Sen. Bradford Blackmon

Maddy summarySB 2173 appropriates $300,000 from Mississippi's State General Fund to the Town of Pickens for constructing a pump station on Highway 17. The project aims to supply water to elevated areas of the town during fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). The funds cover construction costs, with payment to be issued by the State Treasurer upon proper requisitions. This bill directly supports Pickens' infrastructure needs without altering broader policy or affecting other entities.

Maddy summarySB 2180 appropriates $300,000 from Mississippi's General Fund to the Town of Pickens for replacing sewage pipes on Woodrow Avenue during fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). The bill directly provides funding to cover the costs of this specific infrastructure project in Pickens. It is a straightforward funding measure with no additional policy provisions or requirements beyond the appropriation.

Maddy summarySB 2467 appropriates $850,000 from the state General Fund to Holmes County for repairs, renovations, and improvements to its circuit court courthouse during fiscal year 2027 (July 2026-June 2027). The funds cover construction and maintenance costs directly benefiting Holmes County’s courthouse operations and infrastructure. The bill specifies that the State Treasurer will disburse the funds upon proper requisitions, with the appropriation taking effect July 1, 2026. This is a straightforward funding measure with no new policy provisions.

Maddy summarySB 2468 allocates $5.5 million from the state General Fund to the City of Gluckstadt for widening Gluckstadt Road between Bozeman Road and Interstate 55 during fiscal year 2027 (July 2026-June 2027). The bill directly provides funding to the city to cover costs associated with this specific road improvement project. It does not create new policies or regulations but authorizes state funds for an existing infrastructure initiative. The appropriation is contingent on the city submitting proper requisitions, with payment handled through the State Treasurer.

Maddy summarySB 2860 creates a refundable state income tax credit in Mississippi equal to 20% of the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) amount claimed on a taxpayer's federal return. It directly affects low-to-moderate income Mississippi residents who qualify for the federal EITC and file state taxes. The credit is refundable, meaning taxpayers receive a cash refund if the credit exceeds their state tax liability, and requires claiming the federal EITC and submitting federal return copies to the state. The bill takes effect January 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 2842 would remove Mississippi's state sales tax on groceries that qualify for purchase with federal food stamps (SNAP benefits). It defines eligible items as food or drink for human consumption that can be bought using USDA food assistance. The bill amends existing tax code sections to add this exemption, making such purchases tax-free for shoppers. This change directly affects grocery shoppers buying SNAP-eligible items and retailers selling them.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 44 is a symbolic resolution expressing Mississippi's support for strengthening economic and diplomatic ties with Taiwan. It does not create new laws or programs but formally encourages the state to support U.S.-Taiwan trade (noting $201.1 billion in 2025 trade), advocate for Taiwan's participation in international organizations like the WHO, and establish a Mississippi Trade and Investment Office in Taiwan. The resolution also supports a U.S.-Taiwan tax agreement and counters efforts by China to limit Taiwan's global engagement. As a non-binding expression of support, it directly affects Mississippi's diplomatic posture but does not impose new obligations or changes to existing policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill would designate U.S. presidential election days, general state election days, and U.S. Senate election days as legal holidays in Mississippi. It would require state government offices to close on these specific election dates, affecting state employees and operations. The bill proposes adding these election days to Mississippi's official holiday list, occurring every four years on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. This policy change would apply to all state government functions on the designated election days, starting in 2027 for state elections and 2028 for presidential elections.

Maddy summarySB 2066 requires Mississippi public school districts to create comprehensive safe-school plans that specifically include students with disabilities. The bill mandates proactive planning, training, and individualized emergency plans (like IEPs/504s) to address unique needs such as mobility, communication, medical requirements, and sensory challenges during crises. Districts must also conduct at least one safety drill per month and ensure plans comply with federal laws like IDEA and Section 504. The bill died in committee on February 3, 2026, and was never enacted.

Maddy summarySB 2053 requires Mississippi's Secretary of State to mail postcards to all registered voters at least 30 days before any election, listing their designated polling place. Local governments must provide the Secretary of State with current polling place locations 90 days before elections and update changes immediately. If a polling place changes less than 30 days before an election, the Secretary of State must send updated information via certified mail as soon as possible. The bill amends existing election laws to ensure voters receive timely, accurate polling place information.