like the Dogwood Festival and Sheraton Hotel. It directly honors Rhoads on his retirement from office, recognizing his community engagement and financial stewardship. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no legal effect or policy changes - it simply expresses the Mississippi Senate's appreciation through a formal statement. The resolution was adopted by the Senate on March 25, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 3062 updates Mississippi's tax incentives for broadband infrastructure by raising minimum speed requirements and adding budget caps. It revises the definition of eligible equipment to require fixed broadband to meet current FCC speed benchmarks (instead of the previous 35 Mbps down/3 Mbps up standard) for property tax exemptions on equipment placed in service between 2025-2030. The bill also limits annual tax credits to $15 million total ($1.5 million per company) and prohibits credits if equipment costs were covered by federal BEAD program funds. These changes directly affect telecommunications companies deploying broadband in Mississippi's designated Tier areas (Tier One to Three), impacting their tax liability for qualifying equipment investments.