Sen. Joseph Thomas

Maddy summarySR 65 is a ceremonial resolution passed by the Mississippi Senate to honor Hinds County Deputy Sheriff Martin Shields, Jr., who died in the line of duty on February 23, 2025. The resolution extends the Senate's "sincerest sympathy" to his surviving family - including his wife, daughter, and parents - and commends his law enforcement career. It has no policy provisions or financial impact; it is purely symbolic, expressing condolences and acknowledging his service. The Senate formally adopted the resolution on February 27, 2025, and will present it to his family and the Hinds County Sheriff's Office.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 54) is a ceremonial Senate commendation for Coahoma County High School Head Basketball Coach Derrick Moore, recognizing his 900th career victory achieved on February 14, 2025. It does not create new laws or affect policies; it is purely symbolic recognition from the Mississippi Senate. The resolution honors Coach Moore's 21-year coaching career, including seven state championships and multiple awards, and will be presented to him and the school. It follows standard procedural steps for such non-binding resolutions.

Maddy summarySR 52 is a commemorative resolution by the Mississippi Senate to honor the 155th anniversary of Hiram Revels' historic election as the first African American elected to the U.S. Senate in 1870. It recognizes his broader legacy, including being the first African American elected to the Mississippi State Senate, the first African American Mississippi Secretary of State, and the first president of Alcorn State University (the nation's first land-grant institution for African Americans). The resolution formally acknowledges his lifetime of service to Mississippi and the nation without creating new laws or affecting any policies. It serves as a symbolic tribute to his pioneering role in American political history.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 55) honors James Henry Taylor, a Mississippi native and U.S. Army soldier lost when Flying Tiger Line Flight 739 disappeared during a secret Vietnam War mission on March 16, 1962. It commemorates his service and sacrifice, noting he was among 93 soldiers and 11 crew members whose names were not added to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The Mississippi Senate adopted the resolution on February 27, 2025, to extend recognition to Taylor and his surviving family. As a commemorative resolution, it does not create new policy or affect any laws.

Maddy summarySB 2119 authorizes Mississippi to issue general obligation bonds to fund improvements to the Rolling Fork Civic and Event Center in Rolling Fork, Mississippi. The bill directs state bond proceeds exclusively toward covering the city's costs for these facility upgrades, with the state pledging its full credit for bond repayment. Key provisions include setting bond terms (up to 25 years), requiring the State Bond Commission to manage issuance, and specifying that funds must be used solely for the named civic center project. The bill does not create new taxes but relies on state borrowing to support local infrastructure.

Maddy summarySB 2943 allocated $4 million from Mississippi's General Fund to Yazoo County for planning, designing, and building a four-lane highway connecting State Highway 16 to Interstate 55 during fiscal year 2026. The bill directly affected Yazoo County by providing state funds to cover costs for this specific infrastructure project. It included standard payment procedures requiring state treasurer disbursement upon proper requisitions. The bill died in committee on February 26, 2025, and did not become law.

Maddy summarySB 2134 proposed allocating $498,009.33 from Mississippi's General Fund to Yazoo County for a drainage project during fiscal year 2026 (July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026). The bill would have provided direct funding for infrastructure improvements in Yazoo County to address drainage needs. It was referred to the Appropriations Committee but died there on February 26, 2025, meaning it did not become law. This was a straightforward funding measure with no additional policy provisions.

Maddy summarySB 2129 would have authorized Mississippi to issue state bonds specifically to fund repairs and renovations at the Oakes African American Cultural Center in Yazoo City. The bill outlined the process for issuing these bonds, backed by the state's full credit, with proceeds dedicated solely to the center's renovation costs. The bill died in committee in February 2025 and did not become law.

Maddy summarySB 2910 would have allocated $750,000 from Mississippi's General Fund to Yazoo County for road repair and resurfacing during fiscal year 2026 (July 2025-June 2026). The bill specified that these state funds would directly pay for county road maintenance projects, benefiting Yazoo County residents and infrastructure. It included standard payment procedures requiring state warrants issued by the Fiscal Officer upon county requisitions. However, the bill died in committee on February 26, 2025, and was never enacted into law.

Maddy summarySB 3121 provides $400,000 from Mississippi's Capital Expense Fund to the Midway Community Water Association for water system repairs, upgrades, and improvements during fiscal year 2026 (July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026). The bill directly affects Midway Community Water Association, a local water provider, by funding specific infrastructure work to maintain or enhance its service. The key mechanism is a direct state appropriation, with funds to be disbursed by the State Treasurer upon proper requisitions. The bill was referred to the Appropriations Committee but died there on February 26, 2025, and was not enacted.