Sen. Bradford Blackmon

Maddy summarySB 2479, the "Creating Transparency and Accountability in Dental Services Act," requires dental insurance companies (referred to as "dental carriers") to calculate and report annually how much of their premium revenue is spent directly on patient care versus administrative costs. Dental carriers must file detailed reports by June 30 each year, including data matching federal standards, and make these reports publicly accessible online by December 1. The law applies to all dental health plans sold in Mississippi, excluding Medicaid and state-sponsored programs like the Children's Health Insurance Program. This transparency measure aims to clarify where premium dollars go, allowing consumers and regulators to review carrier spending patterns.

Maddy summarySB 2694 requires all health insurance plans renewing or starting after July 1, 2026, to cover biomarker testing for disease diagnosis, treatment, or monitoring when supported by medical evidence. This directly affects insurers and policyholders by mandating coverage for genetic or molecular tests (like genomic sequencing) that align with FDA approvals, CMS guidelines, or nationally recognized clinical practice standards. Insurers must provide written justification for denied claims and update coverage policies publicly by September 1, 2026, with the Department of Insurance authorized to audit compliance. The law aims to reduce barriers to evidence-based testing without specifying new costs or outcomes.

Maddy summarySB 2650 reorganizes existing Mississippi Code sections (19-5-381 through 19-5-415) to form the "Mississippi Emergency Communications Authority Act" for easier reference and future amendment. It defines key terms like "Authority" (the emergency communications unit within the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency), "PSAP" (public safety answering point), and "NG911" (Next Generation 911 system) to clarify the structure of the state's emergency communications infrastructure. This procedural bill does not change current law but prepares the framework for potential updates to emergency call systems and funding mechanisms.

Maddy summarySB 2050 requires political campaigns in Mississippi to clearly disclose when advertisements use artificial intelligence (AI) to generate images, audio, or video content. It applies to any ad for candidates, committees, or ballot measures that uses AI to create visuals or audio, including social media ads and video content. The law mandates specific disclaimers: for audio ads, a 3-second spoken notice; for video, a 4-second on-screen text notice in readable size; and for text/graphic ads, a clear statement in prominent text. Exemptions include bona fide news broadcasts, but failure to disclose can result in civil penalties.

Maddy summarySB 3161 appropriates $650,000 from the Mississippi State General Fund to the Town of Pickens for purchasing industrial equipment and a service vehicle during fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2027). The funds will cover direct costs associated with these specific purchases, directly benefiting the Town of Pickens' local operations. This is a straightforward funding allocation with no additional policy provisions or requirements beyond the specified equipment purchases.

Maddy summarySB 3163 eliminates the ad valorem tax on business inventories (including commodities, raw materials, and goods held for resale) for manufacturers, distributors, and retailers. It directly affects these businesses by removing a tax on their inventory holdings. The bill requires the state to reimburse counties, municipalities, and school districts for lost tax revenue through annual legislative appropriations, mandating the Department of Revenue to compile and report annual data on the lost revenue by November 1. This creates a concrete policy change to offset local government revenue losses while exempting specific business inventory from taxation.

Maddy summarySB 3160 appropriates $1.3 million from Mississippi's State General Fund to the City of Canton for the design, construction, equipping, and staff training of a real-time crime center during fiscal year 2027 (July 2026-June 2027). The bill directly funds Canton's local government to establish this facility, which would use technology to monitor and respond to crime in real time. It specifies the funds cover all related costs, including building the center and training personnel to operate it. This is a straightforward funding allocation with no new policy requirements or conditions.

Maddy summarySB 3159 appropriates $1,000,000 from the State General Fund to the City of Canton, Mississippi, for fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). The funds are specifically designated to cover costs for revitalizing Canton’s multipurpose complex and improving parks citywide. This is a straightforward funding allocation with no new requirements or policy changes beyond directing state money to these city projects. The bill becomes effective July 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 2188 appropriates $370,000 from Mississippi's General Fund to the City of Lexington for a specific purpose: purchasing an industrial vacuum and jetter truck to maintain the city's sewer system during fiscal year 2027 (July 2026-June 2027). The funds cover the truck's acquisition costs only, directly affecting Lexington's sewer maintenance operations. The bill specifies that the State Treasurer will disburse funds upon proper requisitions, with the appropriation taking effect July 1, 2026. This is a straightforward funding allocation with no broader policy changes or new requirements.

Maddy summarySB 2174 appropriates $300,000 from the Mississippi State General Fund to the Town of Pickens for repairing a specific ditch that causes flooding in the town. The funds cover costs associated with the ditch repairs during the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2027. This is a straightforward funding measure with no additional policy provisions, directly supporting the town's infrastructure needs to address flooding.