Sen. Josh Harkins

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution expressing condolences, not a policy bill. It formally extends the Mississippi Senate's sympathy to Jeanne Luckey's surviving family (including her husband, daughters, and grandchildren) and commends her community service and public roles. Specifically, it honors her work as Mississippi's Republican National Committee Woman, President of the Mississippi Federation of Republican Women, and her advocacy for disability access during her service on the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it solely serves as a commemorative gesture.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SC 524), not a policy bill. It expresses the Mississippi Legislature's sympathy to Jimmy Carter's family and commends his life, public service, and legacy following his passing. The resolution details his presidency (1977-1981), key achievements like the Camp David Accords, and post-presidency work through the Carter Center. It does not create new laws or affect any individuals or policies - it is solely a symbolic gesture of remembrance. The resolution was adopted by the Mississippi Legislature on March 5, 2025.

Maddy summarySR 62 is a procedural resolution passed by the Mississippi Senate to formally congratulate Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Darius Slay, Jr., on winning Super Bowl LIX with the Eagles in 2025. The resolution specifically honors Slay's background as a former Mississippi State Bulldogs player and Itawamba Community College standout, recognizing his role in the Eagles' 40-22 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. This resolution does not create new laws or policies but serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment of Slay's athletic achievement and ties to Mississippi institutions. It was adopted by the Senate on March 6, 2025, and will be presented to Slay, the Eagles organization, and Mississippi State and Itawamba Community College leaders.

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally commends the Northwest Rankin High School Girls Soccer Team and Coach Carli Little for winning back-to-back MHSAA Class 7A State Championships in 2024 and 2025. It specifically recognizes their achievement of defeating Tupelo 3-0 in the 2025 championship game, their team depth, and their "next man up" mentality during the season. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create any new laws or policies but serves as an official expression of praise from the Mississippi Senate.

Maddy summarySB 2853 extends the expiration date for two existing Mississippi tax credits that benefit businesses using port and airport facilities for cargo exports and imports. The bill delays the automatic termination of these credits until a future date (beyond 2029), maintaining the current rules that allow eligible taxpayers to claim up to 50% of certain port charges (like wharfage and handling) or airport fees (like landing and handling) as an income tax credit. These credits require businesses to meet specific criteria, such as locating headquarters in Mississippi or investing in state facilities, and mandate annual reports from the Mississippi Development Authority on economic impacts like job creation and shipping growth. The bill does not alter the credit amounts or eligibility rules but prevents their scheduled expiration.

Maddy summarySB 2753 would require Mississippi's Department of Health to add plain-language information about brain health, dementia risk reduction, and Alzheimer's disease into existing public health outreach programs. It targets high-risk populations and mandates that these programs cover early warning signs, prevention, and the link between dementia and chronic health conditions. The bill also directs health care provider training on validated assessment tools, Medicare billing for cognitive care, and early detection protocols. However, the bill "died in committee" on March 4, 2025, and has not become law.

Maddy summarySB 2852 extends the expiration date for a job tax credit benefiting water transportation businesses in Mississippi. It allows companies primarily transporting cargo on inland waterways (rivers, lakes, intracoastal waterways) to continue claiming a $2,000 annual tax credit per full-time Mississippi resident job created since 2019, even after the law normally expires on January 1, 2030. The bill ensures unused credits can still be carried forward, while maintaining existing limits (e.g., $2 million total annual cap and credit tied to income tax liability). The bill died in committee on March 4, 2025, and does not create new benefits but extends the existing credit's validity period.

Maddy summarySB 2863 would allow Mississippi's state employee deferred compensation plan to offer Roth-style accounts and other after-tax contribution options. It requires employers to treat these contributions as taxable income at the time they would have been paid to the employee, rather than upon withdrawal. The bill also mandates that the plan comply with court-ordered divorce settlements (Qualified Domestic Relations Orders) that divide retirement benefits. This directly affects Mississippi state employees participating in the deferred compensation program, changing how they contribute and how benefits are handled in divorce cases.

Maddy summarySB 2856 expands Mississippi's Local Governments Capital Improvements Revolving Loan Program by revising the definition of "capital improvements" to include any project the Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) determines qualifies. This change directly affects counties and municipalities seeking loans for infrastructure, economic development, and community facilities like water systems, buildings, and recreational projects. The bill also extends until July 1, 2029, the MDA's authority to use interest earnings from the loan fund for its general operational support. The program provides low-interest loans, with rates set at 3% for certain projects and based on state bond rates for others.

Maddy summarySB 2892 established the Mississippi-Ireland Trade Commission to strengthen economic ties between Mississippi and Ireland. The commission, composed of 10 appointed members (including state officials and Irish trade representatives) plus non-voting ex-officio members, aims to advance bilateral trade, promote business/academic exchanges, and encourage investment between the two regions. It is authorized to raise funds through donations, grants, and events to carry out these goals. The bill died in committee on March 4, 2025, and did not become law.