Sen. Josh Harkins

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a policy bill) honoring former Mississippi House Speaker Pro Tempore Robert George Clark, Jr., who died on March 4, 2025. It extends the Legislature's sympathy to his family and recognizes his historic service as Mississippi's first African American legislator since Reconstruction (1967-2003), his leadership roles, and his advocacy for education and Mississippi's historical preservation. The resolution directs that it be presented to his family and forwarded to the Mississippi Department of Archives and History. No policy changes or funding are involved.

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally recognizes Northwest Rankin High School's Lady Cougars Softball Team and Head Coach Mike Armstrong for winning consecutive MHSAA Class 6A/7A State Championships in 2023 and 2024. It expresses the Mississippi Senate's congratulations to the team, coaches, and school community for their undefeated 2024 season and championship achievements.

Maddy summarySB 3168 revises Mississippi's tax exemption rules for qualifying data center businesses. It sets investment thresholds: $250 million for new data centers (creating 35+ jobs at 125% of state average wage) or $100 million for expansions, requiring businesses to maintain these standards. The bill automatically grants up to two 10-year tax exemption extensions for expansions (including hardware replacement) and gives businesses 60 days to fix tax compliance issues before losing exemptions. This bill, which died in committee on March 18, 2025, directly affects eligible data center operators seeking sales, use, franchise, and electricity tax exemptions.

Maddy summarySB 3169 ends several existing economic development tax incentives in Mississippi after specific dates in 2025. It stops income tax credits for job creation in alternative energy projects after 2025, eliminates sales tax exemptions for construction/expansion after July 2025, and halts new applications for the Mississippi Advantage Jobs Act incentives after December 2025. The bill also removes outdated incentive tiers that expired before 2025. These changes directly affect businesses currently using these tax credits or exemptions to support job growth or facility expansion. The law phases out overlapping incentives to streamline the state's economic development programs.

Maddy summarySB 2866 amends Mississippi law to add the Pearl River Valley Water Supply District (PRVWSD) to the list of eligible entities for the state's Local Governments and Rural Water Systems Improvements Revolving Loan and Grant Program. This program, administered by the State Department of Health, provides financial assistance for water system upgrades, including construction, repairs, and planning. The bill directly affects PRVWSD by enabling it to access these state funds for water infrastructure improvements, without changing the program's existing structure or funding mechanisms.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 75) is a ceremonial commendation by the Mississippi Senate honoring the Brandon High School Bulldog Cheerleading Team and Head Coach Amber King for winning their sixth National Cheerleading Association (NCA) Grand National Championship. It specifically recognizes their historic achievement as the first team in 75 years to win back-to-back Grand Championships, along with their additional titles in other categories. The resolution has no policy provisions or financial impact; it serves solely to publicly recognize the team's athletic success and dedication.

Maddy summarySB 2846 expands Mississippi local governments' authority to support economic development projects. It allows county boards or municipal authorities to enter agreements with qualified businesses to fund or reimburse project costs (like site preparation, construction, or infrastructure) using only revenues generated *directly* from the project itself - such as taxes or fees collected from the development. The bill defines "qualified projects" under Mississippi's Flexible Tax Incentive Act and caps total local government reimbursement at $5 million per project. This change enables local governments to finance development through project-specific revenue streams rather than general tax funds, directly affecting businesses seeking incentives and local authorities managing economic growth.

Maddy summarySB 2857 increases the maximum grant amount that the Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) can award to small municipalities (populations ≤10,000) and limited population counties (populations ≤30,000) from the Small Municipalities and Limited Population Counties Fund. The bill amends Section 57-1-18 to raise the current $1 million per grant cap, though the exact new amount is not specified in the text. This change directly affects qualifying local governments seeking funding for infrastructure projects like roads, utilities, or property improvements. The MDA will administer the program, requiring applications detailing project costs and needs, with annual reports to state leadership. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025, following gubernatorial approval in March 2025.

Maddy summarySenate Concurrent Resolution 505 is a ceremonial tribute honoring Emily Wagster Pettus for her 30-year career as a Capitol correspondent for The Associated Press in Mississippi. The resolution formally thanks her for covering legislative sessions, state government, and major events like Hurricane Katrina and civil rights trials. It recognizes her role in providing fair coverage, mentoring new reporters, and her service to Mississippi citizens. This resolution has no policy impact - it is purely a gesture of appreciation from the Mississippi Legislature.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a substantive bill) recognizing Senator Angela Turner Ford for receiving the Coalition on Adult Basic Education (COABE) 2024 Legislative Champion Award. It formally commends her advocacy for adult education in Mississippi, citing her support during National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week and her role as a keynote speaker for a High School Equivalency ceremony. The resolution has no policy impact or direct effect on any programs or individuals beyond honoring the Senator. It was adopted by the Mississippi Senate on March 6, 2025.